It's Christmas once again at Wal-Mart

[Dark Knight]

How about if I say, "Bah humbug" to everyone. That's how I felt last week walking into Starbucks and they have out all these tons of (gorgeous, by the way) Christmas decorations and I kind of "jumped", because I was mentally thinking of all the things I have to do for Thanksgiving!

Everyone love the Christmas Carol and Ebineezer Scrooge; don't they flock to it every year? It's a spiritual story, too.

I say "Bah humbug", to Xmas decorations before Thanksgiving; I'm an orderly, simple person and it scrambles my mind every year.

I saw a few houses decorated with Christmas lights on the way to work tonight. Gets earlier every year. They may be are people who go to Florida, I figure, for the winter, lol.

 

[Dark Knight]

ALABAMA CITY DITCHES 'HOLIDAY' LABEL FOR CHRISTMAS PARADE

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Montgomery, Alabama, won't have a holiday parade this year.

Mayor Bobby Bright says it will be a Christmas parade.

Bright says he renamed the celebration because of complaints he heard last year over it being dubbed a "Holiday Parade."

Rabbi Kenneth Segel of Montgomery's Temple Beth-Or says that's fine with him.

The rabbi says, "Jews who are grounded in their faith cannot be threatened by the practice of another religion." He adds that it would be wrong to ask "neighbors to shut off their colored lights or put away their manger scenes to avoid damaging sensitive psyches."

 

[Nova]

How about if I say, "Bah humbug" to everyone. That's how I felt last week walking into Starbucks and they have out all these tons of (gorgeous, by the way) Christmas decorations and I kind of "jumped", because I was mentally thinking of all the things I have to do for Thanksgiving!

Everyone love the Christmas Carol and Ebineezer Scrooge; don't they flock to it every year? It's a spiritual story, too.

I say "Bah humbug", to Xmas decorations before Thanksgiving; I'm an orderly, simple person and it scrambles my mind every year.

Don't you DARE start on Starbucks. Our local shop delivered about 40 gift cards to our company this week. (We are BIG customers!) And besides, I can't go a day without their coffee. (But come to think of it, you're right. They should have waited until after Thanksgiving. I'd give them a piece of my mind, but I'm afraid they'd take the card back.)

 

[Nova]

ALABAMA CITY DITCHES 'HOLIDAY' LABEL FOR CHRISTMAS PARADE

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Montgomery, Alabama, won't have a holiday parade this year.

Mayor Bobby Bright says it will be a Christmas parade.

Bright says he renamed the celebration because of complaints he heard last year over it being dubbed a "Holiday Parade."

Rabbi Kenneth Segel of Montgomery's Temple Beth-Or says that's fine with him.

The rabbi says, "Jews who are grounded in their faith cannot be threatened by the practice of another religion." He adds that it would be wrong to ask "neighbors to shut off their colored lights or put away their manger scenes to avoid damaging sensitive psyches."

Well, of course, the faith of Jews isn't threatened by Christmas. Nobody (including you, I realize) said it was.

I'm still not seeing why a "Holiday Parade" could possibly be offensive to anyone.

 

[Marthatex]

Don't you DARE start on Starbucks. Our local shop delivered about 40 gift cards to our company this week. (We are BIG customers!) And besides, I can't go a day without their coffee. (But come to think of it, you're right. They should have waited until after Thanksgiving. I'd give them a piece of my mind, but I'm afraid they'd take the card back.)

Oh, don't get me wrong, that's my home away from home. They know my schedule; I walk in, "Hi Martha we've got your tall blended latte ready". "Oops I lost my Starbucks card as usual; I'll find it eventually." "Don't worry, just take it"

Unfortunately more people have moved here; I have to wait in line. I hate that. As I said the decorations are gorgeous and alot of good music; but just TOO MUCH sensory overload for me right now.

 

[Marthatex]

Well, of course, the faith of Jews isn't threatened by Christmas. Nobody (including you, I realize) said it was.

I'm still not seeing why a "Holiday Parade" could possibly be offensive to anyone.

The only thing that bothers my husband is when they know he's Jewish and they send him an obvious Christian card. (which means, you should be Christian)

As a gesture to other Dr.s, he takes call for them so THEY can celebrate Xmas as he is Jewish. (they don't realize he celebrates Xmas with us); it kind of ruins our Xmas every year; but he wants to do it for them.

Guess that tells you something about my Jewish husband.

Also I've always had close friends that were Jewish growing up; for some strange reason. In Louisiana they were banned from the country clubs; I could join (we didn't) but they couldn't. The just ignored it, worked hard, went to the best schools.

That's why they may be somewhat clannish in some places; they have been persecuted as late as fairly recently; 60's-70's, and still are in little ways. Just think of being the only boy in the class that can't celebrate Xmas like the others; parents said and teacher insists, or forgets: "Now bring your xmas present to trade".. That's how it was; painful for minorities.

 

[Dark Knight]

Well, of course, the faith of Jews isn't threatened by Christmas. Nobody (including you, I realize) said it was.

I'm still not seeing why a "Holiday Parade" could possibly be offensive to anyone.

The problem is when it is clearly Christmas they are speaking about, yet they use "Holiday." If the parade has Santa and other Christmas themed items, it's a Christmas parade. Unless they want to have Menorah floats, etc. in it. In that case, it'd be fine, I think. Same for stores. When they are talking about an item that is clearly a Christmas item (a tree, Christmas wrapping paper, etc) calling it "Holiday" with the express idea of not saying "Christmas" is offensive. It IS like taking Christ out of Christmas because His name is in it. And refusing to say it because of that very reason, that His name is in it, even hought it is clearly Christmas event, or item, or whatever, is offensive to many Christians. Believe me, it isn't because we like the commercialism of His birthday. It's the refusal to acknowledge the "holiday" named after Him, when it is clearly what they are referring to. Does that help any? (Probably not, lol)

 

[IrishMist]

How about if I say, "Bah humbug" to everyone. That's how I felt last week walking into Starbucks and they have out all these tons of (gorgeous, by the way) Christmas decorations and I kind of "jumped", because I was mentally thinking of all the things I have to do for Thanksgiving!

Everyone love the Christmas Carol and Ebineezer Scrooge; don't they flock to it every year? It's a spiritual story, too.

I say "Bah humbug", to Xmas decorations before Thanksgiving; I'm an orderly, simple person and it scrambles my mind every year.

I saw Christmas stuff out before Halloween. I have to wonder if that's not part of the reason that retailers feel their Christmas sales are down. It used to be the day after Thanksgiving kicked off the shopping. The majority of people started then, and went like mad till Christmas.

Now, it's so spread out, people picking things up here and there... folks are still buying, but it's not condensed into an actual Christmas sales period. By the time the day after Thanksgiving comes, people are almost done shopping, or inured to all of it.

*shrug* I don't know, just something I've wondered about.

 

[csds703]

The only thing that bothers my husband is when they know he's Jewish and they send him an obvious Christian card. (which means, you should be Christian)

As a gesture to other Dr.s, he takes call for them so THEY can celebrate Xmas as he is Jewish. (they don't realize he celebrates Xmas with us); it kind of ruins our Xmas every year; but he wants to do it for them.

Guess that tells you something about my Jewish husband.

Also I've always had close friends that were Jewish growing up; for some strange reason. In Louisiana they were banned from the country clubs; I could join (we didn't) but they couldn't. The just ignored it, worked hard, went to the best schools.

That's why they may be somewhat clannish in some places; they have been persecuted as late as fairly recently; 60's-70's, and still are in little ways. Just think of being the only boy in the class that can't celebrate Xmas like the others; parents said and teacher insists, or forgets: "Now bring your xmas present to trade".. That's how it was; painful for minorities.

My daughter had an experience over the summer that was very upsetting. It started out as typical "teenage drama". Some kids decided they didn't like her and started to harass her. One night she gets a phonecall. It was an electronically altered voice.
"Listen you Jew , you need to burn in the oven". Alot of other hateful things were said as well.
Why does it always come down to that?:waitasec: :banghead:

 

[windovervocalcords]

My daughter had an experience over the summer that was very upsetting. It started out as typical "teenage drama". Some kids decided they didn't like her and started to harass her. One night she gets a phonecall. It was an electronically altered voice.
"Listen you Jew , you need to burn in the oven". Alot of other hateful things were said as well.
Why does it always come down to that?:waitasec: :banghead:

I am sorry your daughter was on the receiving end of senseless hatred.

I think this kind of painful experience happens because we do not deal with our prejudices openly. Most of the time we are ignorant that we have them or we cover them up. Then some incident makes a person let go of the facade when in anger or when intoxicated.

If we are to be honest with ourselves, get to know our prejudices and ask for help with them this kiind of very hurtful experience would happen less.

Its a great argument to me why those who think its all more PC BS to be inclusive, culturally sensitve and work on developing tolerance are wrong.

 

[csds703]

The problem is when it is clearly Christmas they are speaking about, yet they use "Holiday." If the parade has Santa and other Christmas themed items, it's a Christmas parade. Unless they want to have Menorah floats, etc. in it. In that case, it'd be fine, I think. Same for stores. When they are talking about an item that is clearly a Christmas item (a tree, Christmas wrapping paper, etc) calling it "Holiday" with the express idea of not saying "Christmas" is offensive. It IS like taking Christ out of Christmas because His name is in it. And refusing to say it because of that very reason, that His name is in it, even hought it is clearly Christmas event, or item, or whatever, is offensive to many Christians. Believe me, it isn't because we like the commercialism of His birthday. It's the refusal to acknowledge the "holiday" named after Him, when it is clearly what they are referring to. Does that help any? (Probably not, lol)

DK
I agree with your point. A Christmas tree is a Christmas tree. Same thing with all the other Christmas accessories. I have personally never heard anybody call these things Holiday anything.
If you invited me into to your home on Christmas, I would expect a Christmas celebration and I would be thrilled to be included. I would greet everybody with a Merry Christmas and graciously acknowledge your beliefs and traditions.
At the same time, I expect the same respect toward my beliefs and traditions. Walmart should acknowledge all it's customers, not by being SILLY and calling Christmas trees Holiday trees, THATS DUMB.
Wishing people a Happy Holiday and NOT assuming that they celebrate Christmas shouldn't be that difficult.

 

[PaperDoll]

ALABAMA CITY DITCHES 'HOLIDAY' LABEL FOR CHRISTMAS PARADE

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Montgomery, Alabama, won't have a holiday parade this year.

Mayor Bobby Bright says it will be a Christmas parade.

Bright says he renamed the celebration because of complaints he heard last year over it being dubbed a "Holiday Parade."

Rabbi Kenneth Segel of Montgomery's Temple Beth-Or says that's fine with him.

The rabbi says, "Jews who are grounded in their faith cannot be threatened by the practice of another religion." He adds that it would be wrong to ask "neighbors to shut off their colored lights or put away their manger scenes to avoid damaging sensitive psyches."

I agree with this.

 

[cappuccina]

...just "zip it" and go work in a soup kitchen or put food or clothing boxes together for needy families, or work in an ELV (Early Literacy) program at a school, or cook lunches for a Head Start program, yanno, something involving selfless charity work...

DK, try using all of your excess energy to help the less fortunate instead of debating the merits of how Christ's birth is represented at Macy's...

sheeeeesh *sigh*

 

[JBean]

...just "zip it" and go work in a soup kitchen or put food or clothing boxes together for needy families, or work in an ELV (Early Literacy) program at a school, or cook lunches for a Head Start program, yanno, something involving selfless charity work...

DK, try using all of your excess energy to help the less fortunate instead of debating the merits of how Christ's birth is represented at Macy's...

sheeeeesh *sigh*

"zip it?" Isn't this a topic for discussion? It's been a great debate , IMO. I think it has been productive and I have learned a thing or two.
What makes you think the people here don't do many of the things you recommend?

 

[PaperDoll]

...just "zip it" and go work in a soup kitchen or put food or clothing boxes together for needy families, or work in an ELV (Early Literacy) program at a school, or cook lunches for a Head Start program, yanno, something involving selfless charity work...

DK, try using all of your excess energy to help the less fortunate instead of debating the merits of how Christ's birth is represented at Macy's...

sheeeeesh *sigh*

back at ya :razz:

 

[cappuccina]

...volunteer work for a variety of organizations, mostly involving needy children and families...So, if you want to spend your time sticking your tongue out at me, that's fine...

The point I am making, is that I have not ONCE heard the religious zealots on this board talk about the importance of charity, the true meaning of Christmas, or anything of the sort. They importance of the "Golden Rule" and its corresponding code or moral conduct is not talked about by these folks either, nor the Christian concepts of tolerance, selfless charity, or kindness...

Your post, above, exemplifies what I am talking about, and I think you are better than that....

 

[windovervocalcords]

Some posters have been generous in their attitudes and have no problem saying "Happy Holiday" or recognizing we are not all Christmas celebrators. Many of us who do not celebrate Christmas have said we have no problem with wishing Merry Christmas.

Other posters are over the top livid over the phrase Happy Holidays or inclusive Holiday Parties. They seem nearly militant about wanting EVERYONE to say Merry Christmas, acknowledge THEIR holiday or else.

What gets missed, is that those of us who sit and listen and watch the events unfold see and feel the spirit of Christmas more through the kindness and generosity, not only through works of charity, but in the charitable attitudes that may potentially be expressed to ALL people of the world who wish to live in peace, not just the Christmas celebrators.

If Christians want to have a Merry Christmas, then why not just be merry? Why let anyone stop your good cheer? No one is endangering you, oppressing you, arresting you, for saying and being merry. Be kind and generous to others, not just those dear to you, the followers of your own faith.

On the other hand, if Christians want to have a crabby Christmas just keep complaining about savvy retailers who try to stay in business and give people jobs through pleasing the full range of consumers who shop.

 

[Masterj]

...volunteer work for a variety of organizations, mostly involving needy children and families...So, if you want to spend your time sticking your tongue out at me, that's fine...

The point I am making, is that I have not ONCE heard the religious zealots on this board talk about the importance of charity, the true meaning of Christmas, or anything of the sort. They importance of the "Golden Rule" and its corresponding code or moral conduct is not talked about by these folks either, nor the Christian concepts of tolerance, selfless charity, or kindness...

Your post, above, exemplifies what I am talking about, and I think you are better than that....

I agree with your viewpoint, but don't think you need to stoop to insulting others for disagreeing with you. This post and the one before it were extremely condescending and IMO that weakens your argument.

 

[PaperDoll]

...volunteer work for a variety of organizations, mostly involving needy children and families...So, if you want to spend your time sticking your tongue out at me, that's fine...

The point I am making, is that I have not ONCE heard the religious zealots on this board talk about the importance of charity, the true meaning of Christmas, or anything of the sort. They importance of the "Golden Rule" and its corresponding code or moral conduct is not talked about by these folks either, nor the Christian concepts of tolerance, selfless charity, or kindness...

Your post, above, exemplifies what I am talking about, and I think you are better than that....

Sorry if I misread the meaning behind your post Capp .. I took it as an insult at the posters here who are expressing their views. You have no clue what goes on behind these computers screens when we are not posting on WS. I'm sure some of these poster do give to charities, help others and practice what they preach. No one is holier than thou in IMO.. NOT ONE.. This thread was about Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holiday and I understand some of us poster get heated and off topic.. Oh well, nothing new there that is the way these forums go sometimes.. anyways, once again, sorry if I misread your post..

 

[Dark Knight]

...just "zip it" and go work in a soup kitchen or put food or clothing boxes together for needy families, or work in an ELV (Early Literacy) program at a school, or cook lunches for a Head Start program, yanno, something involving selfless charity work...

DK, try using all of your excess energy to help the less fortunate instead of debating the merits of how Christ's birth is represented at Macy's...

sheeeeesh *sigh*

You have no idea how much I do or don't do for the less fortunate and the needy, and I am not going to detail it because that is between the Lord and I. But that's a major part of my Catholic faith, and we take it seriously.