The meaning of Christmas

I sometimes think that we Christians have done it to ourselves. WE have commercialized the holidays until smart marketing requires saying HAPPY HOLIDAYS, because, really, wouldn’t it sound dumb to say “Merry Christmas” in October? :)

That would get old.

Under attack? Perhaps that is exaggerated, but who knows. There are some instances, I fear, that would amount to an attack of sorts. For instance, when they forbid children to bring “Christmas” cookies or decorations to school, I think that is going too far. We all grew up being able to laugh and joke about ethnics and religion, but now you dare not say anything even slightly suggestive lest you be labeled insensitive and punished for lacking diversity!

Well, I digress. I think it’s fine to use the “holidays” for marketing purposes, but I’m not sure about having the government step in and dictate what we can and cannot say in school programs. But, then again, I’m not sure about a lot of things ... :)

I do think the attack comes in the form of ACLU actions such as having the County of Los Angeles redesign their official logo, stationary, etc. to remove a small cross that historically has always been a part of their representation. I guess you have to wonder where it will all stop.

Our good friend, the late Father Bernard Goebel, was persecuted mercilessly in the concentration camps because of his Catholic religion, so attack can comes from all sides. And, I know some very fundamentalist Christians, and, indeed, I would not want them to rule my country! :)

I have a funny story. I took my 3-year-old granddaughter this evening to pick up Churches fried chicken because her mother was working late (I’m a slave driver!) When we pulled up to the window to get our order, Little Miss Julia yells out (she has a naturally loud voice) to the lady at the window, “Happy Holidays!” and again the same thing to the next lady who came to the window! They answered her back with Merry Christmas and got a kick out of this little kid greeting them. I — and her mother — have no idea where this little kid got that from!!!! But, how ironic? Happy Holidays, indeed. :)

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the best to you and yours!