Christmas
controversy completely ridiculous
Aneya
Fernando
So
it’s finally here. It’s the
time of year when people skip and jump
for joy. It’s the time of year
when singles flock toward the mistletoe
and couples snuggle up in front of the
fire. It’s Christmas time. Or,
should I say, holiday time?
For years there has been controversy about American school systems recognizing
Christmas. Jewish families feel they are being left out of American culture
while other religious people, such as Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists are ignored
altogether.
I grew up in a diverse family. My mother was raised Catholic and my father
was raised Buddhist. My brothers and I were raised nondenominational, having
no affiliation to a particular religion. But, despite this, we always had presents
under the Christmas tree in December, and we always hid chocolate eggs around
the house during Easter. And we always had statues of Buddha in our rooms.
I believe my parents did an excellent job of raising my brothers and me. We
never had anyone telling us what to believe. We got to decide for ourselves,
and at the same time, we never felt left out of American culture.
The controversy today as to whether one should change “Christmas tree” to “holiday
tree” is ludicrous. Who cares? Are non-Christians seriously offended?
I highly doubt it.
When most people think of Christmas, what immediately comes to mind? How about
Santa Claus, reindeer, red and green lights, snow, presents, brightly lit trees,
laughter, joy, a lot of yummy food and being with family. The birth of
Christ is an afterthought.
The Christmas controversy is just getting started. Last week, at Hillcrest
High School in Springfield, Mo., senior Lacey Ward set out to create a giant
calendar to hang in the school hall. Ward said a teacher gave her instructions
she thought were a bit extreme.
“
I was told I couldn’t put a Christmas tree on it. It just had to be a
winter thing,” she said. “I could understand if I was going into
the more religious aspects of it, but a Christmas tree and presents?”
After this remark, the school retaliated, and went on national news. The superintendent
and principal both gave remarks, telling her she had misunderstood, but this
still did not change the fact Christmas is not celebrated at school as it used
to be.
Even the O’Reilly Factor on Nov. 21 had a segment provocatively titled, “Do
we need a campaign to defend Christmas?”
In Massachusetts, high school students were suspended for passing out candy
canes to their classmates that contained cards with religious messages on them.
In Wisconsin, school officials told students they couldn’t greet each
other with “Merry Christmas” because they said it was religious.
Things have seriously gotten out of control.
In the end, it shows how much our culture is changing and evolving. And it’s
not always for the good of the nation. I honestly believe the whole hoopla
about Christmas is completely unnecessary. It makes people uneasy and scared
they will offend someone. We can’t please everyone.
Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of year. Let’s keep that
tradition alive.
Celebrate whatever you want to celebrate, but remember to keep a smile on your
face and enjoy life. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Aneya Fernando is a freshman journalism major.
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