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Let me start by saying two things: 1. I am not a Christian. 2. This is not political.
With that out of the way, I feel that I can address the subject issue with some amount of freedom from misunderstanding. I don't want any political pundits to think that I have some sort of left-wing agenda against Christians or their holidays- but I want them to know that I do not celebrate Christmas. I am Jewish, and this time of year can be something of a depressing thing for me.
No, it isn't your "Merry Christmas"s, or your Christmas trees- and it was not the Christmas decorations or the songs which bothered me as I found gifts for friends; birthday gifts, if you wanted to know. It's the over commercialization of what I believe- again, I'm not Christian- should be a religious holiday; a time of contemplation about the true spirit of your beliefs and the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am constantly amazed by the greed in American society- the overwhelming sense of 'me' and 'mine'.
Some parts of the "Christmas Season" I can understand- during most of its history, America has been a predominantly Christian nation. It has been only recently that the nation has become more secular- with percentages of Christians ranging anywhere from 49-85%, depending on who is taking the numbers. Secular society has been taking things from religious society for a long time. Decorations, lights in particular, are a tradition during the winter months for many cultures and peoples- not just the Christians.
But a light up Jesus? A plastic manger scene in your front yard? These things I do not understand. I believe that religion is a personal thing- that it shouldn't be advertised or rubbed in people's faces. Saying "Merry Christmas" isn't a problem for me- I understand that most people are Christian. It's easier, I think, then "Joyful ChrismaHannuKwanziFestiWinterSolsticus... And a happy New year- unless you're Chinese, in which case it was a while ago- Or Jewish, in which case it was not so long ago, but you know what I mean..."
Whether or not it's a "holiday" tree is something I could care less about. As I go out to find a festivus pole- and I warn you, I intend to- I'm sure I'll see people getting their trees ready. I like Christmas trees, in fact. But please, please... I've had enough JC Penny commercials. I've had Best Buy and RadioShack drilled into my head. I'm all Zales/Jared/Diamond Centered out. And if I see another Overstock.com or Old Navy commercial, I'll destroy my television.
To you few who give money to charity instead of each other, have a joyful Chrismahannukwanzifes... screw it. Merry Christmas.
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