I don't get too riled up about the War on Christmas stuff--not because I don't think there is a measure of anti-Christian attitude in all the "Happy Holidays" mandates and banning of nativity scenes, but because I find the politically correct reaction to Christmastime more silly and joyless and self-defeating than outrageous.
My thought is that if you give these hysterical folks enough garland, they'll hang themselves. It's worthwhile to point out and fight slights at Christmastime, but I think the best remedy is probably for Christians to enjoy their Christmases, spread the joy the holiday is meant to spread, and wish folks a hearty "Merry Christmas" when appropriate. I'd just hate to see the political anger and litigiousness take over the real spirit of the season. That's what secular Lefties do this time of year-- not us. We've got a birthday and blessings to celebrate!
That being said, I think it is important to point out the silliness when it happens. Let's just do it with a smile on our faces.
So, here's some Christmas Silly for you:
A public Christmas festival is no place for the Christmas story, the city says. Officials have asked organizers of a downtown Christmas festival, the German Christkindlmarket, to reconsider using a movie studio as a sponsor because it is worried ads for its film "The Nativity Story" might offend non-Christians.
Apprently, attending the "Christ Child Market" didn't offend any non-Christians. Perhaps we should just rename the movie, "Die Nativity-Geschichte" and everything would be fine. Banning the story of the Christ child's birth from a festival that bears his name. Classic.
There are some who scoff at those who believe there's a War on Christmas. What a silly knee-jerk notion, they say. To them I say, y'all are the ones who freak out about playing a mainstream, nationally released Christmas movie at a Christmas festival. We're just playing defense on the Stupid, over here.
And, because I'm an even-handed kinda chick, here's some Christmas Silly from the other side. I actually spotted this on DU yesterday and found myself sort of agreeing with them (don't throw anything at me!):
A subdivision has withdrawn its threat of $25 daily fines against a homeowner who put a Christmas wreath shaped like a peace sign on the front of her home.
“We want to let you know that this evening we just received a letter from the Loma Linda Home Owners Board of Directors stating: We had a misunderstanding with your Christmas decoration and for that we apologize. We withdraw any and all previous requests for removal of your decoration,” homeowner Lisa Jensen told The Associated Press.
According to yesterday's story, they had asked her to remove it because it was "divisive."
It seems to me that a Christmas wreath in the shape of a peace sign is about the same level of political statement as a yellow ribbon in your yard. In both instances, the sentiment itself isn't necessarily political, but it's a decent indication that you lean one way or the other, politically, and in your sentiments about the war in Iraq. It's just as silly to ban a fairly tasteful, peace-sign Christmas wreath as it is to ban a yellow ribbon.
Now, if we're talking overt, actually divisive political messages like, "No Blood for Oil" and "Bomb Mecca," and the homeowners' association has decided those are off-limits, fine. But a Christmas wreath as "divisive?" Nah.
I'm generally annoyed by homeowner associations that make these overreaching rules about what folks can have in their yards and on their houses, which sometimes end up prohibiting American flags and yellow ribbons. But you sign onto the association's rules when you move in, and you're gonna end up having these battles every now and then.
But for the record, I think those offended by Christmas movies and peace-sign wreaths should chill a bit.