...And a Merry Christmas to all!

By Sarah

Is it that time of year already? I cannot escape the carols, the trees, the lights, and in my part of the world, the lumenarias. Traditionally these things started the day after Thanksgiving but these days on the day after Halloween the Christmas decorations come out. It is not so much that we celebrate another holiday as it is that we are not Christian and we don’t celebrate Christmas. In this country that is practically a crime!   

But, most of our friends and even many of our family members are and do. Before Lilith was born my tolerance for Christmas was a bit higher, even though it still sort of bugged me to be wished a “Merry Christmas” at every restaurant and every store and by absolutely everyone for two months out of the year. How about a nice, neutral “happy holidays?”

Now that Lilith is here I remember what is was like growing up non-Christian in America. I do have some funny stories and some sad and frustrating ones as well. I don’t want to dwell on them I just hope Lilith’s beliefs and our family’s traditions and customs are more respected than mine were when I was little. 

While that little peach-fuzz-topped kid may not seem to know what you are talking about this year when you ask her about Santa, someday soon she will and she shouldn’t have to explain to everybody everywhere for two months out of the year that Santa doesn’t visit her house. 

Sarah Rachel Egelman is a community college instructor and free-lance book reviewer who lives in New Mexico with her husband and daughter.

Comments

[naomi]

Surely, in this day & age, where we are so aware of the many & varied cultural & religious beliefs & traditions, we have developed a tolerance & acceptance of the way things are celebrated, to the point where we neither need to defend or denigrate them... Our Son only knows Santa as a character; he has not been taught to believe in him, as the one who creeps into his house & gives the gifts - Santa, very simply is part of the cheerfulness of the season in a story-telling type of way. And when people ask him 'is Santa coming to your house', he very happily says "No!" At this stage he has no need to comment further, or "explain" himself. And if that time ever comes, I'm sure he'll be confident enough to politely & graciously talk about it with anyone. After all, what better way to learn about yourself and others, & develop respect for others', then to talk and discuss ideas, beliefs, traditions, customs, hopes and dreams...

[Irene R.]

I'm tired of being wished Happy Holidays! I do celebrate Christmas and I'm proud of it. I don't force it on anyone but I don't appreciate having my very important holiday trivialized. I'm quite surprised that you can say not celebrating Christmas is almost a crime when the reverse is actually true. In this horribly PC society we live in being Christian is not PC and we feel it every day. So happy Hannukah and all the best for the New Year!

[Liz B]

Are you kidding me? I walk around this time of year in constant fear of wishing someone a Merry Christmas and offending them! It's Christmas at my house, by wishing you a Merry Christmas I'm only trying to share the joy I have in the season. I'm seriously not trying to convert you -- please don't be offended if I wish you well at this time of year. And please -- if you would like to wish me Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Holidays in return -- know that I will understand your intentions and appreciate them.