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Respect Should Be Integral Part of Christmas, Holidays

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 23, 2007

The minor dustup over the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce's first "Holiday Tree Lighting Event" this month is a reminder that respect should always play a role in how people celebrate holidays and seasons, or how they refrain from recognizing them.

Some people were upset the chamber didn't use the word "Christmas" in billing the event at Wesley Chapel District Park. But the name shouldn't have mattered. People who celebrate Christmas knew what the event was all about. And people of all faiths and beliefs use the term "holiday season" all the time.

Regardless of the name, the event was a celebration of a great time of year, period. Residents who were miffed at the absence of "Christmas" in the title should have respected the right of chamber officials to use a more generic description.

The chamber's decision certainly didn't diminish what was a great community event, and it shouldn't put a damper on next year's lighting as well. It's a good lesson to think about these last couple of days before Christmas.

The minor controversy was reminiscent of a similar dispute in Boston a couple of years ago when the city's parks and recreation department changed the name of the city's spruce "Christmas tree" on Boston Common to "holiday tree."
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino had the right spirit. "I grew up with a Christmas tree," he told the Boston Globe. "I'm going to stay with a Christmas tree." And it was his right to call it that.

Respect.

Likewise, those who reject or feel uncomfortable about the religious history and symbols of Christmas should respect the beliefs of those who celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.

If anything, the tide has been turning against public celebrations of Christmas as a religious holiday. Many store-greeters now wish us "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Some nativity scenes on public property include fake snowmen, reindeer and other symbols in an attempt to convince the public that government is by no means viewing Christmas as religious.

It's unfortunate that fair compromises can't be reached. People who put the religious meaning of Christmas first should be free to do so without being criticized, and the same courtesy should be given those who only equate Christmas with Santa Claus, gifts and Rudolph. Likewise for those who ignore the holiday.

Indeed, Pasco County residents are fortunate to have a number of Santas who raise money and collect food, clothing and toys for less fortunate neighbors this time of year, and outstanding churches that also conduct similar drives and provide places for worship and fellowship. Both groups also work year-round.

Look at it this way: Most traditional calendars identify Dec. 25 either as "Christmas" or "Christmas Day." It is a federal holiday signed into law more than 130 years ago. It's up to you to decide how you view and celebrate this special day or whether to treat it as any other.

In doing so, respect the right of others to celebrate as they see fit.

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