|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 16:41:12 GMT
IMO, the "Merry Christmas" thing is fighting against a loss of tradition, not an attack on Christians. I personally love tradition, even if the Christmas traditions aren't religiously mine. The idea of inclusiveness is great until it becomes a "you must do ____________" so no one is offended or feels excluded. I was one of like three Jewish families in our neighborhood and school growing up. I never felt "excluded" singing Christmas carols. I never felt "bad" because Hannukah was not celebrated as much or right along side Christmas. I just think people get their knickers in a knot about the whole "everyone's got to feel included". In my experience, there is never a situation where EVERYBODY feels good. I just can't fathom someone being annoyed because they hear the word's Merry Christmas from the cashier. Or Happy Holidays for that matter. But it should be a choice of the person giving the wishes rather than the expectation of political correctness. So Merry Christmas to all the Peas. Christmas is a beautiful time of year. How do argue with "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men"? 100% agreed |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 16:42:48 GMT
As do many who liken Trump to Hitler. I currently agree with this, but trump has more of a chance to become like Hitler (not in a Holocaust kind of way, but with all the destructive laws he created and enforced) than people who complain about natvities. |
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Dec 10, 2016 16:45:32 GMT
There was never a prohibition against saying "Merry Christmas". What there WAS ... an open spirit .. generosity ... an inclusion ... some "Christian charity" in saying "Happy Holidays!" I don't think harm was intended ... nobody was dissing "Christmas" or merriment. It was just a way of spreading holiday good will to those persons whose belief systems were unknown or, possibly, different. It is so ridiculously funny to see someone pick and choose which "rights" they CHOOSE to agree with--freedom of religion, free speech and all that... Retailers were not diminishing Christmas by changing to Happy Holidays--they were merely trying to invite those in who don't celebrate Christmas to patronize their store by a marketing ploy. Definitely being open and including to all beliefs. I have a ton of vintage Christmas cards, and they are not all Merry Christmas--HUGE on Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, Joyeux Noel, Happy Holidays. If you're experiencing a lack of Christmas, several things could be happening-- 1. You feel that any other beliefs and traditions don't matter, only yours count, and/or, 2. You choose to shop at stores that recognize that Christmas is not the only holiday happening in the 1-1/2 months, and/or, 3. You're super secular and more concerned at what bargains or attitudes you receive while shopping for material gifts, vs really feeling that Christ is the reason for the season, and/or, 4. Christmas isn't really in your heart, and instead a hateful bag of coal that feels the need to try to force others to "take a stand" against others who don't feel the way you do, and/or, |
|
|
|
Post by sawwhet on Dec 10, 2016 16:49:37 GMT
"Christmas" itself is a mixture of many holidays. Jesus was NOT born on December 25th, it was the date assigned by Christians to coincide with the Pagan winter solstice celebration. Christmas trees and greenery are from Pagan traditions. It has nothing to do withe Christianity. Santa Claus has nothing to do with Jesus. Sending Christmas cards started in the 1800s. Again, nothing to do with Jesus.
Just try to be respectful. If someone wished me Happy Hanukkah, I'd say thank you (I'm not Jewish). It's a well wish. A positive greeting.
|
|
StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,711 
Location: Ohio
|
Post by StephDRebel on Dec 10, 2016 16:49:46 GMT
I think I just got dumber by reading them. Wow is all I can say to describe them. Someone saying they would walk out without buying if the cashier didn't say Merry Christmas. Give me a break. How is that christian? ETA: someone also said if Hillary won (though of course they called her something else) that Christmas would have been history. Seriously? Isn't she Christian? Do these poeple have any idea how stupid they sound? Personally I say Happy Holidays. I would hope people would take it as the good meaning it has, just like when someone says Merry Christmas I take it that they are being kind and sending me good wishes. People just need something to be upset about. I did get a good laugh about them saying Bass Pro is gun friendly. Yeah, nothing puts the Christ in Christmas like weapons to kill.  But I mean, is anything being cancelled out? Without any contribution from us our guest from Brazil is very aware that it's Christmas time and that Christmas is alive and well in the good old USA...and that there is no consideration or respect given for anyone who isn't Christian. |
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Dec 10, 2016 16:51:55 GMT
There was never a prohibition against saying "Merry Christmas". What there WAS ... an open spirit .. generosity ... an inclusion ... some "Christian charity" in saying "Happy Holidays!" I don't think harm was intended ... nobody was dissing "Christmas" or merriment. It was just a way of spreading holiday good will to those persons whose belief systems were unknown or, possibly, different. Do you give a damn about anyone else's celebrations? How about Hanukkah? Kwanza? Boxing Day? Ramadan? Right...didn't think so. |
|
|
|
Post by sawwhet on Dec 10, 2016 16:52:11 GMT
People tend to get upset when their traditions like CHRISTMAS are stamped out everywhere they go. No more Christmas tree - it's a holiday tree. No more Christmas cards - holiday cards. No Merry Christmas - happy holidays. No more Christmas vacation - winter break. This excuse of inclusion is bullshit. Christmas is in December and the vast majority celebrate it. JUST SAY IT. CHRISTMAS. Did it kill ya to say it? I didn't think so. But I mean, is anything being cancelled out? Without any contribution from us our guest from Brazil is very aware that it's Christmas time and that Christmas is alive and well in the good old USA...and that there is no consideration or respect given for anyone who isn't Christian. It was NEVER a Christmas tree. This tradition was stolen from the Pagans. It has nothing to do with Christianity. |
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Dec 10, 2016 16:53:16 GMT
Nope. It has been out for as long as I have lived here, about 23 years. And that is my point. Christmas isn't being eradicated. It is still there, and I think that perception is 90% of this argument. We see what we want to see. Just because Starbucks has an inclusive cup doesn't mean that there is a war against the Christian faith, a good hard look around us shows us that Christmas IS here in our midst. If there really was an effort to get rid of Christmas, then (at least my little corner of the world) would look, feel and sound a lot different. (And, if you really want to engage in fruitful conversation, you may want to lose the 'nazi' part of your comment. It is an ugly comparison and tends to make people who otherwise may want to talk about this topic defensive from the get go.) No, the people you talk about aren't acting like Nazis. Not one bit. They aren't systematically forcing people onto boxcars sending them to concentration camps because they want to be represented by their governmental system. And I am reasonably certain that there are more than a handful of people in my little corner of the world who have a passing familiarity with the law so that if they indeed felt that they were offended by what my city government was doing they would not hesitate to act on it. |
|
|
|
Post by ahiller on Dec 10, 2016 16:54:30 GMT
If people put half as much energy into helping the poor, homeless and suffering in their communities instead of worrying about bullshit like this, our world would be much better off. It must be exhausting being the moral compass of the world.
There are families fleeing their homes in Syria, living in tent cities with no electricity but let's get our panties in a bunch because the 16-year old clerk at Wal-Mart said Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
It boggles the mind.
|
|
~Lauren~
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,876
|
Post by ~Lauren~ on Dec 10, 2016 16:56:21 GMT
Well, have a nice day all. I'm off to spend the day making Christmas cookies.  |
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Dec 10, 2016 16:58:10 GMT
No different for me to say does it kill you to accept my Happy Holidays? I don't think so. Merry Christmas isn't being stamped out. YOU can still have a Christmas tree, while I have a holiday tree. YOU can still send Christmas cards, while I send Happy Holiday cards. YOU can still say Mery Christmas while I say Happy Holidays. It's called freedom of choice.  And we have the real reason rainbow posted this thread--so she'd be able to toss in her ubiquitous "I have a gun" neener neener ha ha Speech. I pointed out before, selective choosing of which amendments, freedoms and rights a person will glomp on to and follow speaks to their character and not to those around them. |
|
katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,466
|
Post by katybee on Dec 10, 2016 17:01:33 GMT
I'm not buying it for a minute. Getting rid of the word Christmas was deliberate and not for inclusion purposes. A lot of people are upset by this and you don't give a damn about their feeling do you? They aren't feeling included when you do that - do you even care? When you see Christmas stripped from everything it doesn't foster inclusive feelings. It feels like what it is, the stamping out of the word Christmas. It's now the elephant in the room. Nobody speaks of it but it is looming large and you can't miss it. This removal has been a concerted effort and some people are now taking a stand. And I'm glad they are. Holy Hell! Where do you live? Because I'm surrounded by Christmas. Christmas lights, music, decorations, movies, commercials, cookies... even my Starbucks cup I'm drinking out of right now has Christmas trees on it.  I think it's sad if YOUR Christmas spirit, YOUR faith depends on other people. But if it bothers you that badly, I think there are plenty of places you can move that are not stripping away Christmas from everything. Although, honestly, when I think of you...Grinch definitely comes to mind. You might possibly be the LEAST jolliest person in this board. Merry Christmas, Rainbow. Have a glass of egg nog and lighten up. Here's a vegan recipe: healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/raw_vegan_eggnog_recipe |
|
|
|
Post by tara on Dec 10, 2016 17:06:18 GMT
"Christmas" itself is a mixture of many holidays. Jesus was NOT born on December 25th, it was the date assigned by Christians to coincide with the Pagan winter solstice celebration. Christmas trees and greenery are from Pagan traditions. It has nothing to do withe Christianity. Santa Claus has nothing to do with Jesus. Sending Christmas cards started in the 1800s. Again, nothing to do with Jesus. Just try to be respectful. If someone wished me Happy Hanukkah, I'd say thank you (I'm not Jewish). It's a well wish. A positive greeting. Exactly. My daughter is pagan. Rainbow you're actually tramping over my daughters holiday, but it's ok. She'll share. You know why? Because she's not an asshole! |
|
|
|
Post by sawwhet on Dec 10, 2016 17:11:12 GMT
"Christmas" itself is a mixture of many holidays. Jesus was NOT born on December 25th, it was the date assigned by Christians to coincide with the Pagan winter solstice celebration. Christmas trees and greenery are from Pagan traditions. It has nothing to do withe Christianity. Santa Claus has nothing to do with Jesus. Sending Christmas cards started in the 1800s. Again, nothing to do with Jesus. Just try to be respectful. If someone wished me Happy Hanukkah, I'd say thank you (I'm not Jewish). It's a well wish. A positive greeting. Exactly. My daughter is pagan. Rainbow you're actually tramping over my daughters holiday, but it's ok. She'll share. You know why? Because she's not an asshole! and to be honest, I celebrate a secular holiday. I was raised Christian but I prefer to celebrate our time with family and friends. Our house is fully decorated with a tree and lights. We bake Christmas cookies and have special food. We go to Christmas shows and to see light shows. It's a special time of year for us...in a secular way but just a special. We all look forward to it. It's a tradition, not Jesus' Birthday. |
|
|
|
Post by tara on Dec 10, 2016 17:25:00 GMT
Exactly. My daughter is pagan. Rainbow you're actually tramping over my daughters holiday, but it's ok. She'll share. You know why? Because she's not an asshole! and to be honest, I celebrate a secular holiday. I was raised Christian but I prefer to celebrate our time with family and friends. Our house is fully decorated with a tree and lights. We bake Christmas cookies and have special food. We go to Christmas shows and to see light shows. It's a special time of year for us...in a secular way but just a special. We all look forward to it. It's a tradition, not Jesus' Birthday. Same here. This time of year is my daughters favorite. We do up the house (we have 3 trees). She helps make Christmas cookies with the little kids. She buys gifts for her little brothers and sister. We have our family traditions. We keep the religious part out. But if someone else wants to have all baby Jesus as their celebration we are not offended. Lol. |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 17:31:25 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas?
And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 1:28:48 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2016 17:34:28 GMT
Holy Hell! Where do you live? In a strange little land of fear and paranoia! |
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Dec 10, 2016 17:36:00 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas? And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same. (my son used to put his Power Ranger figures in my willow tree nativity set because he was convinced that the baby Jesus needed to be protected and the shepherds just weren't going to cut it if they were attacked by ninjas.) |
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,276
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Dec 10, 2016 17:37:55 GMT
and to be honest, I celebrate a secular holiday. I was raised Christian but I prefer to celebrate our time with family and friends. Our house is fully decorated with a tree and lights. We bake Christmas cookies and have special food. We go to Christmas shows and to see light shows. It's a special time of year for us...in a secular way but just a special. We all look forward to it. It's a tradition, not Jesus' Birthday. Same here. This time of year is my daughters favorite. We do up the house (we have 3 trees). She helps make Christmas cookies with the little kids. She buys gifts for her little brothers and sister. We have our family traditions. We keep the religious part out. But if someone else wants to have all baby Jesus as their celebration we are not offended. Lol. Secular holiday for us also. I love Christmas but I'm not religious at all. I love the decorations, the lights, the trees, the cookies and foods, the giving of gifts, the time with family and friends, the traditions, the sense of wishing "Peace on earth" to EVERYONE. Christmas - or any holiday - is what you make of it. It doesn't depend on what other people say or whether they celebrate the same or a different holiday. And to be honest, expecting everyone to do and say what aligns to YOUR (general "your") personal beliefs seems rather selfish and self-absorbed, which doesn't seem very Christian to me. |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 17:49:42 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas? And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same. (my son used to put his Power Ranger figures in my willow tree nativity set because he was convinced that the baby Jesus needed to be protected and the shepherds just weren't going to cut it if they were attacked by ninjas.) well, the Shepards weren't trained fighters and their crooks could get taken away |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 1:28:48 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2016 17:53:05 GMT
My DD insists on putting Yoda over the manger while the angel hangs out w/the ox and lamb.
|
|
Nink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,956
Location: North Idaho
|
Post by Nink on Dec 10, 2016 17:53:33 GMT
(my son used to put his Power Ranger figures in my willow tree nativity set because he was convinced that the baby Jesus needed to be protected and the shepherds just weren't going to cut it if they were attacked by ninjas.) well, the Shepards weren't trained fighters and their crooks could get taken away DH and my dog are wondering why I'm laughing so hard. |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 17:57:15 GMT
My DD insists on putting Yoda over the manger while the angel hangs out w/the ox and lamb. there are kindred spirits out there  |
|
LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
|
Post by LeaP on Dec 10, 2016 18:09:34 GMT
If people put half as much energy into helping the poor, homeless and suffering in their communities instead of worrying about bullshit like this, our world would be much better off. It must be exhausting being the moral compass of the world. There are families fleeing their homes in Syria, living in tent cities with no electricity but let's get our panties in a bunch because the 16-year old clerk at Wal-Mart said Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. It boggles the mind.  it bears repeating 10x When I was a kid in Italy the Christmas traditions were different than here in the U.S. They put up creches in their homes:  Some creches were very elaborate, some very primitive. We would collect moss to make a manger. Since then, there have been more and more American style trees and decorations probably because of Hollywood depictions. Within Christianity, there are many ways of celebrating. Rather than fighting over what our hyper consumeristic culture is doing, we should put our energy toward helping those in need feeding. rainbow if you believe all that Jesus preached, please let go of your anger and help someone less fortunate than yourself. There are many in need.ETA: ETA: ...or ignore me, this is my first handslap and I truly believe that you are free to carry on fighting the war on Christmas if that is what is important to you. SaveSaveSaveSave |
|
|
|
Post by monklady123 on Dec 10, 2016 18:21:34 GMT
My DD insists on putting Yoda over the manger while the angel hangs out w/the ox and lamb. We have Darth Vader and Luke on our tree, going back years ago when my son first discovered "Star Wars". I want to buy dd an ornament of Rey this year. I need to get on that, so thanks for the reminder. |
|
Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
Posts: 4,366
Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
|
Post by Jili on Dec 10, 2016 18:25:17 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas? And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same. What? No tiny W flag flying at the top of the nativity? |
|
azredhead
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,755
|
Post by azredhead on Dec 10, 2016 18:31:01 GMT
My DD insists on putting Yoda over the manger while the angel hangs out w/the ox and lamb. We have Darth Vader and Luke on our tree, going back years ago when my son first discovered "Star Wars". I want to buy dd an ornament of Rey this year. I need to get on that, so thanks for the reminder. DH wants the Death Star on the top of the tree. It's on his Christmas list! LOL! And we're religious!  I say it all . I have a Jewish sister, Atheist and devout christians siblings. It makes the holidays super fun and never know what to expect. So we roll with it. I say Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah or whatever. I don't know why things have to be done away with. Just find a way to make sure others feel the warm and fuzzy whatever that is. That's really what the holidays are meant for? |
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on Dec 10, 2016 18:32:24 GMT
We say Merry Christmas, or Happy Christmas in the U.K. I don't ever recall hearing anyone say Happy Holidays over here. Same in New Zealand. SaveSave |
|
|
|
Post by scrapsotime on Dec 10, 2016 18:36:04 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas? And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same. (my son used to put his Power Ranger figures in my willow tree nativity set because he was convinced that the baby Jesus needed to be protected and the shepherds just weren't going to cut it if they were attacked by ninjas.) We have karate snowmen hanging on our tree. |
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Dec 10, 2016 18:36:30 GMT
Does my putting the Stanley Cup, Sully, and Mike wosaki (sp?) in with my willow tree nativity add to or cancel out christmas? And with this post, if you know me in real life, you've now figured out who I am as I doubt there is a twin out there who has done the same. What? No tiny W flag flying at the top of the nativity? hmmmm...do they make them small enough to to be like a sta? |
|
My original pea date was November 1999 and my number was 1803
it bears repeating 10x
I say it all . I have a Jewish sister, Atheist and devout christians siblings. It makes the holidays super fun and never know what to expect. So we roll with it. I say Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah or whatever. I don't know why things have to be done away with. Just find a way to make sure others feel the warm and fuzzy whatever that is. That's really what the holidays are meant for?
