Its That Time of the Year
Well it's that time of year again, when some mild mannered, generally logical and well grounded people suddenly take up arms with a fervor not seen since the Crusades. They use all means at their disposal from social networking, to US Mail, to face to face confrontations against the seeming enemy of all mankind. And what is this horror that so twists the normally meek and mild, happy go lucky into a frothing rage? It's the phrase "Happy Holidays" of course.
For those who thought the cries of "War on Christmas" was over, well sorry, you're wrong. Just when you thought it was ok to be generic, to wish your Jewish, Pagan, Kwanza Loving or Atheist friends a pleasant month, NO! You will be admonished for being "politically correct" and will be berated for not using the "proper" vernacular. But wait, let's take a closer look, just for a moment. What would the man in whose honor this vitriol is perpetrated have to say about this?
No, I'm not Christian, but I did read the book and seem to know a lot more about what it actually says than do many who hiss "Merry Christmas" at me in response to a "Happy Holiday." I do not believe that the man portrayed in the New Testament would want this much of a fuss, and certainly would not want his followers to use a club on those who try to be inclusive. Yes, inclusive, not EXCLUDING Christians, but INcluding others. Jesus was not one to smite (except for a Fig Tree he once got pissed at, but you gotta give the guy a break) or to name call. After all, he was a Jew and not a Christian.
Then there's the small issue of actual birthdate. The "Jesus is the reason for the season" people are a bit confused it seems, as if the Bible be accurate, the birthdate would have been summertime. Wrong season folks. The early church decided to change the timing as it was much easier to convert people to a new religion if you don't change their holidays. Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Midwinter's Day, etc., were all celebrated around that time as a "hey, we're halfway through the time of year when we pretty much starve to death, the days are getting longer now, and things will get better. As for the "it's a CHRISTMAS TREE" well, actually it isn't. The tradition of brining an evergreen tree into the home was a Pagan one, set to help an agrarian society remember that winter was transient.
If someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I take it as them sincerely wishing me a happy season. I certainly don't take affront, or correct them. I may even say something like "and you as well" because I would like for someone who wishes me well to also have a good day on their chosen holiday. When I wish them a Happy Holiday or Holidays, I am wishing them well also. I am NOT negating their god or choice not to have a god. I am not trying to insult them. I am certainly not trying to convert them to Wicca (especially since my Tradition is much more selective :-)). I am wishing them well, same as when they say "God bless you" to me. I have no "war" with them, no need to have a religious debate, and no simmering angst ready to explode. And really, when you come right down to it, isn't that the best way to follow the teachings of any religion?=============
For those who thought the cries of "War on Christmas" was over, well sorry, you're wrong. Just when you thought it was ok to be generic, to wish your Jewish, Pagan, Kwanza Loving or Atheist friends a pleasant month, NO! You will be admonished for being "politically correct" and will be berated for not using the "proper" vernacular. But wait, let's take a closer look, just for a moment. What would the man in whose honor this vitriol is perpetrated have to say about this?
No, I'm not Christian, but I did read the book and seem to know a lot more about what it actually says than do many who hiss "Merry Christmas" at me in response to a "Happy Holiday." I do not believe that the man portrayed in the New Testament would want this much of a fuss, and certainly would not want his followers to use a club on those who try to be inclusive. Yes, inclusive, not EXCLUDING Christians, but INcluding others. Jesus was not one to smite (except for a Fig Tree he once got pissed at, but you gotta give the guy a break) or to name call. After all, he was a Jew and not a Christian.
Then there's the small issue of actual birthdate. The "Jesus is the reason for the season" people are a bit confused it seems, as if the Bible be accurate, the birthdate would have been summertime. Wrong season folks. The early church decided to change the timing as it was much easier to convert people to a new religion if you don't change their holidays. Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, Midwinter's Day, etc., were all celebrated around that time as a "hey, we're halfway through the time of year when we pretty much starve to death, the days are getting longer now, and things will get better. As for the "it's a CHRISTMAS TREE" well, actually it isn't. The tradition of brining an evergreen tree into the home was a Pagan one, set to help an agrarian society remember that winter was transient.
If someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I take it as them sincerely wishing me a happy season. I certainly don't take affront, or correct them. I may even say something like "and you as well" because I would like for someone who wishes me well to also have a good day on their chosen holiday. When I wish them a Happy Holiday or Holidays, I am wishing them well also. I am NOT negating their god or choice not to have a god. I am not trying to insult them. I am certainly not trying to convert them to Wicca (especially since my Tradition is much more selective :-)). I am wishing them well, same as when they say "God bless you" to me. I have no "war" with them, no need to have a religious debate, and no simmering angst ready to explode. And really, when you come right down to it, isn't that the best way to follow the teachings of any religion?
