This Footsoldier's Sitting Out The War On Christmas

[eyesroll]

(cross-posted -- original is here: http://www.fightingbob.com/guestblog.cfm?PostID=1491)

Growing up, I was one of very few Jewish kids in my public elementary school. This wasn't a problem until fourth grade, when my music teacher supplemented standards like "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger" with another song, possibly of her own pen, that read as a prayer.

I refused to sing, and eventually ended up in the principal's office. The teacher later dropped the prayer, added a short Hanukkah song to the pageant and made me a narrator. I consider that my first act of civil disobedience, but who knew I was firing what could have been the opening salvo in the War On Christmas?

We've all heard about Bill O'Reilly's Crusade, and the Battle Of The Misnamed Holiday Tree. But now, there's a new front: Operation Sue Those Godless Liberals. Conservative Christian groups, apparently having nothing better to do with their time and money, are threatening to sue two Wisconsin school districts for discriminating against Christianity, because they don't sing enough religious Christmas songs. One of their top complaints? That they're using the tune to "Silent Night," with different words (from a song pulled from a 1998 program). The schools do sing "Angels We Have Heard On High" (which I have really only heard sung in churches), and "Let There Be Peace On Earth," but this is not enough.

As a secular Jew, I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to do here. I have no problem with "Merry Christmas" (when it's actually Christmas, not in November) or "Happy Holidays." I'm not even looking at what words Target uses for their sales. I call that big evergreen with the lights a Christmas tree, even when it's on government property. I have no desire to be a soldier in this War On Christmas (and what would I do, anyway? Hypnotize O'Reilly into submission with my dreidel?).

I bet most of the non-Fox-News-worshipping world doesn't give a rip about this. Sure, they'd be uncomfortable if the music teachers were teaching their kids prayers from a religion not their own, as I was back in fourth grade, but nobody's accusing anyone of trying to do that. No, most people are just happy to see their kids singing their hearts out and to get a good deal on a new DVD player.

Season’s greetings, everyone.

[NV Whino]

1. Happy and one hopes Peaceful Holidays

to you, not to mention a Prosperous (we can hope can't we?) New Year.

[eyesroll]

2. And you as well!

:toast:

[sui generis]

3. much ado about nothing

look, over there!

Oy.

At this time of year it is considerate to wish seasons greetings or happy holidays, but I don't find "merry christmas" offensive, especially if not intended in anything but good cheer, just as I don't find using the expression "god dammit" to mean may you burn in eternal hell in a lake of boiling magma for all eternity, goddammit.

Unfortunately there are some rabid christians who are on the offense, and dare you to BE offended if they spew spittle and scream "Merry Christmas this is MY holiday you heathen", and will promptly lapse into that all season favorite: christian persecution complex if you wish them happy holidays back.

You can't fix 'em when they're that badly broke. It's just best to avoid 'em. All vexacious people can do for you is get your blood pressure up.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. I just don't get what the argument is about.

If someone wishes me "Merry Christmas" not knowing I'm an Jewish atheist, I will wish them the same. If someone says "Happy Holidays" I assume they are being careful not to offend or they are including Christmas and New Years in a single package. I'll give them back the same. If the person I'm talking to is wearing a Christmas wreath pin, I'll say Merry Christmas, because that is the nice thing to do -- I don't say it for my sake, but for theirs.

It seems like a silly thing to pick a fight over.

Now, "under God" in the pledge, and "in God we trust" on the money -- that's a different matter.

[mongo]

4. Not being Christian enough is discrimination?

What will they think of next?