Xmas versus Christmas

The exchange below took place between me and the writers of an article at work. I wanted to share the exchange as a demonstration of the kind of things we can do to proclaim our Christianity without coming across as a zealot. As my wife said… “at the very least, it got them thinking about Christ.”

Subject: Xmas versus Christmas

Hello S-

Regarding the “The 12 Scams of X-mas” article…

The information contained in the article was helpful, as I expect from the Digital Edge. However, I wanted to mention that I think the word Christmas should be spelled out.

You would not call other religious observances C-kah, R-dan, K-zaa, etc. While “X-mas” may be considered socially acceptable, I believe it disrespects the day and those that believe in the meaning behind it.

I’m not trying to be a pain and I’m not a religious zealot, I just think that the word should be spelled out and due respect given to all holidays and observances (I even say “Happy Independence Day” instead of “Happy July 4^th”). I realize it may be too late for this particular article but I think it’s worth mentioning for next time.

Thanks for your time.

-John

Subject: RE: Xmas versus Christmas

John-

Thanks for the note… we went around and around on this one. And landed on X-mas. Copying A from our team on this as I think she should hear your inputs and also might have some more insight on why X-Mas!

S

Subject: RE: Xmas versus Christmas

Thanks S. I’d be happy to have A’s input.

Subject: RE: Xmas versus Christmas

Thanks for your response, John. Certainly, no disrespect was meant.

We actually “borrowed” the title from the “M” article referenced in our DE article. We thought of substituting “the holidays” for “X-mas” to broaden the scope beyond one religious group, but “The 12 scams of the holidays” does not resonate with our intent to reference to the well-known song lyrics: “On the first day of Christmas,” etc.

Another employee initially sent us the same feedback as you did on using “X-mas,” but later followed up with this reference, which explains why Xmas can actually be considered an acceptable abbreviation for Christmas:

“The X in Xmas is shorthand for Christ because the X recalls the Greek letter chi, the first Greek letter in the word Christos or "Christ." Chi is also the X in the chi-rho symbol for Christ, the P representing the Greek letter rho that is the second Greek letter in Christ’s name. Understood in this way, there is nothing wrong with abbreviating the word Christmas to Xmas.” From: http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0507qq.asp

I hope this helps.

A

Subject: RE: Xmas versus Christmas

Hi A-

I understand it is often a challenge to find an approach that will cater to a large group of people. I never felt there was any intentional disrespect. I also completely get the need for the tie-in with the 12 days of Christmas.

I looked at the website you sent (thank you) and did a little research on my own. I can accept that “X” is used as an abbreviation for Christ and I see that the etymology goes clear back to c. 1100 (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Xmas) but I guess my main point is that I, personally, prefer not to use any abbreviations, regardless of historical use.

This site (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Xmas) shows mid-16^th century for usage but implies that the meaning has become less religious and is not “…used in formal writing.”

I guess the good news is that it can’t be shortened much more than this version.

I appreciate your time and consideration of my concerns. Again, I know it is difficult to find a universal approach but I am glad you and the team looked at the options and put some discussion into the topic instead of simply using what was easy.

Do we coddle too much?

As a child (and more so as an adult) I was always heavy. It was always hard to hear people’s comments about my weight and particularly difficult when family (usually an uncle, niece/nephew, or cousin) would comment on it so I began to crack jokes and intercept other’s comments with my own:

-      “I’ll just sit on you; that’ll shut you up!”

-      “I don’t need a coat, I have natural insulation.”

The simple and (sometimes) funny comments would often disarm the people in the room. Sometimes I would even get people disagreeing with me and trying to bolster me up, though this made me feel awkward. Sure, once in a while I would get someone that wanted to jump on the bandwagon and join me in degrading myself… That was always fun…

As I grew older I knew that my self-esteem was low but few people were aware of my feelings about myself. I felt very introverted but was often the life of the party. I wrote a poem in my 20’s where the opening line was “Surrounded by people, yet totally alone”. I bought books on self-esteem and tried to feel better about myself. I learned that I’m capable of doing a lot of things; I’m intelligent; I have gained the trust and respect of people that I trust and respect (the only ones that really count); and I am proud of the man I have become.

No, I’m not looking for pity or sympathy. I’ll get to my point in a second…

Over the course of several years there has been a surge in public opinion regarding bullying. We have kids doing terrible things to themselves and others because they were made fun of, or bullied, or laughed at, so the public has responded: Don’t tease! Granted, there were times in my life that would have been easier if I had not been teased, however, would I have become the man I am today if I had not had those experiences and overcome them? I don’t think so.

My parents were very supportive. I was built for football and wrestling but decided to go into music. They came to my concerts and supported my efforts. I tried the sports and quit… frequently. That was okay. When I made decisions that were different from those my parents would prefer I make, they let me know they thought I should choose differently but didn’t harp on it. I can’t remember ever getting a “we told you so” from my parents.

Now, to my point (I know… “Finally”!).

I think society has gone too far in “protecting” our children. Many are coddled to the point that they no longer have the skills or desire to overcome adversity or strive for excellence. They’ve become accustomed to believing that mediocrity is “wonderful” and “a great job” and the best they are able to give. Who cares about giving 110% when showing up seems to get the same accolades?

My supportive parents didn’t let me get away with being lazy or stupid. Common sense was taught to me by my parents pointing out when I had come to a conclusion using faulty logic. They didn’t say “oh my God! You’re so stupid!”, but they also didn’t say “that’s close enough! You’re a wonderful person for trying and don’t you worry about anyone telling you the answer is wrong… they just don’t love you like we do.”

I remember once, when I was about 15, my dad talking about the tan on his arms. His job required him to drive all the time. He almost always drove with the window down and his arm on the window. With short-sleeved shirts, he would have a tanned left arm and a mostly un-tanned right arm. I jumped into the conversation and asked him why it didn’t balance out when he drove the other direction. He looked at me and smiled. He waited for me to figure it out for myself and laughed when he saw it dawn on me that the same arm is out the window regardless of which direction he is driving. I’m 46 years old and I still remember that experience as a reminder to think things through a little better before I blurt out a statement. I didn’t feel stupid and I didn’t go off and cry. I learned a lesson that continues to help me 31 years later.

I would like to see a push to teach our children to be confident in themselves. We need to give them the tools, experiences, and confidence they need to face life’s challenges head-on. They need to shore up their defenses and grow that skin that is just thick enough to feel a sting but not so thin that a criticism cripples their ability to function. Children also need to be taught to respect others and their abilities and appreciate the diversity in the world. Everyone serves a purpose in this world, even if that purpose is to be an example of how not to behave. There will always be bullies and there will always be self-doubt in life. The best defense against these is the ability to believe in yourself, pick yourself up, and continue on.

Confidence in self is a great weapon against teasing, and respecting others can eliminate bullying by defusing it and ceasing to give the bully’s a forum and audience.

What to say…

I find myself unsure of what to write about… I have been focused on my new hobby of winemaking and have started a blog about it so I am spending more time on that blog than on this one. Granted, I don’t want to have a separate blog for every interest so I will likely post information here on my garden boxes, meat smoking, and Dutch-oven cooking, etc.

I’m also wondering if I can bring myself to be less serious. In real life, I’m a solid smart-ass. The problem is, I tend to write very formally. Whether it is due to work or school, or the combination of the two, I don’t know. It’s actually difficult for me to write informally or to use slang. I guess we’ll see how it goes.

Courageous? Are you kidding me?

This last weekend I missed most of the college football games. I am trying to catch up when I can and was able to watch a little of the Auburn/Ole Miss game today. I can’t believe what I heard.

First, a little background: Some of you may be aware that Jeremiah Masoli, former Oregon Duck Quarterback, is now QB at Ole Miss. The circumstances of his transfer were discussed but I didn’t pay that much attention because I’m not a Duck fan.

During the Auburn/Ole Miss game ESPN put up a brief history for Masoli… it looked something like this:

• Starting QB at Oregon 2008-2009 year
• Suspended after Arrest for Burglary in 2010
• Kicked off the team after drug arrest
• Started grad school at Ole Miss
• Found loophole that let him play football as a Grad Student

Now... I’m appalled that the NCAA let Ole Miss declare Masoli as eligible but I’m even more appalled by the way the ESPN commentators spoke with humbled awe about him!

To paraphrase a couple of comments:
- This guy has something to prove.
- I have a lot of respect for this guy.
- This young man is very courageous!

Courageous? Really?

Where was I when it became cool and awe inspiring to be a criminal and then find ways around the system that keep good, responsible people from doing the same thing?