D :
"So my work Xmas party is called 'non denominational holiday gathering' (eye roll emoji)
And we're doing a gift exchange. So here are a few things I saw that I can give as my gift" (angel emoji)
D:
"and the best one...."
Another friend, K, (Hindu, if you need to ask) commented.
K :
"haha. Go for it. Yes it bothers me that it's not called Christmas. Christ was born on the day therefore its not Ramadan it's not Diwali its Christmas ugh. Annoying."
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A good 5 yrs ago or so, I had a patient wish me Merry Christmas and handed me a little present, as she always did each year around the same time. Mrs. S was about 85yrs old at that time. She is Jewish and from South Africa. This particular year she told me that it is a shame what she has been noticing, how people are trying to get rid of the word Christmas from this day. She went on to say, that she is not sure who is being "offended" because if someone said Merry Christmas to her she would not be offended. She would simply say that she doesn't celebrate it but thank you, you too.
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About 2 or 3 years ago another separate patient of mine wished me a Merry Christmas during his appointment. He was about 70 yrs old at that time and also Jewish. "It's terrible what they are doing to you guys" I asked what he meant. "You know, what they are trying to do to Christmas, to stop saying it and all. It's pretty bad. That you are not allowed to say it anymore."
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So it makes me wonder.... Who really is being offended, and what exactly is the offence that is being done to them? I've heard it all "politically correct" , "some people are offended because they used to be religious (particularly christian or catholic) and now they are not." "you are offending all the people that do not celebrate christmas" "people are feeling left out". "its not being inclusive".
Lets stop for some simple reflection beyond what the status quo accepts without critical thinking.
Political correctness. Questions to ponder. What is so political about a religious holiday or celebration? Or is it simply that they (politicians I assume?) are trying to make a religious holiday or celebration more political for their own benefit? And if so, how can we also make Hannukah, Diwali, and Ramadan more political too? Do religious celebrations have to be political? And what purpose would it benefit to eliminate the religious name from this celebration, what can they gain?
Used to be Christian or Catholic. Ok that is their own personal journey. No one is forcing them to celebrate Christmas. No one is forcing them to go to Mass. Why eliminate the name of it? Maybe they choose not to celebrate it at all. That's ok. Or maybe they want to still celebrate it (not the religious part of it) but want to participate in the unfortunate diversion from the meaning of Christmas - the consumerism aspect is what draws them to it. Then do so, call it what you like to yourself - holiday, gift giving gift getting, winter celebration - whatever you want to call it.... but do not force that on others, do not force others to get rid of it just because you did yourself. Heck if every vegan forced meat eaters to only eat like they did.....
Offending all people. From the above examples it is obvious that Christmas is not offending those that do not celebrate it themselves. If I celebrate my birthday with my friends and family in a restaurant, shall I stop because it is offending all the other patrons in the restaurant who are not celebrating their birthday that day? And to top it off I give them a day off of work, is that offensive? In fact, for the most part, those that do have their own religious celebrations seem to respect other religious celebrations. That is what it comes down to, isn't it? Respect. Respect of other people's religions, even if it is not of your own belief. Though it is true that, in any religion or without a religion, no one should tolerate disrespect of a human being. How is it that Christmas itself is disrespecting a fellow human being?
People feeling left out. Actually, during this time (though unfortunate because it should be all the time) is when people start to give. To notice more people in need, more Christmas dinners, Christmas present and food drives being held for those who are hungry and those who are lonely. I have a couple who are patient's of mine who invite all those that they know who are possibly going to be alone during this time. They open their doors to those in need. Though it should be everyday that this is being done, what other times do people tend to do this (Thanksgiving, Easter...). In fact the stores are packed and parties galore around this time, so it seems to me that people want to be a part of this celebration. And what is great about it, is that they can, no one is policing them to say NO you cannot do this because you do not have the right religious denomination, no one is saying they are not allowed. Are they afraid to celebrate it because they feel that they are being forced to accept all the religious beliefs that go with it?
Inclusive. In a day and age as this time we call NOW, everyone is more aware of being culturally sensitive, diverse, open to other cultures, other religions, other practices. In Canada apparently we pride ourselves on our diversity and acceptance. Well how is it then when it appears to be intolerant of a specific religion, a specific "holiday". I have been to stores to buy my Christmas cards and it is becoming harder and harder to find cards that say Christmas. Why is it ok to eliminate this word for this special day and yet we do not eliminate other religious holiday words? You can be passive about it and say "who cares what you call it" but it actually means something to the people who celebrate it, and it simply does not seem fair. You do not have to be Christian or Catholic to celebrate Christmas or the spirit of Christmas, nor do you have to be a certain culture or nationality or skin colour to be Christian or Catholic. But call the day like it is.
Christmas.
And everyone is welcome to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas.
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