War Is Over, If You Want It

I had hoped things would calm down this year about "The War On Christmas."  But of course not.  Sigh.

I hear about it, much as I try to ignore it.  I see articles mentioning it, people saying dumb things about it.  At least there was this.  I found this interesting too.  People can be reasonable sometimes, though it doesn't always seem like it.

But then I hear dumb shit.  And see things like this.  No trees for anyone who can't prove they're Christian?  I suppose next no one who isn't a member of a church can celebrate Easter.  And, of course, no one without an Irish passport can celebrate St. Patrick's Day, right?

I read an editorial by a guy who said he's not going to say "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Hanukkah," or shop at stores that don't "promote Christmas."  First, do you really, in your heart of hearts, believe Jesus would approve of the mass spending binge that we call Christmas?  Would he want to be associated with it at all?  Do you think he would actively oppose others celebrating other holidays? Don't belittle him by assuming he would support your pettiness.

Second, are you that much of a jerk?  You want people to wish you the best on your holiday, but refuse to do it on theirs?  What an ass.

I often say Merry Christmas.  I just posted Christmas songs.  I will wish you a happy whatever, if I know what you celebrate, or just say Happy Holidays or "have a great vacation," whatever seems appropriate.

And really, to me "happy holidays" is just short for "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," and all the other holidays.  It's efficient; it saves time.  Or how about "season's greetings?"  We used to say that.  Is it offensive?   Both sayings are inclusive, and not rude to everyone who happens to be of a different faith, or no faith.  And that's what all this is really about, isn't it?  Some people think that because they're Christian, everyone else ought to be too.  And, of course, to follow their own particular subsect of the thousands that call themselves Christian.  No Catholics, right?  No Mormons, or Quakers, or Christian Scientists, or whatever else you don't like.   It's megalomaniac to say "everyone ought to celebrate things my way."  Celebrate how you want.  Let others celebrate how they want.  I shorten it to Happy Holidays, since there are, you know, more than one...  There's Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, etc.  I have friends who celebrate those, and more.  I'd rather be nice to them, include them, than say "Fuck you, do things my way!"  But I guess that's just me...

It looks to me that this whole "say Merry Christmas or else" mindset is full of hate, not good cheer.  Again, do you really think Jesus would act as you are?  With an attitude-filled orgy of consumerism, and insistence on everyone doing what you do?  Or do you think that, just maybe, he would welcome everyone, and have a quiet night of peace? Just sayin'.

And there's a sorta civil war (not that there's any real war here besides made-up stuff on Fox News,) because it seems most Christians celebrate quietly, worshipfully, and others say "celebrate loudly, with materialism and pagan symbols.  Or else!" So it's a war between "WWJD" and "do what I say!"  How about acting Jesus-like, since you call yourself a Christian?  I'm thinking he would be accepting, not attacking.

Once again, as with so many "culture war" issues, it's a ginned-up war.  "You're attacking our religion!"  Bullshit.  You're making yourself look foolish.  It's a repurposed pagan holiday.  Put the Christ in Xmas?  Fine.  Go home, go to church, don't get gifts, don't decorate trees, etc.  All of that is the secular holiday of Christmas, more about giving to family and friends than celebrating Jesus' birth. And really, though, what is wrong with being nice to each other?

Meanings change.  The holiday is, indeed, evolving.  It's not much of a religious holiday anymore, to most.  Neither is Halloween- it's not what it started as, and that's fine.  Celebrate however you want.  Don't make others celebrate your way.  Openness to assorted views is not the same as imposing a view on you.  It's maybe interfering with your view that everyone ought to do it your way... And rightfully so. It's not an attack on your religion.  It's an embracing of all religions.  Okay, if your religion includes imposing your views on others, insisting everyone worship the way you do, then maybe it is an attack.  But if your religion includes your relationship with God, worshipping as you see fit, then it's not.

And isn't free enterprise a conservative value?  Can't a business owner say what he wants, to welcome in ALL his customers? You're free not to shop there (stupid, but free.)  And I appreciate the heads-up you give me by letting me know you're that much of an asshole.  (Oh, and to all the secession petitioners: thanks for the census of idiots.  Now we have a better idea how many are out there.)

Look- celebrate as you wish.  And let others celebrate what they wish, as they wish.  In other words, be a decent human being.  Enjoy your holidays, whatever they may be.  Let's start the new year (ack! another holiday!) by relaxing and being nice to each other.