fhjmom Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I just received this in a newsletter from a homeschool group.I thought it was good! The Month Before Christmas ‘Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. See, the PC Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas--no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. “It might hurt people's feelings,” the teachers would say. “December 25th is just a 'Holiday.'” Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks, and credit, Pushing folks down to the floor just to “get it!” CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an iPod-- Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down, At Lowe's the word “Christmas” was nowhere to be found. At Kmart and Staples and Penney's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. “Now, Daschle! Now, Darden! Now, Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen! “On, Boxer! On, Rather! On Kerry, on Clinton!” At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith, Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace. The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded-- The reason for the season stopped before it started. So as you celebrate “Winter Break” under your “Dream Tree,” Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say. Shout, “MERRY CHRISTMAS,” not, “Happy Holiday!” Author Unknown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Love it! I think I'll borrow it and put it on my Facebook page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in Austin Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 You probably weren't looking for push-back on this, but I frankly prefer not to see my faith used as a marketing tool. I also prefer to live in a country where every other person of faith (or none) feels welcome and included. The author of this piece thinks that Congress and Target can "take away our faith." That makes me wonder what his/her faith is based on and in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionfamily1999 Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Have you heard about the billboard outside the Lincoln tunnel? "You KNOW it's a MYTH. Celebrate the season with REASON." It has silhouettes of the three wise men heading towards the manger. It's supposed to be fighting against intolerance... :lol: Ah, I've taken back Christmas, we're celebrating Advent (with our own homemade Advent wreath). We're doing the hanging of the greens at church. We're reading the prophecies and nativity stories. It's wonderful. I think that forcing non-Christians to take part in our celebration is silly (but I will most definitely wish a Merry Christmas). I took back Christmas by turning from the world and towards God. That means I don't give two cents what I'm wished by a natural clerk (love Edwards), I will pray for them to have a merry Christmas full of understanding and conviction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 (edited) Truthfully? I have a problem with attitudes like this. You know, I'm Jewish. I don't celebrate Christmas. And if some well meaning person wishes me a "Merry Christmas" without thinking about it, I'm not going to get offended. I'm going to politely say "Thanks, you, too," and go about my day, because if they don't know me well enough to KNOW I don't celebrate Christmas, it doesn't really need to be a big deal, and if they do, it's not going to be an issue to begin with, and I know that their hearts are probably in the right place either way- they're just not really thinking about the fact that I might not happen to celebrate Christmas since. After all, I'm in the minority, especially around here where I live. With that said: It certainly DOES make sense for people to say "Happy Holidays" rather than being all Christmas specific- because not all of us celebrate Christmas. I wouldn't presume to go around telling everyone to have a "Happy Hanukkah" and I don't truthfully get why everyone would assume I need to have a "Merry Christmas"- but I DO get that it's the thought that counts. Truly. I do. BUT where it really IRKS me is when there's an attitude like THIS: Where someone will basically say "We don't CARE if not everyone celebrates Christmas, and we KNOW some people would prefer a more generic greeting around this time of year, but we're the majority and screw everybody else and we're going to do it our way just on principal and if you don't like it, too bad!" ...I mean, that's what this little poem is saying to some extent, when it comes down to it, in a cutesy sort of way, right? It's not the phrase "Merry Christmas" I dislike (though I will continue to find it just a wee bit presumptuous). It's the attitude about how dare they not let Christmas in schools and big retail stores and street corners and tell us not to tell everybody in the checkout line "Merry Christmas", the nerve, let's do it anyway just because we can!- there's a separation of church and state for a reason, and call me a scrooge ;) but I happen to be for said separation. I also happen to think that there's something to be said for being "politically correct." You know, respecting others and so on. That's not such a bad thing. Edited November 30, 2010 by NanceXToo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missesd Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 (edited) Borrowing as well... and dang did I feel guilty having just Black Friday shopped for some gifts for the kids :blushing: Edited to add a link for those who want to put it on their Facebook, because C&P'ing into a Note made it come up with all sorts of weird HTML, and it's to long for a status. http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/12/the-month-befor.html Edited December 1, 2010 by missesd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastforward Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Wow, that's an ignorant and mean-spirited poem. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saw Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 I'm not sure I agree with this. As I read it, I think there are two issues here, the first being the exclusion of Christmas as a religious holiday from public (state) affairs, such as schools or legislatures, and the second being the commercialisation of Christmas in stores. Frankly, I don't see that state schools should be promoting Christianity. Why should my Jewish nephew and niece sing about Wise Men and Jesus and angels? It's not their religion, why should they be required to be part of a celebration that means nothing to them? Personally I like the idea that government should not promote a particular religion. As for the second issue, I think that Christmas is horribly commercialized, and I don't like it a bit. But I think that conflating these two issues is dangerous. I don't see what the overcommercialisation of Christmas has to do with the exclusion of Christmas/religion from public/state sponsored institutions. As far as I can tell there is no connection between the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 in my faith by people not pretending to be Christians. It's interesting to me that that fakers made Jesus so angry, and yet his followers today seem so angry that other people won't fake. I think the biggest threat to raising my children as believers is that so many say "Lord Lord" but do not know Jesus. The Lukewarm Christian is a problem. The merchant pretending to honor Christ in order to make a buck is a problem. The person who is not a believer and indicates that is just fine with me. And truly, one of the last things in the world I want is for schools to be teaching my children a watered-down, sanitized version of Christianity, and I think that's the only kind they will teach. I'd rather they leave the Christmas carol singing for home and church anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in NC Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 I'm not sure I agree with this. As I read it, I think there are two issues here, the first being the exclusion of Christmas as a religious holiday from public (state) affairs, such as schools or legislatures, and the second being the commercialisation of Christmas in stores. Frankly, I don't see that state schools should be promoting Christianity. Why should my Jewish nephew and niece sing about Wise Men and Jesus and angels? It's not their religion, why should they be required to be part of a celebration that means nothing to them? Personally I like the idea that government should not promote a particular religion. As for the second issue, I think that Christmas is horribly commercialized, and I don't like it a bit. But I think that conflating these two issues is dangerous. I don't see what the overcommercialisation of Christmas has to do with the exclusion of Christmas/religion from public/state sponsored institutions. As far as I can tell there is no connection between the two. Well said. I do not want the school to teach religion, that belongs in the home and in the place of worship. Nor do I look to commerical ventures for spiritual validity. No one is preventing *you* from enjoying Christmas the way you wish. You can set up a nativity or tree or sing carols all you want. I will quietly enjoy my solstice celebration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionfamily1999 Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Well said. I do not want the school to teach religion, that belongs in the home and in the place of worship. Nor do I look to commerical ventures for spiritual validity. No one is preventing *you* from enjoying Christmas the way you wish. You can set up a nativity or tree or sing carols all you want. I will quietly enjoy my solstice celebration. My only issue is that they do teach religious celebrations at this time of year. Namely, pagan practices of celebrating the winter solstice :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 I'm not sure I really understand exactly what the poem is saying. Personally, I don't have a problem with what other people do in their own religions and cultures. I don't mind if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays, or Happy Eid, or whatever. It's nice that they wished me anything at all! When it comes to Education and schools, I'm with SWB. In the WTM, she writes: "We believe that religion's role in past and present cultures is best taught by the parents from the strength of their own faith. I (Susan) don't want my six year old taught religion in school. That's my job. It is my responsibility to teach my children what I believe, why I believe it, and why it makes a difference." I would only add, that I believe it's most important to emphasize to your children that different is not wrong. Being convinced of your own faith is one thing, but intolerance is quite another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in NC Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 (edited) My only issue is that they do teach religious celebrations at this time of year. Namely, pagan practices of celebrating the winter solstice :glare: As I said, I will quietly celebrate. I do not force my celebration on anyone nor do I expect the government or commercial ventures to promote my views. I was taught the bible in a cultural context in high school. That was appropriate. The bible does influence history and literature. If pagan practices are studied to gain understanding of history and literature, I do support that. And I support comparative religious studies. There is a fine line. Where are schools practicing solstice? Are they promoting it or studying it? ETA: If they are promoting Solstice, well, two wrongs do not make a right. Edited December 1, 2010 by Melissa in NC Clarity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Why does it take away from your faith or your religious holiday to have other people not celebrate it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missesd Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Wow!! I had no clue when I replied last night and bumped it up, it would invoke this kind of reaction. I guess I don't understand the problem either... She liked the poem, as did some of the others, and so she posted it. If you don't then just quietly click "back", go back to your day and celebrate however makes you comfortable. *shrug* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Wow!! I had no clue when I replied last night and bumped it up, it would invoke this kind of reaction. I guess I don't understand the problem either... She liked the poem, as did some of the others, and so she posted it. If you don't then just quietly click "back", go back to your day and celebrate however makes you comfortable. *shrug* If you post something on a discussion board, you should probably expect people to discuss it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 Wow!! I had no clue when I replied last night and bumped it up, it would invoke this kind of reaction. I guess I don't understand the problem either... She liked the poem, as did some of the others, and so she posted it. If you don't then just quietly click "back", go back to your day and celebrate however makes you comfortable. *shrug* I have learned from experience. I posted when I was an emotional wreck, and got beat into the ground. Now I CAREFULLY consider what I post. Cuz lots of people don't hit the back button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 If you post something on a discussion board, you should probably expect people to discuss it. Yeah, really. I don't really need somebody to tell me whether it's okay for me to express my opinion or feelings on something posted on a public forum. <shrug> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfarm Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 (edited) I am a Christian who celebrates the holiday known as Christmas. A hundred years or so ago, many non-Christians jumped on the bandwagon, encouraged by enthusiastic retailers who wanted their business. Whatever. Didn't diffuse the meaning of Christmas to me or cheapen it in any way. Now many of those non-Christians are leaving the observance of Christmas in droves. Whatever. Still doesn't change its meaning or the importance of it to me. I wish them well and hope they find the truth they are seeking. And honestly, it doesn't bother me if a government that began to acknowledge the celebration of the birth of Christ only to ingratiate itself with people of my religion decides to quit. It doesn't bother me if schools decide to drop all the Santa silliness - that was never part of our religious observance anyway. If someone decides to celebrate Hannukah or Ramedan or whatever, that is their right here in America. Because none of that prevents me from observing the true meaning of the holiday known as Christmas. Edited December 1, 2010 by hillfarm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 I just received this in a newsletter from a homeschool group.I thought it was good! The Month Before Christmas ‘Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand. If people aren't praying, that is their prerogative. See, the PC Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas--no one could say. Axial tilt is the reason for the season ;) The children were told by their schools not to sing About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. “It might hurt people's feelings,†the teachers would say. “December 25th is just a 'Holiday.'†Does anyone really believe that Jesus was born on December 25th? As far as I understood that just didn't add up with the time lines given. Why should school children be told TO sing about such? I'm sure they can sing what they like during recess and such. Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks, and credit, Pushing folks down to the floor just to “get it!†CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an iPod-- Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets were hanging their trees upside down, At Lowe's the word “Christmas†was nowhere to be found. At Kmart and Staples and Penney's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, di-ver-si-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. HOW are you being 'intimidated' by people NOT saying something very specific to you? How is 'Happy Holidays' intimidating? Would you rather they wish you a Happy Kwanzaa? “Now, Daschle! Now, Darden! Now, Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen! “On, Boxer! On, Rather! On Kerry, on Clinton!†At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith, Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace. No one has been forbidden to speak of anything, and no one has the power to take away your faith. No one has eliminated Jesus or tried to. People can do/say whatever they want that is legal on their own time, just not on the clock or with govt. funding. The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded-- The reason for the season stopped before it started. So as you celebrate “Winter Break†under your “Dream Tree,†Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say. Shout, “MERRY CHRISTMAS,†not, “Happy Holiday!†Author Unknown Preposterous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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