Christmas is a special time in the United States, a federal holiday, and a cherished day of observation of the birth of Jesus by millions of Christians. Whether one is a Christian or not is a moot point, the secularization of Christmas undermines another of our historical institutions.
During the first half of the 19th century, Christmas in America was celebrated in various ways in different locales. Some set the day aside as an observance of Jesus’ birth, others chose to drink, play music, and eat, and some chose to ignore the day altogether. In fact, in the early 1800s Christmas wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday.
Not much has changed today. At 1 AM, Christmas morning, people down the street from us were still shooting off fireworks. On Christmas Eve afternoon I had to dodge two inebriated motorists while driving down the main drag of Quincy. One was driving a pizza delivery car and the other decided he wanted to make a U turn from the right lane. Then when I got home, I went for a walk and had to jump off the pavement and onto a yard to keep from being run over. These folks give the “spirit” of Christmas a meaning that is all too common.
When secularists attack Christmas they are actually tugging at the foundations of our country. Whether one is Christian, Jew, or atheist matters little, the monuments being toppled, the political correctness that determines what we must say, and the attack on our institutions is an attack on all of us. If secularists were attempting to undermine Hanukkah, I would be equally concerned. This insidious movement is much for threatening than the argument over Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays.
Now the secularists are attacking Christmas songs; Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Baby its Cold Outside, A Charlie Brown Christmas, to name but a few. Apparently, these same people have no problem with revolting rap music which demeans women, uses filthy language, and suggests murder is somehow acceptable. Nope, nothing harmful here, let’s go after the reindeer with the red nose.
Actually some Christians have taken more of an active role in undermining the spiritual aspect of Christmas, than any supposed war on Christmas from the secular community. A few years ago, the large Baptist Church here in North Florida had a nativity scene with the expected wise men, angels, livestock, and etcetera. Intermingled with the nativity scene were Santa Claus and his reindeer. There is nothing wrong with a nativity scene and there is nothing inherently wrong with Santa Claus and his elves, reindeer, and etcetera; but what is the logic in blending them together. Did whoever came up with the idea think both were mythical, neither, or want us to take our pick on which we want to believe in? And if Christians really want to promote the birth of a Savior, why have an invented Santa Claus in the picture at all?
Late in life I have made myself a commitment. I don’t tell people what they should believe, what they should do as long as it does no harm to others, or what they should do with their life. The reality is people are going to do and believe as they want anyway; why waste my time.
Christmas is a unique American tradition. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the holiday is to allow others to enjoy it in their own way. Tolerance seems to have lost its way and is out in the wilderness somewhere, all alone, lonely, and wondering what the heck happened to all those rational people who used to live in America?
I look at Christmas as I do my television. When I don’t want to watch something, I turn the channel. For those who don’t want to celebrate Christmas, don’t, just have the human courtesy to turn the channel, do something you enjoy, and let others enjoy the day. We had a steak dinner, a couple glasses of wine, and great conversation with old friends on Christmas evening. Best Christmas in a long time. Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
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Have a good week. Bill Shuey is a freelance writer currently in Quincy, Florida.
