Kent's Korner: Keep Christmas in the Holidays
Kent Otto
Issue date: 11/20/06 Section: Opinions
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Merry Thanksgiving.
It wasn't too long ago that we wouldn't see a Christmas tree or hear a Christmas song until the day after Thanksgiving. Now, it seems the day after Halloween is the official start of the holiday season.
While I don't have a big problem ushering in the holiday cheer a bit earlier, I would like to clarify what the purpose of the celebration should be.
It's all about Christmas. Not Hanukkah. Not Kwanzaa. Not any other holiday we may have made up to celebrate this time of year.
Of course we can be "politically correct" and frolic around wishing each other "happy holidays," but couldn't we do that any day of the year? I mean, seriously, holidays (whether national or Hallmark) are plentiful year-round.
My point is that we should be proud to acknowledge the Christmas season and not be afraid that we're offending someone. I'm pretty sure the images we picture in our minds when we think of "holiday season" are specific to Christmas. So, why deny it?
Wal-Mart has taken a lead role in promoting Christmas this year. Unlike previous years, store signage and greeters are all about Christmas. They've taken the attitude that if someone has a problem with Christmas, they can choose to shop elsewhere.
And if your like most Americans, bypassing Wal-Mart doesn't even seem to be a viable option anymore. Wal-Mart has built an empire large enough to allow themselves to do just about anything while meeting minimal resistance.
All of the signs we see around us - nativity sets, "Christmas" trees, Santas, and even light displays all have significance in relation to the Christian celebration of Christmas.
So, while Target and the others are remaining neutral this December, I'll be right along with my buddies at Wal-Mart spreading Christmas cheer. I'd like to ask you to join me.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and kick off the Christmas season right this year by remembering the real reason for the season.
It wasn't too long ago that we wouldn't see a Christmas tree or hear a Christmas song until the day after Thanksgiving. Now, it seems the day after Halloween is the official start of the holiday season.
While I don't have a big problem ushering in the holiday cheer a bit earlier, I would like to clarify what the purpose of the celebration should be.
It's all about Christmas. Not Hanukkah. Not Kwanzaa. Not any other holiday we may have made up to celebrate this time of year.
Of course we can be "politically correct" and frolic around wishing each other "happy holidays," but couldn't we do that any day of the year? I mean, seriously, holidays (whether national or Hallmark) are plentiful year-round.
My point is that we should be proud to acknowledge the Christmas season and not be afraid that we're offending someone. I'm pretty sure the images we picture in our minds when we think of "holiday season" are specific to Christmas. So, why deny it?
Wal-Mart has taken a lead role in promoting Christmas this year. Unlike previous years, store signage and greeters are all about Christmas. They've taken the attitude that if someone has a problem with Christmas, they can choose to shop elsewhere.
And if your like most Americans, bypassing Wal-Mart doesn't even seem to be a viable option anymore. Wal-Mart has built an empire large enough to allow themselves to do just about anything while meeting minimal resistance.
All of the signs we see around us - nativity sets, "Christmas" trees, Santas, and even light displays all have significance in relation to the Christian celebration of Christmas.
So, while Target and the others are remaining neutral this December, I'll be right along with my buddies at Wal-Mart spreading Christmas cheer. I'd like to ask you to join me.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break and kick off the Christmas season right this year by remembering the real reason for the season.
Article last update: 11/17/06 at 3:50 PM CST
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ben
posted 11/21/06 @ 8:17 PM CST
Kent, you would do well to do some reading about the history of Christmas before you denounce the celebration of holidays and not just a holiday. I think you should really keep in mind the original pagan roots of your Christian holiday and be more willing to join everyone in celebration of a season that's meant to bring us all together, not polarize and split us all apart. (Continued…)
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