The Reason for the Season

As this year draws to a close, I find that some of the December traditions that have been part of my entire life are suddenly being questioned. The traditional greeting "Merry Christmas" and even the term "Christmas tree" have become phrases non-grata in our lexicon. Apparently, the very idea that some of the celebrations that take place at this time of year may have been based in religion has become something to hide. Perhaps as some sort of over-compensation for the rise in worldwide religion-based governments and the blurring of the line between religious belief and academic teachings, as well as corporate America's need to appear as unaffiliated as possible (except, of course, for the worship of money), Christmas has become a victim of its own ideals. We seem desperate to show our desire for "peace on earth" to everyone, but not the inspiration behind it.

When nativity scenes were banned from public places, I concurred, not so much for the separation of church and state, but more to keep the Holy Family from becoming nondenominational cartoon characters. Everyone can have Santa and Rudolph and Frosty with all their seasonal fun - but, to me, the scene at the manger belongs in front of a Church. This doesn't mean, however, that I see any sense in this recent banning of "Merry Christmas" from the public air.

I grew up in a Brooklyn neighborhood where we were one of only 3 or 4 families on the block with Christmas decorations. This didn't seem to offend our neighbors, who were unafraid to say "Merry Christmas" to us. Many years later, our family Christmas celebrations were joined yearly by Holocaust survivors who shared our Christmas Eve traditions, complete with the midnight placement of Jesus into the manger under the tree. When they were greeted with a hearty "Merry Christmas" they returned the greeting in kind, knowing full well that is was representative of the peace and love of the season, and not an indictment of their own beliefs.

It is amazing how, when asked, most members of the public don't feel that they are scarred for life by being exposed to Christmas greetings, Christmas decorations, or Christmas carols - even those who do not share the belief in the birth of Christ. But trying to dilute and hide what started this whole seasonal celebration by changing its very name is ridiculous and unnecessary. There is no doubt that the "de-religionizing" of Christmas will continue, it IS the way of things, after all, few think of St. Valentine on Valentine's Day. Should we now start saying "Happy Romance Day?"

If we changed or removed every word, reference or celebration that originated as some sort of religious observation or tradition, we would probably end up word-less, art-less, science-less and lifeless. So in the spirit (is that a religious word?) of the season, and the occasion that is the reason for all of it, I say, Merry Christmas to all, and to all who cannot, on principal, accept this greeting, I say, may God (however you conceive God to be, even if you conceive God as a non-existent superstition) bless you with more insight.