Merry Christmas To All, You Punks!

We of Chuckonia would be holding back far too much if we didn't address the newly-amplified push to neutralized the Christmas season and show a politically-correct level of respect for those who do not celebrate based on a Christian-influenced holiday concept. We say "Christian-influenced holiday" rather than "Christian" as we know that many non-Christians, even atheists, celebrate the holiday which originated upon the birth of Jesus Christ. Why wouldn't they? If you had no religious grounding or adhered to a faith without a major gift-giving holiday, wouldn't you want to get in on the action of a festive event complete with great food and lots of merchandise? While we know this is not the true intent of the holiday, it becomes the secular focus for those without a bond to the real reason for the season. That in itself is cause enough to get fed up with the constant injection of "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" where a hearty "Merry Christmas" once stood proudly and seldom opposed. We don't believe for a second that a vast throng of atheists, agnostics, and non-Christians of other faiths got together and petitioned corporate America (we're primarily talking about retail vendors and the media here) to be less imposing on those who do not celebrate one of the particular holidays found in the winter season or to be more neutral in their declarations of goodwill on behalf of those who do not claim a particular religion. In some parts of America, it is probably very common to hear "Happy Hanukkah" rather than "Merry Christmas." If one is in such a community but not one who celebrates the holiday, be happy, someone wished you a "happy something." Wish them a "happy something" back - your choice - and go on living.
We do not want it to go unnoticed that this debate, this practice, and this fear of ostracizing patrons has gone on for some years now. However, it has been particularly strong this year, as many companies are being put in the spotlight by religious leaders who are against their kicking Christmas out of their vocabularies, and while more companies seem to be doing it on a policy-based and company-wide level. Perhaps it is because religion is a more newsworthy issue again in light of the pending presidential race. Perhaps it is simply the newest battle in the continuing commercialization of Christmas. Or perhaps Rosie and Donald weren't enough and there just needs to be a new national argument. Whatever it is that kicked this into high gear for 2007, the battle rages now more than ever, and we think it needs to stop. Whether someone says "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," "Happy Hanukkah," "Season's Greetings," (Does anyone actually say that? Or does it just show up on cards?) or even "Happy Kwanzaa," it's a statement of friendliness and goodwill and should be seen as such, even if it is not one which specifically addresses the recipient's faith or lack thereof.
Does this mean Chuckonians are all about hearing "Happy Holidays" now and forever? No way! We are in favor of a store clerk exercising his or her freedom of speech and using whatever greeting that sees fit to come forth from the mouth. We want Christians in whatever capacity they live and work to say "Merry Christmas!" without fear or even a thought of consequences. We want our Jewish friends and neighbors to shout "Happy Hanukkah!" to whomever they choose. We want non-religious folks to say whatever they want in reply to whatever we say. You'd be surprised at what some of them might reply with. We just want the melting pot of holidays to enjoy its mixing as we shop for gifts and attend festivities amongst those of varying beliefs while still letting the beliefs enjoy their individuality. There was actually a time when "Merry Christmas" was the neutral holiday declaration, and it didn't necessarily infringe upon anyone's freedom of or freedom from religion. When Eddie Murphy portrayed Gumby on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, the famous green claymation Jew hosted a television special called "Merry Christmas Dammit!" Crude as it may have been, it makes us think "How could they be so bold in dealing with a Jewish character in such a way?" Because little boldness was necessary in addressing holidays, even then (less than 30 years ago).
Few people have been offended by the "incorrect" declaration of holiday greetings, but many people have participated in the development of this specific offense. This brings us to our last point. Our readers must forgive us, as this thought goes out primarily to our Christian friends. For all the soapbox proclamations we have made in this writing, we do not do it to resume the universal usage of "Merry Christmas" by those who mean it or not. As was stated, people should feel comfortable to speak freely in the spirit of the season, whatever spirit they feel during the season. However, for all our fellow Christians who lead the fight to maintain "Merry Christmas" as a seasonal norm, there are many who contribute to its absence. This occurs all the way to the top of the national ladder, as is exhibited by President and Mrs. Bush's 2007 choice for the First Family's holiday card. It never uses the word "Christmas" at all. While there is no rule stating that all Christians must send specifically "Christmas" cards (a few of ours did not say the word), it is interesting to us that a President who has invoked God in so many ways throughout his political life and presidency chose to leave Him off his cards of holiday greeting during the final Christmas season of his final term in office. We do not totally begrudge the President for this. But it should make Christians think about what they are putting out there to contribute to the CHRISTMAS season.
So, to all our readers and casual observers, regardless of race, religion, color, or creed, read these words and realize that they were meant for more than just readers of the original story - "MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and to all a good night!" ...And a Happy New Year too.