Remember me? I live in Russia now, and well…here, Christmas was replaced by the government with New Years…the traditional Christmas is Jan 7, but for most people that is an extra holiday to get drunk. Years ago, the privilege of Christmas was taken away…and along with it, many of the traditions, not only religiously, but also in regards to family celebrations…and it breaks my heart. Regardless of whether one believes in Christ or not…the fact that it is a reverent holiday (like Easter) makes it an important holiday. There are so many ways to celebrate it, but at its core it is religious…that’s why it was replaced here in Russia. Christmas is making a come back, in the churches here, and along with it, a return to the benefits of it being a religious holiday…ie love, family, hope, celebration. Although much of America, much of the Western world, allow it to be “happy holidays” the essence of what it is brings with it the “extras”…much of the world wants the extras, the benefits, without the essence(Christ’s birth). This was tried here in Russia…such things as hope, love, faith, family are talked of…but in a shallow sense. the only way for it to have any depth is for it to have a foundation. Im not sure I got my point across, but I guess what I am trying to say is, that Christmas is special, because it celebrates Christ. The Christmas spirit is the benefit of it being founded on something real. And everyone, atheists, agnostics, Christians, etc…gets to experience that magic.

I have a lot of respect for the Salvation Army (and was impressed with what I saw at the local one on Thanksgiving Day this year), but these people were just insane. They wanted us reporters to “expose” the others as evil-doers — as a way of helping them get banned from Target. I’m sorry, but that’s not what I think of when someone mentions “Christmas spirit.”

Also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

You don’t sound stupid. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration and not a religious holiday. It was created in 1966 as a sort of alternative to the commercialized Christmas holiday. Its recognizes a lot of old, African traditions that many modern-day American blacks look to.

Official Web site: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

Do institutions (SD Public Library) get special funding becuase they are promoting “diversity?”

Or do they only get presitge?

Random thought — You know how the Chinese name their years? The Year of The Rat, Dog, etc…

America should do that too.

I say we make 2005 the year of the stripper.

P.S. Has anyone ever known anyone to *actually* celebrate Kwanzaa?

We have had numerous discussions about seperation of church and state, school prayer, etc… I agree with you on this one. This is political correctness gone out of control.

However, the arguments from both sides are stupid.

Who cares if someone is offended? Why should one person, or a group of people, not be permitted to say Merry Christmas in fear of “offending” someone. If a person gets offended that easily– they have bigger problems.

On the flip-side, I don’t like the majority argument either. Is it right to say Merry Christmas because the majority of Americans celebrate it? Or is it right to say Merry Christmas because IT IS CHRISTMAS?

The Federated Group which owns Macys and Bloomingdales, along with Target banned Christmas for a reason. Why? They don’t fall under “state” rules regarding religion.( As you pointed out) They did it because they fear “offending” potential customers. It was a business decision, a stupid one in my opinion. So it makes no sense to blame secularists, Atheists, etc… I don’t think any of these groups were filing lawsuits or anything like that. Except for the yearly round of lawsuits aimed at nativity scenes on public property. Which are also stupid.

“What is the true meaning of Christmas?” That is a different argument. Many of my Christian friends think that me celebrating Christmas is stupid. Likewise, some who know me, might expect me be to be at the front of the anti-Christmas movement. The whole issue actually baffles me. Are there really people who are offended by a sign or banner that says Merry Christmas? Who are these people? I know a lot of non-Christans. But, I don’t know a single one who would boycott a store or TV station because they wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Who would?

Probably the same PC/multi-culturalism people who decide the Cal State Multi-Cultural/gender requirements. I think this movement peaked in 95-96 when I was at San Moscow.

So, in conclusion, on Saturday, I (the Atheist) am going to call my family and friends(Christian, Jewish, Atheist and others) and wish them a Merry Christmas. Why? Because IT IS CHRISTMAS!

Tom — Thanks for everything this year. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

I Would wish you a Happy New Year — But that might be seen as implying that last year or the year before were not happy and could possibly offend one of those years. Not to mention that many of the late 90s would be upset.

And don’t forget, Festivus for the Rest of Us.

However, And you knew there would be one. I noticed anadvertisement in your newspaper [on Page 23], why doesn’t it say Merry Christmas from our home to yours?

Instead it says Happy Holidays from our home to yours…

And I see a few fimilar faces in that colage, almost like a Telescope gathering.

Merry whatever you celebrate Tom, I hope you get everything you wished for, and a few things you didn’t.

Matt