Tis the Season to be “Un PCâ€
I have decided this year I will not cater to the PC warriors. I will not attend any “holiday events†I will attend any “Christmas eventsâ€, I will not buy the “Happy Holiday Cards†but will purchase “Merry Christmas Cards†and just won’t send them to any PC warriors (I mean I don’t mind getting Happy Hanukkah Cards, it does not offend me in any way shape or form). I will wish everyone a “Merry Christmasâ€, not “Happy Holidaysâ€, or a “Joyful Seasonâ€. I will not shop at stores that carry all the Christmas items (trees, lights, baby Jesus) but insist on calling it a “Holiday†and not what it is “CHRISTMASâ€. We don’t buy Kwanza presents for underprivileged children do we? NO… We buy CHRISTMAS presents! I am tired of all the PC crap….but that is just me.
Who is offended when someone wishes you a Merry Christmas, gives you a Christmas card, or invites you to a Christmas party?
I agree. I have decided to shop only at stores that use "Christmas" in their stores. So far, I have Wal-Mart and Dillards. So my shopping choices are dramatically reduced. The one thing we have to use is our money and I choose to spend mine where Christmas is embraced. We don't buy holiday presents or put up holiday trees, we buy Christmas presents and put up Christmas trees. I wish more people would support the stores this year that officially recognise Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all!
Festivus for the rest of us!
<sigh> The culture wars at the holidays again. :(
When out and about, many of us heartily wish others a "Happy Holidays" with all sincerity because we are from mixed religion families or lived in ethnically diverse neighborhoods -- it's how we grew up. In our extended family, the holiday season encompasses Haunukah, Christmas, Yule, and the New Year. It is truly a season of happy holidays*.
I have never met anyone who gets offended when the "wrong" greeting is thrown their way, except for people who are upset at hearing "Happy Holidays." If you wish someone a "Merry Christmas," be prepared to be wished a "Happy Haunukah" back. This really isn't a problem if everyone just smiles and takes whatever they hear as best wishes. It isn't about PC. It's about being polite.
*LOL, TPC. Guess I should add festivus. We have a festivus-like family tradition on the day we decorate.
<sigh> is right.
Leave it to the God Warriors to turn the happiest time of year into a divisive kvetch (pardon my Yiddish) fest.
Quote from: stug on November 21, 2008, 09:45:29 AMa divisive kvetch (pardon my Yiddish) fest.
Meshugass would be the Yiddish word that best fits all of this. :)
Uptown Girl when are you going to realize that America is full of many cultures? It's not just the white, christian mans' land anymore. I know you and your fellow religious fanatics wish it were, but it's not. So get over it. This is a great time of the year to celebrate whatever it is that you celebrate. So yes, a Happy Holidays is in order!
Quote from: TPC on November 21, 2008, 09:11:10 AM
Festivus for the rest of us!
I just pulled out my Festivus Pole from the garage!!!
If I remember correctly from a different thread, UTG does not self-identify as a Christian conservative. Also, I find it ironic that anyone is reminding UTG that this is not a "white man's land."
In the spirit of the holidays, let's all be nice.
Ah, Festivus. We've shifted the airing of grevances to when we decorate. As in, "You no-good, lazy, %*#&! I know that you couldn't go into research science because of your poor math skills so law was your only option, but can't you hold the tree straight while I tighten the bolts!" or "I would have been able convert all of the outdoor lights to LED this year if *someone* would have put in some more hours at the office, but nooooo...." Our feats of strength usually involve drinking, tolerating certain relatives for long lenghts of time, and the family boules championship.
It cracks me up.
See I am not christian, I am not white... but anytime you want to support something tied to Christians you are automatically a Christian right winger and white.
I specifically stated I am not offended by any other religious or cultural greetings. I appreciate them in fact! I get many different cards and greetings every year because I have a very diverse family and friends. My only quest this year is to see how it is to be a Christian and try to celebrate "Christmas" instead of having to hide "Christmas" behind some type all encompassing "holiday" so no one else is offended. it seems strange to me that everyone BUT Christians is allowed to freely celebrate in what ever way they so choose, but not Christians. Just thought I would check this out and give it the smell test...
It is clear from the posts so far, that it isn't quite posisble without getting attacked, and THAT is what should be thought about here. So far the smell test stinks.
Quote from: uptowngirl on November 21, 2008, 11:34:15 AM
It cracks me up.
See I am not christian, I am not white... but anytime you want to support something tied to Christians you are automatically a Christian right winger and white.
I specifically stated I am not offended by any other religious or cultural greetings. I appreciate them in fact! I get many different cards and greetings every year because I have a very diverse family and friends. My only quest this year is to see how it is to be a Christian and try to celebrate "Christmas" instead of having to hide "Christmas" behind some type all encompassing "holiday" so no one else is offended. it seems strange to me that everyone BUT Christians is allowed to freely celebrate in what ever way they so choose, but not Christians. Just thought I would check this out and give it the smell test...
It is clear from the posts so far, that it isn't quite posisble without getting attacked, and THAT is what should be thought about here. So far the smell test stinks.
Why would anyone be offended by Christians celebrating Christmas? If any thing, most of the time it seems to be the other way around. Christians offended by others' celebrating something other than Christmas. No one should have to hide or be ashamed of their religious beliefs in this country. All these stores and organizations are trying to do is emcompass all religions and cultures when they say 'happy holiday.' I don't see anything wrong with that. Only christians do because they see it as some sort of attack on christian culture, when in fact, it's not.
Why would anyone be offended by Christians celebrating Christmas? If any thing, most of the time it seems to be the other way around. Christians offended by others' celebrating something other than Christmas. No one should have to hide or be ashamed of their religious beliefs in this country. All these stores and organizations are trying to do is emcompass all religions and cultures when they say 'happy holiday.' I don't see anything wrong with that. Only christians do because they see it as some sort of attack on christian culture, when in fact, it's not.
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Then why all the assumptions then that I am a christian, white, and attacking other cultural and religious belief? Why can a Christian (or anyone for that matter) be labeled a hater if they choose to only shop at stores that support their personal beliefs, or send out cards or greatings that support thier personal beliefs?
"All these stores and organizations are trying to do is emcompass all religions and cultures when they say 'happy holiday.' I don't see anything wrong with that. Only christians do because they see it as some sort of attack on christian culture, when in fact, it's not."
I find these comments especially interesting since it is pretty much false. The stores are not doing this to encompass all religions and cultures, they ahve been forced to do so be labeled hateful. Just look at the sales reciepts for what items are being purchased and the point will be proven. It seems to me it was the non-Christians that waged this attack. Christians weren't throwing a fit because Kwanza items were being sold and Target....
Ironically, most of the so-called "Christmas" symbols you refer to are inventions of Madison Avenue, not Bethlehem. Christmas Tree? A Victorian tradition that has its origins in the pagan Yule log. Electric lights? Hmmm...not sure the shepherds were carrying any. How exactly did these items take on a religious meaning in the first place?
And no, we don't buy Kwanzaa presents for children, nor should we purchase items at Target, because the celebration of Kwanzaa is not about gifts or material items.
So most of our ire is directed at merchants, who just want to sell more crap. You're calling it "Politically Correct" when politics has very little to do with it. Personally I'll save my energy for avoiding the buying frenzy of the entire season...I quit worrying about which group it "belongs" to long ago.
I celebrate Agnostimus. We're not sure about anything but we're not offended either.
LOL! Always the voice of reason HoopLady!
Almost all Christian holidays are rooted in Paganism.
I just find it interesting that as soon as I posted I would not participate in anything that is not "traditional Christmas" People started making assumptions and casting aspersions. I wonder what the impact would be if I had stated I would not participate in anything that was not "traditional Hanukkah/Kwanza/Winter Solstice"….
So much hatred and violence in the world. If someone takes the time to wish me Happy, Merry, Blessed, Joyous, Safe, or even Mildly Tolerable anything I am appreciative.
Quote from: hooplady on November 21, 2008, 01:13:50 PM
I celebrate Agnostimus. We're not sure about anything but we're not offended either.
LOL! That, and the antimaterialist sentiments you expressed, just about sum it all up for me.
When it gets right down to it, I hate the materialism of all the holidays. That's one reason why Ms. JaxByDefault's family travels and spends most of it's holiday energy on New Year celebrations. Mr. JaxByDefault's family, however, is still married to the idea of a big family Christmas with heaps of gifts, tons or shopping and stress, and too few adult beverages to make it all easier. :) So our options if we go spend the holidays with extended family are travel with Ms. JaxByDefault's big, loud, crazy family; or Mr. JaxByDefault's family country Christmas extravaganza.
...then there's the cooking, the cleaning, the guests, the decorating...ahh, the holidays. Whatever your prefered greeting, we can all agree that they more stressful than they were when we were kids.
So, to UTG, Merry Christmas! To everyone else, Happy Holidays! Now, get cooking everyone.
It is an Urban myth that people are offended by happy or merry whatever. No retailer is trying to end Christmas they just try to say please buy something any way they can. People will see a happy holidays card and think oh they are so PC even though that same retailer also carries Christmas cards.
I want snow.
Is Winter Wonderland like a country I can move to?
These comments have cracked me up. I would agree that the materialism of "Christmas" has turned me off to the whole season. I wonder how Christmas became so materialized in the first place? I mean how did the idea of going into debt to make sure everyone has tons of presents get started? My family has completely stopped the gift giving. We spend the money on airfare and food and then cooking and spending time together. I think this change has made the whole holiday season much more enjoyable. We are such a spoiled brat nation. I became one myself and trying to rid myself of it is really hard. I say whatever your religion and whatever traditions you celebrate, do so this year by reminding yourself of the real meaning behind what you believe. If you just have to buy something, buy books and then give a child 15 minutes of your time to read together. You'll help make the world a better place...I promise. ;)
Brainstormer that is is the best idea for the season:
"Buy a book and give 15 mins to a child to read with them"
I LOVE it!
Me too! As for the discussion and feelings about the holidays in general....yes, this is a diverse nation of many cultures, religions and so forth. Christmas is without a doubt, a Christian holiday...celebrating the birth of our Saviour. And yes, it's been commercialized over the years, and there have been ongoing attempts (many successful) in making this about everything but the birth of Christ. However, it's meaning and celebrations still vary from celebrating the winter solstice to the celebration of the birth of Christ.
I find nothing wrong with wishing someone "happy holidays" as a general greeting...but I do have issue with wanting to dismantle and do away with the real reason for the holiday. I don't like that we can no longer have Christmas celebrations at school, or in public offices, etc...where the name Christ is removed. We're forced to have holiday or winter celebrations. This country was founded upon the Christian faith...and we're evolving into a non-Christian society. I totally respect other religions, and would have no problem with city offices, etc decorating for other religious events. It wouldn't bother me at all to have the Star of David, or what would be displayed for Kwanzaa...and so on. This to me, would be a more reasonable way to celebrate the diversity of our nation. I just don't like it when we're forced to not mention the real reason for Christmas.
I opt for Chrismahanukwanzadan, hope for the fun of Festivus, and celebrate Christmas with the whole Italian side of the family, with about a bottle of wine for each adult, sex talk, and "ear muffs" for the kids...
QuoteWe are such a spoiled brat nation.
This is so true it hurts... :(
Just so everyone knows, I accept all gifts this time of the year, whether intended for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukaah, Maligayang Pasko, Yule, Weihnachten, etc....
PM me for delivery locations.
Here's a thought...when doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
QuoteHoliday Mail for Heroes
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-545
http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/ (http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/)
What a great idea!! Thanks jbm!
Great Idea JBM, we send cards and phone cards every year!!!
Good for you, and just think, if we all sent a card...what a difference that would make
Quote from: CMG22 on November 22, 2008, 10:56:24 AM
I opt for Chrismahanukwanzadan, ...
Freakin' love it. Well done CMG. I was thinking something similar. I love those "Merry Christmahanukwanzukah" commercials from a couple years ago. Sums it up well.
How about, "Happy Christmahanukwanzukahdanivus"? Works for me just fine.
Happy Christmahanukwanzukahdanivus my MetroJacksonville friends!
This whole post started because my granddaughter had two days worth of Kwanza study for school, nothing about Christmas though. Really I don't think either needs study at all. I think there is the hisotrical association of pagan celebrations to current celebrations, bit other than that a blurb here or there is quite suffcient. I found it interesting that only certain religious holidays or cultural celebrations were covered. I found it even more interesting that some of the most popular (from around the world based on population) were not covered at all.
I can only speak for myself and my family but I think there are much more important cultural activities, events to cover than Kwanza for two days!
rant over....Happy/merry whatever you like...I just hope you all get what your are wishing for this year!