It’s been a struggle.
It seems that each year it is more difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. Stores start putting up Christmas items in August; radio stations start playing 24/7 Christmas music after Halloween; snail-mail is filled with ads and charity requests starting in September… I find myself so frustrated by the early flood of the Christmas season that it takes me longer to relax and enjoy it. It doesn’t help that no one is saying “Merry Christmas”, instead settling for “Happy Holidays.”
The social networking sites and email are filled with a movement among Christians to “put “Christ” back in Christmas”. I propose we put “Christmas” back in the “Holidays.”
My wife and I have tried to make it a point this year to say “Merry Christmas”, even when first told “Happy Holidays”. Don’t get me wrong… I have nothing against other holidays but why not honor the holiday you happen to celebrate? If one wishes a person of Jewish faith a Merry Christmas and they wish a Happy Chanukah in return, we should both appreciate the fact that we are celebrating a religious holiday and not point out to each other that we don’t believe or celebrate the other’s religion. Isn’t it obvious by the fact that both parties wished their respective holidays? Why dwell on it and cause issues?
What if, by not recognizing the holiday, we forget them? If we don’t call out and recognize (and have others recognize) our religious holidays and instead we mold them into a conglomeration, years from now they could become a generic holiday with all religious aspects completely lost. By not calling out the religious significance of a holiday, doesn’t it disrespect the religious beliefs of those celebrating?
I don’t mean for this to be a “why can’t we all just get along” type of entry but, really, why not? It’s not about any one religion, it’s about all religions. I’ve taken cursory looks at several religions and found a common thread. That commonality is to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Now, these exact words are not necessarily used but the general meaning is in there. Religions advocate this behavior, most countries have laws that can be traced back to this sentiment (don’t kill and don’t steal being possibly the most universal), and I think most people want to be treated with respect and dignity. This means allowing others the same courtesy. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, don’t try and stop me from celebrating it. Instead, let me celebrate my holiday, you celebrate your holiday, and we can both appreciate each other’s preference.
As we continue through this time of year, let us all be aware and appreciative of the many different religions in the world but let us not forget our own. Embrace your religion, regardless of what it is, and allow others the same privilege. Don’t say Happy Holiday’s, pronounce your own religious sentiment.
I would like to wish all that read this a very Merry Christmas filled with peace, love, and the remembrance of the birth of Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment