Posted on 12/15/2004 7:02:32 AM PST by MikeEdwards
Well, I did go to the mall yesterday. That's the Maplewood Mall in Maplewood, Minnesota. I bought a nice piece of jewelry for my wife and got a warm "Merry Christmas" from the salesperson.
Everywhere I went in the mall, I saw the words "Merry Christmas." On store windows, on signs. Barnes and Noble had a big sign announcing a sale on Christmas cards.
A kiosk in the mall was selling very nice wood carvings in the form of creches, the Last Supper, and other Christian religious themes.
There was a huge Christmas tree in the center of the mall, complete with a large angel at the top.
Christmas was everywhere in that mall, just as I expected.
I made several purchases yesterday, and got a "Merry Christmas" from every salesperson.
Perhaps others will have different stories. That's mine.
Let the heathens have their Santy Claus day. It will fall of it's own weight in short order.
"It will fall of it's own weight in short order."
While I like your idea about moving, I don't think the "Santy Claus day" will fall of it's own weight - at least not in this materialistic country that stresses buy, Buy, BUY!
It must be an empty feeling you are trying to fill.
I wear a small pin that says: "Merry Christmas, Believe it. Say it." from the Alliance Defense Fund (group that fights the ACLU frivolous lawsuits about religious expression and displays)
A co-worker saw it and remarked that he wouldn't take the risk of wearing the same pin to work: "We're more of a Happy Holidays company".
New Jersey is not so Christmas-y.
Although happy hanukkah signs are all over the place. Go figure.
Although there have been more 'Christmas sales' and such lately
I predict you are incorrect. Although we will never know.
How come, 5+ years ago, when stories about liberal groups being 'offended' by some such nonsense, the reply by conservatives was a mention of the "Bill of No Rights", which states that noone has the right to not be offended?
Yet when Christianity is involved, offense seems be taken rather quickly? Why aren't people 'offended' by these Christmas slights being reminded that noone has the right to not be offended? Or is there an "except Christians" clause to that that I missed?
"For a guy who doesn't believe in religion, you sure seem obsessed by it. I can't seem to find any thread even remotely related to religion that you aren't posting on."
Who says I don't believe in religion. I do. Religion is a real thing. How could I not believe in it. What I do not believe in is deities and other supernatural entities. I have no trouble believing in religion. There are lots of them.
Why am I posting on threads discussing religion? Generally, those threads involve some comments against people like me. Why would I not participate.
In this case, I was pointing out that Christmas is far from dead in our shopping malls. Much of what has been said regarding that is wrong.
Even the whole Macy's and Federated Department Stores controversy is wrong. Both companies have "Merry Christmas" featured on their web sites.
You know which stores don't? Walmart, Sears, JC Penney.
Religion interests me, so I participate on those threads.
It's called The Culture War.
"I got a "Happy Holidays" at the grocery store. My reply of "Merry Christmas" got a disbelieveing stare and silence.
I wear a small pin that says: "Merry Christmas, Believe it. Say it." from the Alliance Defense Fund (group that fights the ACLU frivolous lawsuits about religious expression and displays)"
Good for you. You SHOULD wear that pin, since it represents your beliefs. Anyone who objects to it is just plain wrong. You should say "Merry Christmas" whenever you want.
However, if someone does not return your greeting, or answers you a different way, please consider that the person may well not celebrate the Christian holiday. Even some Christian denominations do not. Express your beliefs, but recognize that not everyone shares them.
"It's called The Culture War."
Whatever. Noone has the right to not be offended.
Kinda like a superior being from another planet might be interested in the lower life forms on earth and their curious customs and beliefs?
You are nothing if not condescending.
At the same time, it wasn't too many years ago that the word Christmas didn't cause so many (supposed) HR nightmares in Corporate America.
Being offended and being on offense are 2 different things. I am not offended so much as fighting to preserve some heritage before the muckity-mucks legislate it away.
"Yet when Christianity is involved, offense seems be taken rather quickly? Why aren't people 'offended' by these Christmas slights being reminded that noone has the right to not be offended? Or is there an "except Christians" clause to that that I missed?
"
Well, my view is that everyone should express whatever beliefs they hold. If they're Christians, why should they not wish people a "Merry Christmas."
By the same token, they should understand that not everyone celebrates the Christian holiday, and simply accept whatever greetings a person offers. If a business does not meet their expectations with regards to Christmas, it is an easy thing to shop elsewhere.
Why someone would get angry when a stranger working in some store wishes them a "Happy Holidays" I do not understand. Just wish them a "Merry Christmas," in return, or "Happy Hannukah," or whatever greeting you wish to share.
It's all good spirits being wished, I'd think.
Myself, I return "Merry Christmas" greetings from those who offer that greeting. Why? Even though I'm an atheist, I do hope that Christians have a Merry Christmas. Why would I not wish people to enjoy the holiday they celebrate?
"Kinda like a superior being from another planet might be interested in the lower life forms on earth and their curious customs and beliefs?
You are nothing if not condescending."
Gosh, thanks. Look, Christianity is a major force in this country. How could anyone not be interested in discussions about it? I'm not being condescending at all. I'm interested in religious discussions, because atheism is often discussed in them, generally disparagingly.
Please read my messages, not just my tagline. I'm completely in favor of everyone worshipping as they please. Everyone.
"Why would I not wish people to enjoy the holiday they celebrate?"
I agree completely and have zero problems with any public/private celebrations of 'Christmas'. I'm just curious why so many Christians are expecting to see religion in a department store and get so offended when they do not? Dept. stores are all about making money in this peak season and could not care less about religion.
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