It's admittedly a tricky thing...I want and yearn for everyone to join in the joy of the season, whether it be the joy of Hannukah, the joy of the holiday season, or the joy of Christmas. As much as I believe in the Christian celebration, I also recognize the chance for more of the "unity of diversity" within the season. I'd like to say "the more the merrier", that whoever chooses to celebrate with us, welcome.

But not at the expense of what it means to me. I do welcome all celebration and expressions of joy (Happy Holidays is fine with me...like you say, at least they're recognizing that we're celebrating SOMETHING), but I want to retain my right to call everything I do and celebrate "Christmas" without feeling guilty, politically incorrect or offending anyone else. Again, unity in diversity. I don't ask anyone else to change the names of their celebrations or holy days...and I want the same courtesy/right extended to me. Ironically, I don't think it's the people of other belief systems who would deny us that right, it's the people who don't want to celebrate anything at all.

PS I absolutely don't mind if anyone else calls their own personal tree a holiday tree, a Hannukah tree, or a whatever tree...I just want to be able to call MY tree or a publicly displayed and decorated tree a Christmas tree without any fear of repercussion or social ostracization!

[ December 02, 2005, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: Eagle Heart ]