Sunday, December 2, 2007

Where Did Christmas Go?


On December 21st New Jersey 101.5 radio personalities, Ray Rossi and Casey Bartholomew better known as "The Jersey Guys" will host their Save Santa party. These hosts of the call-in show are best known for their controversial afternoon talk show that has attacked everything from the blind to the post-partum depression of the former first lady of New Jersey.

On a recent episode the Guys were discussing the attack that companies are making on Christmas as well as images of Christmas, such as Santa. They discussed the fact that in Sydney, Australia Santa is no longer allowed to say Ho, Ho, Ho because it is considered offensive to women! They were also unhappy with Lowes Home Improvement’s renaming of Christmas trees to a Family tree. Some even say that Santa's weight is an issue.

I will disclose first off that I have nothing to gain from the Pro or anti Santa people. I myself am an atheist and therefore have nothing to fight for. But I will admit that this is getting out of hand. I celebrate Christmas by default, my family is Christian and therefore I must partake in the festivities. I will also disclose that members of my family are Jewish and they, I might add, do spend many of the Christian holidays with my family. My Aunt, Uncle and Cousins have never been offended when we have them over for Christmas and they don't care that our Christmas tree is prominently displayed or that the outside of my house looks like the Vegas Strip. We all exchange Christmas presents and eat our Christmas dinner.

I have no problem with the inclusion of other celebrations in the holiday season. In fact I tend to wish people a "happy holiday" because you do not always know what they celebrate. When it comes to these companies who what to me to spend my money in their stores but they refuse to acknowledge that a Christmas tree is for Christmas, in other works my Aunt doesn't have a Christmas tree.

I think that if we are going to treat people fair then a Menora should be a Holiday Candle-holder. I mean why not maybe I'm offended, of the religion that it represents as an atheist. My point is you can never please everyone and for as long as we appease on group we must appease them all. So here is my solution, if it is distinctly something for Christmas such as those really annoying lights or a tree please don't treat us like we are children and just call it what it is. I don't mind buying holiday gifts or even attending a holiday party. So let Santa have his month. I believe we have bigger issues facing this country then attacking all things Christmas.

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