To Christmas or not to Christmas?

I’m always disturbed by the yearly Christmas war, where minority religions and anti-religions face off against the juggernaut of Christianity. Many cringe when “Merry Christmas” is uttered, while Christmas trees become holiday trees. Some believe that only Christmas decorations should be allowed to adorn government buildings, and that only “Merry Christmas” should be uttered. If you’ve seen the above video, you know that I am not picking sides. If anything, I sit pleasantly in the middle.

I’m not a religious person. I only tend to flaunt this when confronted, or when I see something so outlandish that I simply cannot remain silent. As many of you’ve read or seen, quite a bit of controversy has arisen from an atheist sign placed in a government capital building. Ironically, no one has a problem with the nativity scene merely a few feet away in the same building. Why is one accepted, while the other, less popular one, is bashed? Are they not both reflections of two different religions on the same holiday season? Why is one more valid just because it’s religion has more followers? Now, I love Christmas; however, by Christmas I mean the good will towards man, carols, foods, family, and general happy feelings. To me, the Nativity Story is a wonderful story, just as the story of the origins of the Menorah is a wonderful story. What makes me different is that I believe that these are just stories; however, I truly cherish the season.

All soft warm feelings aside, why shouldn’t other people be allowed to celebrate their own holidays publicly? This includes atheists. Now, I think it’s completely dumb that anyone is offended over the phrase “Christmas Tree,” just as if someone is offended over someone saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” To me, this is like receiving a gift of a bunny suit, instead of a BB gun, and openly complaining to the person who gave you the gift. What is important is that they cared enough about you to give you this gift. If someone says “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” to you, take it as a gift, not as a challenge to your belief system. Be happy that someone cared enough to wish you well.

Have a safe and happy holidays. At the end of the day, all people want is a little comfort. Instead of being a grinch this season, why not reach out to those you may not agree with; after all, you still have 364 days to hate each other.

As most of you have noticed, Chris Pirillo has been wearing the Santa hat for quite a while. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be a part of this great community, so thanks Chris, for giving all of us a place to call home. I hope you and your family have an awesome holiday season.