Hands off Christmas

New York Daily News ^ | 12/09/02 | Bill O'Reilly

[nypokerface]

It's time we all found out just who is being naughty this Christmas season, and I am here to tell you. The American Civil Liberties Union has put the fear of God - uh, pardon me, the fear of a higher power that may or may not exist - into schools and towns all across America. If you get involved with this Christmas thing, the ACLU might sue you.

At the South Orange Middle School in New Jersey, a sixth-grade class was all set to see the play "A Christmas Carol," written by that well-known religious zealot Charles Dickens. But according to The Associated Press, school officials canceled an outing to see the play and replaced it with a show called "The Great Railroad Race."

The school's principal, Kirk Smith, told the AP "there is a great sensitivity to putting students in awkward situations." Apparently, some parents complained about "A Christmas Carol" because they thought it had something to do with Christmas, and we can't have that in a public school, can we? Even though Christmas is a federal holiday, we can't really be discussing the meaning of the day because of sensitivity concerns. Is this insane or what?

The reason that the South Orange Middle School and many other places across the country are so frightened of a day that is designed to promote generosity and peace on Earth is that Jesus Christ is involved.

Never mind the fact that Jesus was a great philosopher and many of his tenets influenced the Founding Fathers in their construction of our Constitution. Never mind the fact that President Ulysses Grant declared Christmas a public, secular holiday in 1870 to celebrate a philosophy of "goodwill toward men."

No, now we in America have to live in fear of being sued by organizations that seek to suppress any kind of religious display in the public arena. For some 200 years, most Americans celebrated Christmas without any intrusion from the courts. Was anyone harmed? Were anyone's rights trampled? All that happened was happiness for millions of American children.

Here's how ridiculous this whole thing is: In Covington, Ga., the school board removed the word Christmas from the school calendar.

In St. Paul, red poinsettias were banned from a display at the county courthouse. And in hundreds of towns across the country, nativity scenes have been banned on public property.

But a constitutional loophole exists that has the ACLU in a panic. According to a 1984 Supreme Court decision in the case of Lynch vs. Donnelly, any kind of Christmas religious scene can be displayed on public property if a secular symbol is also in sight. So you can have a nativity scene if you have one of the wise men carrying a candy cane. I'm not kidding.

The Supreme Court has found a way to get around the hammer that the concept of church and state separation has become in the hands of Americans who are offended by public religious depictions.

But my question is, where have all the wise men gone? These days, we in America are reduced to finding loopholes in the Constitution to celebrate a federal holiday, the birthday of a man, Jesus, who believed that all men should love one another.

So this Christmas season, while you are out shopping, stop for a moment and think about why we the people have given the store away to special-interest groups that are attacking cherished traditions and legal holidays in the name of freedom.

Somewhere, Santa Claus is weeping. But if he's on public property, I hope the ACLU doesn't get him for trespassing.

[Piquaboy]

It is about time that the ACLU is payed back. When was this organization of Liberal's started if anyone knows?

[greencow]

I don't have any problem with Christmas-related topics being banned from the school as long as the schools are fair about it. In other words, any and all cultural and religious symbols, celebrations, etc. must also be banned. In my opinion, this means even any religious symbolism may NOT be worn - including head scarves by Moslems, if any mention of Christmas is to be banned. It also means pork may NOT be detracted from cafeteria menus - special dietary needs can be taken care of by the parents. Whatever happened to separation of church and state???

[ravingnutter]

Santa Claus will be weeping at my house too...I decided to use a nativity scene of a 4 ft. tall angel holding a baby doll in swaddling clothes instead of putting up a Christmas tree this year. After all...'tis the reason for the season...the anti-religious zealots can bite me.

[AppyPappy]

I don't have any problem with Christmas-related topics being banned from the school as long as the schools are fair about it.

So in other words, you are a fan of banning.

[greencow]

No, I'm not at all a fan of banning. I'm only in favor of banning FAIRLY. If Christians have to have all their holidays and symbols banned, then so does everybody else. What's sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose.

[SamAdams76]

Some of my best memories from my schoolyears (and there weren't many) had to do with Christmas. Going to see "A Christmas Carol" was one of them. Also, singing the Christmas Carols, and it wasn't just "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph" either. We did "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing" too. Every classroom had a Christmas tree. The day before Christmas vacation, we always had a big party with lots of Christmas music and the exchanging of small gifts or cards. We had Jewish people and other non-Christians in our schools but it was no big deal. It was a party atmosphere and everybody was included. We even did some Chanukah stuff which nobody made a fuss about either.

Now the disgusting liberals even want to take Christmas away from us. It is simply revolting. When are we going to take our country back and restore Christmas to its rightful place in our culture?

[billbears]

Whatever happened to separation of church and state???

Well considering it's not in the Constitution, I surely don't know. It's freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. One misread quote from a Jeffersonian letter 10+ years after the Constitution was signed and every atheist and cultist for the past 100 years thinks it's open season on Christianity.

On a brighter note, Charlie Brown's Christmas was on last night. I'm still suprised it's played considering the religious context, but it is still great after all these years

[2banana]

I guess the ACLU does not like the "blessings of liberty" or being "endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights"...

[greencow]

Heck, I'm surprised the networks didn't yank it for fear of offending the Muslems.

[Diana Rose]

Since schools are teaching Islam and celebrating Ram-a-damn all bets are off.

[SamAdams76]

Whatever happened to separation of church and state???

So I take it you are in favor of having school on Christmas Day then? Why not? By shutting down schools for Christmas, aren't we violating the separation of church and state? What about all those poor non-Christians who must suffer being out of school? Shouldn't schools be open?

Your argument is flawed. Christmas has always been a part of school up until recent "PC" times. Christmas is part of our culture and it does not violate the separation of church and state to see a Christmas movie or have a Christmas party or sing some Christmas songs. That's just being silly and petty and ridiculous.

[2banana]

I guess the ACLU does not like the "blessings of liberty" or being "endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights"...

[greencow]

I agree wtih you entirely. My only point is if we're going to ban Christmas celebrations, then everything else has to go as well. Frankly this year, I have been really out there talking about Christmas and Christianity in the schools my kids attend. I do a lot of volunteer work and you bet I've been talking about it. What can they do - fire me? If the Moose-lems get to have special rooms to pray and special clothes, then my kids bloody have a right to talk about Christmas and sing Christmas songs.

[Protagoras]

day that is designed to promote generosity and peace on Earth is that Jesus Christ is involved.

As usual, the author doesn't get it.

The day wasn't "designed". It was designated.

And it sure wasn't for the purpose of promoting generosity and peace. It is a birthday celebration. Of the son of man.

[MHGinTN]

I wonder if the federal employees would like to have this 'specious holiday' removed from their off days? How about the teachers who get off and the students? The lieberal squealing is gonna get shrill ...

[AmericanInTokyo]

Outside of one's family or one's Christian church, the sad fact is that nowadays back in the States, you can hardly even say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" anymore without fear of offending someone.

This is ludicrous as I just spent two weeks around Asia, absolutely ENJOYING the approaching Christmas (as I do every year), because it is still unapologetically "MERRI KURISUMASU" over there and none of this so-hopelessly inert "Have a Nice Holiday" junk you hear and see in stores and at workplaces across America. My checkout from a major five star hotel in Seoul was greeted with "Merry Christmas!" with the biggest, happiest smile you ever saw. When one walks through Shibuya, or Ginza, or Myongdong, or Kangnam, or wherever you are liable to see Merry Christmas everywhere and hear countless Christian-themed Christmas carols (you know, the old ones we liked that liberal city halls in Maryland or California outlawed) everywhere without apology or hang up. "Noel" here, "Joy to the World" there. Nativity scenes. Even on public property and in city (government) halls. This, for example, in a 95% Buddhist country.

My challenge to all freepers this year is to, wherever you are: at work, at the checkout, in the mall, on the talk shows, wherever, to smile your biggest smile and unabashadly greet "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" with each human interaction you have. Thousands of us doing this will have an effect, and perhaps reverse the American PC, secular humanist course which has taken away so much which we loved and held dear, which has now been stolen away.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS", ACLU!

"MERRY CHRISTMAS", EACH AND EVERY FREEPER!

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Oy gevalt.

As one of the few Jews in my school, growing up, I was usually the one who taught about Chanukah. Not to mention other Jewish customs through the rest of the year -- like just why I brought in matzoh bry or gefilte fish for lunch, one week each spring.


In high school, my German teacher asked if I'd be insulted if she taught German Christmas carols in class. I told her that, if anything, I was insulted that she'd think I might be so thin-skinned as to be upset by it. I even saw a production of The Christmas Carol during high school. The wind ensemble even played a little Christmas music during our holiday concert. (For that matter, we once did a modern piece, based on the Book of Revelations and another modern piece called "The Final Covenant".)

I didn't even realize until I was out in college that it was expected that I would be insulted. Now, every time I see someone complaining about Christmas decorations or the like and I'm insulted. I want to tell them to grow up and get the Hell over it.

[blackbart1]

Excellent retort SA and you tell you the truth. My daughter is a teacher and there was a foul up at a Christmas party, Someone had a "Christmas Tree" put up for display! Let me tell you it caused quite a stir and not a little worry.

Shame on the ACLU...they are naughty!

[Taiwan Bocks]

No, I'm not at all a fan of banning. I'm only in favor of banning FAIRLY. If Christians have to have all their holidays and symbols banned, then so does everybody else.

Jesus said himself if you are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of you in front of His Father.

Now in the new cultural America,
simply exposing someone to Jesus Christ is in some social circles as deplorable or even worse than 'indecent exposure.'

Ironically, this may be our blessing in these last days,
after our sloth allowed the moral slide of America,
we may please God and be firmly on the right side
just by speaking the truth.

This truth will be flamed by the world, but it's an easy line to stay on the right side of,
"Am I ashamed of Jesus Christ?"

[nypokerface]

"Now the disgusting liberals even want to take Christmas away from us."

- You are so right. This is the time where there is goodwill to all men and women. Where there is hope for peace. Where charities get much of there money for the year. Things like the Salvation army, toys for tots, and food drives. All things associated with Christmas. These are things that the liberals banter about all year round. But the only thing they see during this time, is their own made up agenda. I guess they can't even take one day off, even on Christmas.

[First Amendment]

The ACLU and other anti-religion types make me very very angry. They are miserable, rebellious, tortured souls who hate God and want to forget Him, and therefore ANY slight token of His existence makes them sweat and freak out, so they want to stamp out every bit of evidence they can. But, since He is in everyone's heart, they will never be able to silence Him. But it is HIGH TIME for those of us who have faith in God to stand up for Him, in any way we can. Now that no one says "Merry Christmas" any more, only that nasty "Happy Holidays" or some crap, I make sure I respond with a vigorous "Happy CHRISTMAS"!!

[Budge]

When was this organization of Liberal's started if anyone knows?

The ACLU was started in the 1920's, by an avowed communist. I can't think of his name off-hand, or the exact date, but I promise you, I will try to get that information to you.

[hot august night]

I get sick and tired of it being politically incorrect to wish anyone a "Merry Christmas." It's all "Happy Holidays" now. At my Wall Street firm, we have a menorah in the lobby -- which is fine -- but instead of a Christmas tree next to it, there is a poinsetta. So much for fairness. We are known as a WASPy firm by the way.

I refuse to buy Christmas cards that say "Happy Holidays" or "Season Greetings." ALL MY FRIENDS get a "Merry Christmas" card -- Jewish friends included, with a Christmas postage stamp featuring the baby and Madonna. (I'll usually write a specific message inside to them with emphasis on wishing them a happy new year.)None of my Jewish friends have ever complained about receiving a "Merry Christmas" card from me.

[Protagoras]

I want to tell them to grow up and get the Hell over it.

Good advice. But strangely enough, the attack on Christmas (from my perspective) is not frightening when made by people who are not believers. They will never achieve victory over faith.

The real dangerous attack comes from Christians (some only so-called) who secularize the holiday and denigrate it by pretending it is about something other than a celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

It has lost it's true meaning to many and will continue to do so as more non-believers "celebrate" it.

I would be most pleased to offer you my sincere hopes for a pleasant celebration of your religious holidays, but I wouldn't dream of demeaning them by pretending to celebrate them myself. I would think that I would be insulting you if I did.

[Protagoras]

I agree with most of your post, but I'm curious as to why you would wish a happy Christmas to someone who doesn't celebrate it. If you sincerely want them to be happy on some particular day of significance to them, why not send them a card that offers that sentiment on a day which THEY celebrate?

[redhead]

"When was this organization of Liberal's started if anyone knows?"

Read "The Twilight of Liberty" by William Donohue for the history of the ACLU. It's gripping reading.

[Budge]

FYI, Roger Baldwin founded the ACLU in 1920

Roger Baldwin was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, on 21st January, 1884. After graduating from Harvard University in 1905, Baldwin taught sociology at Washington University in St. Louis (1906-09).

In 1918 Baldwin was imprisoned for his public support of conscientious objectors. While in prison he met fellow radicals, Agnes Smedley and Mollie Steimer. Smedley had charged with diseminating birth control information. Steiner had been imprisoned for circulating leaflets in opposition to United States intervention in the Russian Civil War.

After his release in 1919 Baldwin joined the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). The following year he joined with Norman Thomas, Jane Addams, Chrystal Eastman, Clarence Darrow, John Dewey, Abraham Muste, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and Upton Sinclair to form the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

By the mid-1930s, Roger Nash Baldwin had carved out a well-established reputation as America's foremost civil libertarian. He was, at the same time, one of the nation's leading figures in left-of-center circles. Founder and long time director of the American Civil Liberties Union, Baldwin was a firm Popular Fronter who believed that forces on the left side of the political spectrum should unite to ward off the threat posed by right-wing aggressors and to advance progressive causes. Baldwin's expansive civil liberties perspective, coupled with his determined belief in the need for sweeping socioeconomic change, sometimes resulted in contradictory and controversial pronouncements.

[Protagoras]

Outside of one's family or one's Christian church, the sad fact is that nowadays back in the States, you can hardly even say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" anymore without fear of offending someone.

I have never suffered such fear.

I also don't offer that greeting to anyone unless I know they are a Christian. It just makes no sense to assume that someone it a Christian or would care about a Christian holiday. Wouldn't it seem odd to offer a Jew a Ramadan greeting? It would to me.

I am not offended when my non Christian friends offer me that greeting, I just thank them. I don't return the greeting. And I don't feel that I am offending my Jewish friends when I offer them a greeting which expresses my hope that they have a nice celebration of their religious holidays.

[hot august night]

Because I cannot justify spending the extra money on a handful of cards for a "particular group." The message I write inside to them is always "secular" and usually the cards I pick are colorful and have a Christmas tree or something similar on them (I buy whatever is on sale after Christmas). The Jewish friends I have are particularly close friends, and if I thought there was any possibility of offending them, I would not do it. In fact, they have called me an "honorary member of the tribe." I guess if I didn't have this close relationship with them, I probably would not send them that kind of card -- but since I know it's OK, I keep doing it. And anyway, they never complain about getting a "Christmas present" from me -- they're thrilled! And they like coming over for dinner in December so they can enjoy all the Christmas decorations.

On the other hand, for my liberal Upper East Side Jewish doctors and those Jews I am not close to, I usually send them a "Happy Holidays" card designed by the NRA. (It says on the back that the sender contributed to the NRA -- after reading that, they probably would actually prefer the "Merry Christmas" card!) I do buy one token box from the NRA because it is another way to give them a donation.

[ohioman]

School A-holes don't even call it Christmas break anymore, it is Winter Break. Give me a freakin Break-Morons.

[Budge]

I refuse to buy Christmas cards that say "Happy Holidays" or "Season Greetings."

I agree, HAN. As a greeter at Wal-Mart, I wish every customer a "Merry Christmas!"

Once, and only once last year did someone attempt to correct me with "happy holidays," to which I replied, "We are celebrating the birth of Christ, hence 'Merry Christmas.' When we celebrate the birth of 'holiday,' then and only then will I wish someone 'happy holidays.'"

I'm sorry, I just remembered someone wished me a 'happy kwanza,' to which I replied, We are celebrating the birth of Christ, not the birth of 'kwanz.'"

[jjm2111]

I actually heard a commercial where the "12 Days of Christmas" was rewritten to be the "12 Days of the Holidays"

Even as recently as 10 years ago, "Christmas" was often referred to in ads and news reports. Now it's just "holidays holidays holidays."

I say "Bah Humbug!". I say Merry Christmas to everyone. PC is so disgusting. It is especially so in the workplace where all the worker bees are running around saying "Merry Christmas" to each other while management and HR is chanting "Holidays, Holidays, Holidays."

Blech!

[Protagoras]

Because I cannot justify spending the extra money on a handful of cards for a "particular group."

To each his own, I just wouldn't send a card at all. It's a Christian holiday (holy-day, that is, a day apart from other days, holy) so I see no reason to include others who have no interest in the reason behind it.

I personally would prefer that Christmas be moved to another day, Then everyone could celebrate "Santy Claus day" or something else secular as they wish.

[Txslady]

Why do you feel so threatened?

[Protagoras]

I wish every customer a "Merry Christmas!"

That's odd, why? Are they all Christians? How can you tell? What if they have a dot on their head? Why bother them with that greeting? I mean, they shouldn't be insulted, just quizzical I would think.

Once, and only once last year did someone attempt to correct me with "happy holidays," to which I replied, "We are celebrating the birth of Christ, hence 'Merry Christmas.'

Who is "we"? Is everyone who walks through the door a Christian? Oh, you mean Wal-Mart is celebrating Christmas? Oh , I see. Silly me, I thought they were trying to sell things to people who celebrate it.

When we celebrate the birth of 'holiday,' then and only then will I wish someone 'happy holidays.'"

Maybe you don't understand the meaning of the word "holy". Holiday means HOLYday. Holy means "apart from". Different from. Happy holidays merely means you wish people happiness on their own HOLYdays. The ones they put APART from the others.

What is wrong with that? I'm totally against PC nonsense, but why would you wish someone a happy Christams if they don't believe in Christ?

[4CJ]

Have you noticed that many of these insane decisions occur in the socialist/liberal (no offense meant to freepers in the occupied territories) areas of the country?

FWIW, my children were in their school's Christmas program, which included such songs as "Silent Night" and "Away in A Manger". Flyover country gets it right.

[Valin]

...I decided to use a nativity scene of a 4 ft. tall angel holding a baby doll in swaddling clothes instead of putting up a Christmas tree this year.

Pretty radical there. :-)
What drives me up the wall is X-mas. It's CHRISTmas!

[Protagoras]

It is especially so in the workplace where all the worker bees are running around saying "Merry Christmas" to each other while management and HR is chanting "Holidays, Holidays, Holidays."

How many of the "worker bees" who are running around saying that are Christians? I don't mean people who say they are Christian but don't believe, I mean Christians. Meaning people who claim Christ as the true son of God, as their personal savior.

Try asking them sometime if they believe that Jesus came to earth as man to reconcile them personally to God and see what kind of looks you get. It could be informative.

[Valin]

but why would you wish someone a happy Christmas if they don't believe in Christ?

How about because it IS christmas. Weather they believe it or not.

[MEGoody]

"why not send them a card that offers that sentiment on a day which THEY celebrate?"

Why? I don't celebrate it. I'm sure they don't need a card from me on THEIR day to be happy. Now if they want to send me a happy Ramadan card or whatever, more power to 'em.

[jjm2111]

I wonder how many true, committed Christians are in this country?

[Protagoras]

How about because it IS christmas. Weather they believe it or not.

It IS the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. If Jesus is a person not important to them, why would you ask them to celebrate his birthday with you?

Neither Jesus or anyone else in the bible asked anyone to celebrate the day of his birth. People who believe him to be the son of God and their savior (Christians) celebrate his birth as a joyous day, but it need not be a day when they confront those who do not believe in him.

It's a day of joy, not division. I'm guessing Jesus would be appalled if he thought his believers were doing that.

[Protagoras]

Why? I don't celebrate it.

The other poster felt a need to greet his friends. That is why I offered that advice. I personally don't send cards on holidays at all. I don't feel the need. I'm delighted to get them however if they come from people who truly wish me a happy celebration. I am mildly annoyed when I receive them from people for commercial reasons.

Now if they want to send me a happy Ramadan card or whatever, more power to 'em.

Ok, happy Ramadan. I hope you have a nice day celebrating it.

[Protagoras]

I wonder how many true, committed Christians are in this country?

I'm afraid that the number, when compared to the number who call themselves Christians but don't believe, would be discouraging.

[mrs. a]

Okay, someone help me out here with American history - I'm at work and can't look it up - but didn't the Puritans ban observance of Christmas? Wasn't one subject to a fine if one was observed indulging in any jollification on December 25? Wasn't it a regular work day for them?

ACLU taking a cue from the Puritans - who'da thunk it!

[AppyPappy]

Instead of banning, how about allowing?

[John O]

What drives me up the wall is X-mas. It's CHRISTmas!

While I agree with you let me point out that X-mas is a very old and acceptable abbrieviation. The "X" is really a capital Chi, the greek letter starting the word Christ.

God Save America (Please)

[John O]

but it need not be a day when they confront those who do not believe in him.

According to the bible every day is to be a day to preach the Gospel. If wishing someone a merry Christmas brings them even the slightest bit closer to God then it is a good thing. Even if they are even just being made more aware of Christ's birth it is a good thing. Think of it as minor personal evangelism.

Anything that glorifies God is a good thing and we need to keep Jesus in the public's eye at all times. It just so happens that the easiest time to do that is at Christmas

GSA(P)

[Protagoras]

According to the bible every day is to be a day to preach the Gospel.

Correct.

If wishing someone a merry Christmas brings them even the slightest bit closer to God then it is a good thing.

When used that way, yes. Which of course has nothing to do with my comment. The point was about confrontational use of the celebration.

Even if they are even just being made more aware of Christ's birth it is a good thing. Think of it as minor personal evangelism.

This is a stretch. I'll spend my time of spreading the gospel in a useful way. I have never met a person in my life who has not heard of Christmas. So maybe you want to make sure they are aware of it, but I'm convinced that they already are.

Anything that glorifies God is a good thing

Yep, and "in your face" merry Christmas greetings to non-believers is not glorification in my view.

and we need to keep Jesus in the public's eye at all times. It just so happens that the easiest time to do that is at Christmas

And since is is so visable, the least useful. Maybe it would be better to do it as the bible suggests instead. By example. All the time, not for a few days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I'm not opposed to the spirit of your post, I just happen to think it is more of a justification for certain activities than a chance to spread the gospel.