Posted on 12/6/2004, 7:38:46 PM by Clive
Shh... don't tell a soul, but Christmas is back.
Yes, Christmas, as in Merry Christmas, Joy to the World, White Christmas and The First Noel.
You remember Christmas. For quite a while, it's been pushed aside in favour of "winter celebrations," "happy holidays" and the "festive season." We wouldn't want to offend anyone, would we?
In the politically correct 1990s, it was sometimes hard to avoid those sanitized greetings or the school "winter festival" concerts featuring Santa Claus is Coming to Town, but not O Come All Ye Faithful. I have a vivid memory of attending my daughters' Christmas concert, where one of the parents sat in the back row and loudly heckled the principal's every attempt to take the Christ out of Christmas.
Even the Christmas lights on corporate buildings often spelled out the politically correct "Season's Greetings" instead of "Merry Christmas."
It was a grim, humourless time during which many people wondered if they even dared to wish their colleagues and acquaintances a merry Christmas in case they were Jewish or Muslim or Hindu and might be offended. Oddly enough, it seems these were the very people least likely to be offended. People who are even mildly religious are seldom insulted by each other's joyous festivals.
I never did get what was wrong with the sentiments of Christmas. It's hard to be against peace, love, generosity, joy and hope, but for a while there, the politically correct ruled and the rest of us worried cravenly about being offensive.
But I'm seeing signs this year that the Christmas chill is over.
Here's one: The Bay has been advertising itself this season as "The official store of Christmas." Not of Hanukkah; not of Eid. Christmas.
Brave? Or just honest? After all, it's Christmas that sparks by far the greatest outburst of spending each December.
Then there's the Leon's furniture store chain, which has for years slyly hinted at the season with its "Ho! Ho! Hold the payments" advertisements. It has recently gone with an ad that comes right out and says "Merry Christmas, Canada."
There seem to be more and more Christmas creche scenes on store shelves than I ever remember seeing. That's saying something, because back in the late '80s and early '90s, you were lucky to find any.
Newsstands are crammed with traditional red and green magazine covers this year. There are a few exceptions. Martha Stewart Living, possibly worried about offending anyone willing to buy it right now, has a tasteful, white cover which refers only to the "comfort and joy" of the "holiday." There is, however, a small but perfectly decorated Christmas tree on the cover, too.
Canadian Living magazine's cover actually features the word "Christmas" and is overflowing with Christmas suggestions, although it does make graceful bows to others' traditions -- not just the Muslim Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan's fasting and the Jewish Hanukkah, but also Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year and Kwanzaa, the black culture celebration.
It's full of Christmas recipes, Christmas memories, Christmas gifts -- everything but the real meaning of Christmas, in fact.
No mention of Bethlehem or the manger. But maybe that would be expecting a little too much.
I'm just glad to see the actual word "Christmas" used without fear. But I have a terrible feeling that if this trend keeps up, someone will be grumpily complaining and finding a way to blame it all on George Bush and Christian fundamentalism. Pity.
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Having O Holy Night sung at the White House Christmas tree lighting lets me know that the Prez has his priorioties straight.
Just what is this (H)oliday that everyone is celebrating, you know, the one that isn't Christmas or can't mention Jesus? Like muslims who hijacked the Bible, non Christians have hijacked a Christian (and Federal) holiday, stripped it of its meaning and then celebrate it. WHAT ARE THEY CELEBRATING? What is the name of this holiday?
Thanks for the ping.
I was wondering about The Bay.
I remember them having a big sign wishing us all a Happy Ramadon awhile back.
I thought I'd go in and say something if they weren't going to allow Merry Christmas.
Wonderful news. It's starting to happen here, too, even if just a little.
I neglected to post the name of the author. It is Connie Woodcock.
I want to see what is being allowed at Cedarbrae Collegiate near the Canadian Tire Store where I shop.
This high school had set aside a facilities for Ramadan so I want to see if they would do the same for Christmas.
BUMP!
It just isn't Festivus until the airing of grievances.
for too many it's still MERRY X-MAS or OH COME LET US IGNORE HIM
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