You know, I saw that picture the other day. It was funny to me. I am pretty sure where ever that is, that at Christmas time there is appropriate Christmas decorations.
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That picture was taken in the BYU admin building in Dec. 2005, and the “JS nativity” as we call it, was in lieu of traditonal Christmas decorations.
Although, I do not doubt there are more “tradtional” Christmas decorations around campus, I do not remember ever seeing a nativity scene on campus (but I could be wrong).
The point nana was trying to make (I think) is that while Christmas IS a part of LDS culture, there is also (especially in Utah) an over enthusiasm for Joesph Smith’s birthday (Dec. 23).
I remember the first year I was in Utah, I was shocked that the ward had a “Happy Birthday, Joseph” party instead of a Christmas one. Others have pointed out that close to Christmas, there is many mentions of JS’s birthday (even over Christmas) in ward newsletters, programs and the like, even to the point of ward talks focusing on Joseph’s birth a couple of days before Christmas, rather than the birth of the Savior. I am sure you can see how that would be disturbing and/or bothersome to someone outside the LDS.
Many I know have commented (LDS and Ex-LDS) that is seems JS is more important this time of year than Christ.
That's because he IS!
After all; Christ's message has been CORRUPTED and what any other 'church' than LDS teachs is ABOMINABLE!
Our Beloved Founder RESTORED the gospel: NOT a return by Jesus to straighten things out!
--MormonDude(Praise to the man who communes with Jehovah!)