Much Ado About Christmas

Before you call child protective services about the old man on the corner, beckoning children to sit on his lap, tempting them with sugary sweets, stop the madness and use the common sense test.  It’s December and the old man is wearing a bright red suit trimmed in white faux fur.  We call him Santa Claus and through his many incarnations he’s been delighting children and parents for centuries.

Santa Claus is a beloved symbol for the national holiday of Christmas.   The definition of a National holiday means the holiday is recognized by the national government and all of its states.  So why did NPR reporter Nina Totenberg openly apologize for using the phrase “Christmas party” while telling a story?  When did we start publicly apologizing for Santa Claus? Are we going to have to apologize for mentioning we attended a Labor day party or Washington’s Birthday party (both national holidays) too?  Can we use some common sense please?

The problem with Nina and many other Americans like her is that they live their lives trying not to offend anyone.  In an attempt to please every religion and every person, they wind up not pleasing anyone, let alone themselves.  There is nothing wrong with saying I attended an Eid Ul-Fitr feast or I attended a Chanakuh dinner.  These are recognized holidays and I’m happy that others can celebrate them.   One common thread this time of year brings out in all major religions is the need to reconnect with loved ones and the need to be thankful for life’s blessings.  Unless your heart is several sizes too small and you live in Whoville, what’s wrong with wanting to share happiness and love?

We have to stop equivocating and decide who we want to be as a nation.  On one hand we hate the trucks that lumber and slow our morning commutes on the road.  On the other hand we demand to have our Christmas gifts over-nighted with rush delivery.  Then we complain about the detour signs and road construction but yet we want our cars to drive on smoothly paved roads.   We hate enduring the crowded stores, fighting for the last-minute must-have toy, but at the same time, we want an increase in consumer spending to get the economy to get back on track.   Let’s apply the common sense test here.

What do we want to say to each other and who do we want to be?  I’m personally taking back one small piece of my town by saying Merry Christmas.  Happy Holidays is a fine greeting too but right now it’s Christmas season and Christmas is my holiday.  Feel free to greet me with any greeting or any holiday wish you chose to celebrate.  I won’t judge or feel slighted by it.  I have common sense.  But expect a “Merry Christmas” in return.

And Nina, unless you can change your perspective about a nationally beloved jolly fellow in a red suit, expect a lump of coal, and I do not apologize for using the expression, in your Christmas stocking this year.

What do you think? Should Santa be banned from public events? And should we be allowed to celebrate Christmas publicly?