(For once) I agree with Rivka. Every word. (Except that I can't vouch for the link, which I haven't opened.) The poll is very slanted. Assuming it was an attempt at humor or something, I voted as best I could.
I did the research on percentages last year when writing a rebuttal to a very slanted and somewhat offensive article in the local paper. (My rebuttal did not get printed, but at least I tried...) The numbers vary depending on who's asking whom (people can be reluctant to identify their religion on the census, and voluntary religious surveys can have funny demographics based on who's willing to respond), but it's somewhere around 85-90%.
The thing is, though, that this country was founded by religious minorities. Quakers and Puritans, although Christian, were maginalized and sometimes even persecuted because their beliefs didn't match up with the majority. They risked everything they had to take a journey across the ocean to a mostly unknown land because they wanted to live in a place where that wouldn't happen.
Now, I'm not saying we should do away with Christmas. By no means. And there's plenty of Christmas around, from decorations on houses and streets and buildings to music on every radio station and in every store to themed movies and TV shows (complete with Christmas-oriented ads) to just about anything else you can name.
I also don't mind getting into the "holiday spirit" of warmth and celebration. The lights are beautiful, too. And yes, I know several jews who put up lights in one form or another.
I don't think it's too much to ask to have at least gov't property clear of Christian decorations and messages. Either that or have something for everyone (which is almost impossible).
I can say that I feel swamped with Christmas wherever I go. I can't turn around without seeing some other bold proud reminder that the majority is celebrating a holiday that has nothing to do with me (and which, in my religion, is technically celebrating blasphemy).
I try not to be grumpy about it. I don't go yelling at people or making comments (unless, as here, the subject is brought up directly). I'm happy that you're enjoying it (if you are enjoying it rather than just feeling the pressure of needing to prepare and buy gifts and deal with the rampant commercialization). When someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," I just grin and wish them a "Happy Channukah."
I'd just rather have it shoved a little less forcefully and constantly into my face that the other 85-90% has a holiday coming up sometime in the next 6 weeks. It's kind of excessive. Telling me to just go along with it isn't very considerate, either.
As for celebrating the beauty and meaning, as Kmar suggests, I think that's what this thread is about. I like the beauty. I like the meaning. I think we can all get together over pretty lights and a time to be happy and nice. If we're all going to do it, though, it should be in a way that we can all participate. In other words, in a secular fashion. Multi-colored lights. Signs that say "Happy Holidays." Non-demoninational decorations. The sort of thing that we, as a socieity, have been slowly gravitating towards, and that some people are complaining about here.
Now, you're welcome to be more religious in and around your own house and with your friends and family. But when you involve the rest of us, I'd apreciate it if you'd make at least some effort not to leave us out.
The ideals of this country aren't based on "whatever the majority says goes." They're based on trying to include (or not to exclude) as many people as possible, whether they're part of the majority or not.
By all means, have Christmas. Enjoy it to the fullest. Just don't tell me that I have to have it, too.
Paul
