Why are Retailers Embarrassed About Christmas?

11.20.02 | mlmr

[mlmr]

The Christmas stock is out in the stores. There are scads of snowmen, Santas, reindeer and other items craving for your dollar. But interestingly enough, when one asks for religious Christmas items, at most stores, which serve a public that is conservatively estimated to be about 67% practicing Christian, there is nothing for sale.

No Christian based ornaments, hardly any Nativity scenes, and Christmas card... “Well Lady, I have robins, joke cards, Santas, dressed and nude, as well as lovely winter scenes and smart looking graphics.” Nativity scene? Magnificent reproductions of famous religious Nativities painted by the Masters? Ummm...no.

Some clerks make a weak smile and point out their extensive angel ornaments...others are belligerent and say firmly: "No we don't carry that sort of thing here." One owner said she did not carry religious Christmas items because people would be offended.

Guess what? I am offended. Every time I walk into a store decked out in its Christmas finest and cannot find any religious Christian items, I am offended. Every time I walk through huge displays of Christmas knickknacks and have to hunt to a bottom shelf of dark aisle to find a small nativity or Christian Advent calendar, I am offended. Every time a walk into a store with a brimming Menorah display, but no equally brimming nativity display, I am offended. (I have nothing against Hanukkah, I just want my religious tradition upheld with respect too. After all we are talking about 2% of the US population versus 67%.)

It is odd. When I talk to clerks about the availability of religious items in their stores, most also tell me that many people ask for them, but there just isn't anything available. Funny, that there is a need and no will to fill it.

I am equally offended by the Christians who are oblivious. Who no longer expect their tradition will be honored by having its items made available through retailers. Christian who don't want to rock the boat. Christians who don't want to seems too pushy or too religious.

I recommend that all thinking Christians go into retailers and ask where the Christian religious objects are located. If there are no religious objects available, perhaps it is time to tell the retailer how disappointed and offended that your religious tradition is being dismissed.

So I have decided to be offended...and to let people know...that true plurality honors even the faith of the majority and dominant culture. I encourage you to do the same...it confuses 'em when we use their words and phrases against 'em.

[Samwise]

You are kidding, right?

I'm not. Our kids sing Christmas carols. They sing about Rudolph, too. The programs are really quite lovely. I love listening to a children's choir.

I'm going to shock you even more. But you have to promise not to tell. Our schools are even used to hold --gasp-- church services!

[Thinkin' Gal]

Hmmm, I was responding to your comment, stating that it had reminded me of [what it was I posted]. Was I supposed to have deleted your name from the reply field? Seems normal to include the the person from which I have copied/pasted comments. Should I have been offended?

[mlmr]

I consider it a victory that it is officially kaput.

Me too!

[Jorge]

Speaking of cards...did anyone else see the beyond offensive "Choice on Earth" cards Planned Parenthood distributes this time of year? O'Reilly had them on tonight, with the patron Saint of Abortion, Patricia Ireland. She didn't think most Americans would find them offensive. O'Reilly said he would put up a poll (not sure where) to see what Americans REALLY think. Ms. Ireland and her ilk are truly despicable human beings.

You gotta be kidding! The "right to kill my baby" crowd has really gone over the line with this.
Who would mail out "Pro-Abortion X-mas Cards" to their family and friends? Perhaps they could show a dead fetus in the manger with Ireland, Hitlary and all the rest of the grotesque live-stock bearing gifts. How cheerful!

[Old Professer]

Considering that Christmas has its roots in pagan Winter Solstice celebrations, which our current "commercialized" Christmas reflects, Christmas sans such celebration seems to be the true Christian way, and a new date might be a good idea. There certainly is no Biblical justification for December 25th, and the only reason it is the 25th is because of the pagan tradition. The very date is tainted by paganism.

Every morning, just about five minutes before dawn, I am awake; at the same time the sun comes up I am in the bathroom relieving my distended bladder; not once has it occurred to me to sleep until eight to keep you from seeing the sun until now.

[mlmr]

It is really unreal. If it is this bad now ... what will things be like ten years from now?

A lot worse unless we do something about it. This it the time to use the language to take back our heritage.

[mlmr]

I'm afraid it will get worse (from your perspective) before it gets better; how are we, as a sovereign nation, to fight an enemy who shrouds his every evil deed under the cloak of his one god and maintain our own godliness?

I don't understand, please say more...

[Delta 21]

Quite literally, YES. I have to be careful to keep selected personal views to myself as it is open season on Libertarians year 'round!

Most of the time I'm too far to the right, but , Hey...nobody is perfect.

[mlmr]

There are moneychangers in our temple.

You are right! There are moneychangers in our temple. It is up to us to follow His example and drive them out and reclaim our temple and our heritage...

[oyez]

What really torched if off was the hint that the usual sacred songs will not be sung. One could assume the prayers will not be offered. We have to face it, Christ has been kicked out of company events. We just haven't figured out how to tactfully tell the Board and others what they can do with their Holiday good will.

[Happygal]

No, not at all.
But from the tone of your response, I obviously have affronted you by asking you to clarify.

For that I apologise.

[PJ-Comix]

No Christian based ornaments, hardly any Nativity scenes, and Christmas card...

You ever been to a Dollar Store? They are full of candles covered with Saints and religious stuff.

[mlmr]

I shop all year for Christmas, and in fact no longer celebrate a single day for some of our family (long story)....I give them Christmas presents (yes, with Christmas wrapping, etc.) ALL year long - about every few months....in fact, it's time for another set about now. It's turned out much more JOYOUS, and I believe is teaching them (they are mostly children) that CHRISTmas is something we should really think about all year long. (Well, that's my hope.)

What a meaningful tradition!

[DouglasKC]

I am offended. (I have nothing against Hanukkah, I just want my religious tradition upheld with respect too.

This about sums up Christmas. It's a man made tradition. Not a biblical holy day. Christ had a lot to say about man made traditions.

[Delta 21]

an ACLU lawyer submerged in a vat of urine

Thats a keeper!!!

[mlmr]

But, personally, I'm waiting for the day when I can get a government grant to display my artwork of an ACLU lawyer submerged in a vat of urine.

LOL! LOL! LOL!

Please invite me to the opening!

[mlmr]

You are kidding, right?

I am not kidding. Even the most unconcious of parents were surprised...that they would glorify alcohol...

[mlmr]

"Choice on Earth" cards Planned Parenthood distributes this time of year?

Makes sense. If Mary had had an abortion, Planned Parenthood wouldn't have the problems with all those pesky Pro-lifers.

[mlmr]

how to tactfully tell the Board and others what they can do with their Holiday good will.

How about telling them how OFFENDED you all are...

[mlmr]

You ever been to a Dollar Store? They are full of candles covered with Saints and religious stuff.

No I haven't but I will check it out.