Here Comes Christmas: Let the Debate Begin

[Jeff Westover]

The critics are warming up. Just as sure as the tradition of the Christmas tree is a tradition of attacking Christmas in an effort to banish it from modern society. On opposite ends of the Christmas spectrum are strange bedfellows indeed: one group of extremists call for the separation of Church and State in their bashing of Christmas while on the other end another group claims the modern celebration of the season is a sin and an offense to God. Between these two extremes lie the rest of us. And we just don't see what the big deal is. We cannot even enjoy the argument because it is just silly to us. We might as well be debating the sweetness of sugar, the color of dark and helping old ladies cross the street. There is no debate, frankly. Click this link:


Here Comes Christmas: Let the Debate Begin (http://mymerrychristmas.com/2005/xmasdebate.shtml)

Jeff

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

You are right, Jeff, in that there is not likely going to be a debate in this forum on the issue. I do appreciate the opportunity to discuss it though.

People tend to get into debates and protests about things that they are nervous about. How can they (the Christmas Bashers) be passionate about not being passionate about something? It's foolishness. People can choose not to celebrate, but they should not interfere with those who do.
Government should stay out of the entire issue.

Malls and businesses who will not permit carollers or Salvation Army collections to be nearby should forfeit their rights to sell Christmas items.
For many of us, having shops that specialize in Christmas items all year round would be a welcome site. Still, it would be a crying shame to see that happen.

I celebrate Christmas proudly, it's how I grew up. If there was a law that prohibited the celebrating of the season where I live, I'd move to a place where the city officials have less power. Or I would be arrested for celebrating the holidays. I have never considered myself a radical, but I do have an Irish temper that might come in handy.

This is not a new debate or battle, it's been going on for many years. I like to believe that there are more people who support the celebration of the holiday (in some form or another) than there are people who protest the practice.

When people (not you Jeff) challenge my joys, I think about songs or inspirational messages and they comfort me. Here's what has come to mind as I was replying in this post regarding the article.

To Thine Own Self Be True
~William Shakespear

What lies behind us and what lies before us
Are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

They may see the good you do as self-serving
Continue to do good .
They may see your generosity as grandstanding
Continue to be generous.
They may see your warm and
Caring nature as a weakness,
Continue to be warm and caring.
For in the end, it was only between you and your spirit (God).
It never was between you and them anyway.
~Mother Theresa

:lol: Thanks for inducing a Christmas Dream tonight. HeHe.

[Ervserver]

I'm still mad at TARGET for banning bell ringers

[dvdguy]

this is why i'm not a big fan of people

[Ervserver]

People are strange

[e_xander]

As Larry the Cable Guys says on his Christmas CD: "What the #@!! is this? Russia?"

People have their own right to think what they want in the US and say what they want, but when they start shoving their beleifs down my throat, that's where I draw the line.

You, Jeff, have NOT done this. You have stated what you believe in a very eloquate way and have basically said, that's what I think, take it or leave it.

I for one agree with your thoughts on this debate, Jeff. People are different! That's what make us unique, not robots. If they don't like how Christmas is, it's ok to say so, but let others believe what they want, DON'T tell them.

As for public schools and Christmas, HELLOOOO look at the term PUBLIC. If a child/family doesn't aree with what the schools are doing, the have them sit out/don't go to school. Don't punish the masses for the faults of the few. If the parent's don't want the child to experience our traditions, have them go to a PRIVATE school that will conform to their beliefs.

Again, thanks for letting me get on my soapbox, I'll get off now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sean

PS They can take my decorations and traditions from me when they pry them out of my cold, dead hands.

[Christy Carol]

*****APPLAUSE*****