This time of year you often hear about the supposed "War on Christmas" which always sounds stupid to me. I've come up with my own theory about it. It's the Christians' fault. Not all Christians, just the ultra-conservative right-wing Christians. I'll refer to them as UC Christians.
Yes, this country is predominantly Christian, and yes Christmas is a Christian holiday BUT it isn't the only religion or winter holiday. If UC Christians weren't so fanatical about Christmas, believing that it's the only holiday to celebrate in late December, then those who practice other religions (or no religion) wouldn't feel so compelled to demand equal time.
There's a prime example of this happening in our state capitol. Someone put up a plaque espousing atheist beliefs to counterbalance a Christmas tree on display. The UC Christians had a fit, and someone ended up stealing the plaque. (It was later recovered). That just angered those who practice other religions, so now we have to display symbols of all holidays, including a Festivus pole.
If the UC Christians had just ignored the plaque, or even better yet led by example and taught their children that it's okay to love others who believe differently than you do, it would have ended quietly. Even the UC-est of Christians should have felt pity for those who hadn't found God, and prayed for their souls.
Do I think it's stupid that schoolchildren have to have "Holiday" parties instead of "Christmas" parties so as not to offend? Yes. Do I think it's a "War on Christmas?" No, just political correctness gone overboard.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus, Happy Winter Solstice, and general merriment to any religion I left out.
