Mark Steyn: Americans have their holidays in perpective -

Chicago Sun Times ^ | January 2, 2004 | Mark Steyn

[irv]

That some industries don't slow down doesn't mean there's no slowdown overall. The world is full of exceptions. In general, though, people take it a little easier during the holidays.

[hattend]

customers of Amazon.com have pledged more money to disaster relief in the Indian Ocean than the French government.

If true...neener, neener, neener, whining French scum!

[hattend]

After you've turned citizens into junkies, with government as the pusher, it's very hard to turn them back again, and even harder to get them to quit cold turkey.

Which explains why Bush has a real uphill battle ahead trying to privatize even 10% of Social Security.

[ThanhPhero]

You know neither the origins nor the reasons for the religion based holidays. Some are fixed to the calendar; some are calclated with formulae and are "movable." Presidential decree will not avail those who would arrange them for convenience. The Church does not properly accomodate itself and its practices to the whims of governments of men.
Thanksgiving is not a Church ordained holiday but a secular holiday for religious reasons.

[norton]

As I work in an industry that shuts down between Christmas and January 2:
I'd be thrilled to be able to work through the rains and the cold and the short days in trade for half the time in July or June.

[SquirrelKing]

Stayn rules!

The bank gave us a "floating holiday" to use in place of our Saturday Christmas. Sweet.

[alwaysconservative]

Another wonderful article by one of the world's most brilliant men, and thanks so much for the perfect, wonderful, and most delightful Steyn ping, Pokey!

[xzins]

Steyn's article applies to everyone EXCEPT Conservative Radio Talk Show Hosts and ANYONE considered a star at FOX NEWS.

These folks clearly believe in the 4 day work week all year long, and have been pushing to have the name of the song changed to the 14 Days of Christmas.

Sorry...freepers with famous handles...I couldn't resist....:>)

[King Prout]

You know neither the origins nor the reasons for the religion based holidays.

LOL!

I know the origins fairly well, fellah.
4 years of religious studies in a Jesuit High School, followed by four years of Classical and Medieval History in college, concentrating on Rome and including the history of the Church.

Try again.

[McGavin999]

We need to give him citizenship. He's a better American than half our population.

[GOPrincess]

I used to be depressed on Christmas Night, feeling as though it was "all over." Then I changed denominations and discovered the 12 Days of Christmas, Epiphany, and so on. Today in church we sang Christmas carols. I really like the slow windown from Christmas instead of going "cold turkey."

Other than that, he makes some great points. Love the comment about the charity of Amazon customers vs. France.

[Conservative4Ever]

Another great column. Happy 2005 to all here.

Red

[Chu Gary]

Again, Steyn nails it. A 365 day vacation is called either retirement or unemployment.

[mollynme]

I remember being in Norway a few years ago. Everything was closed between Christmas Eve and Jan 2. Food stores would open for half a day during the week to allow for emergency buying but that was it. Here we have Safeway open on Christmas for pete's sake!

[knighthawk]

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