Tonight is Christmas Eve. So many people are busy celebrating, anticipating, enjoying. Many are Christians, but in the United States a significant number who are celebrating are not. Some practice no religion in particular, or are only nominally Christians, enjoying the festive secular aspects of the common Christian holidays. Many follow other religions, and have adapted this Santa-tree-and-presents gala to their own winter festivals. Culturally and historically, our family has practiced Christmas, so we maintain many of the traditions though we do not celebrate Christmas itself.
In years past, I have been uncomfortable when people have wished me a Merry Christmas, assuming that I somehow share their feelings or religion. But then I realized it’s because they want to be wished a Merry Christmas — so I smile and say it back. But I never initiate these exchanges… and am much more comfortable when people just say “happy holidays” –for in fact there are many holidays being celebrated this time of year in the United States: from Thanksgiving which is a federal holiday to the New Year, another federal holiday. In between usually come Hanukkah, Yule/Solstice, Christmas and many other festivals that celebrate the returning light in the Northern Hemisphere. It could be a lovely, open, happy, sharing experience.
This year however there seem to be some particularly angry, unhappy people in the United States, who feel that since there are a majority of people who practice Christianity that everyone should therefore consider Christmas the only holiday that is being celebrated this time of year. Though I am not sure which version of Christmas they wish to see represented. They are upset that Nativity scenes are not put up by government entities like city hall any more. They are upset that stores hang signs saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”
At the same time, people of other religions are beginning to ask to be represented alongside wreaths and trees and garlands. Or to ask that even the secular displays of trees with snowflakes or holly garlands be removed. A rabbi in Seattle made the news this year after SeaTac Airport first took down all their trees and then put them back up when he asked to put a large menorah in the airport. No additions to the airport decorations were made, but the furor it caused has been horrific. This same rabbi convinced the governor to add a menorah to the trees in the capitol rotunda this year.
Menorahs are more frequently displayed in this way, or dreidels, alongside Christian symbols. My only concern about this is that Hanukkah is not a significant religious holiday for Jewish people like Yom Kippur or Rosh Hoshanah. If we are going to place Hanukkah “opposite” Christmas, then we should acknowledge those truly signifiant holy days also. And Muslim holy days, and Sikh, and … But then, which ones should be officially sanctioned by the government and which ones are too obscure or strange? Is there a point at which businesses should be bullied to conform to the most vocal group’s religious traditions?
Only this year, some people of minority faiths who died in military service were denied the placement of their religious symbol of choice on government-sponsored tombstones because their faiths were too obscure or strange — hadn’t been officially recognized by the military branch of the United States’ government. At what point is policing the free expression of religious affiliation the proper business of government or the public sector? At what point does a private citizen or citizen’s group desire to reflect their beliefs take precedence over the right of others to NOT be confronted by them?
I expect the “conversation” to continue far into the future.
We are, in fact — really — a multi-cultural society, and this should be cause for celebration. Rather than assuming someone shares our personal belief system or cultural practices, it would be good to treat everyone with respect. Not aggressively pushing any particular holy day or holiday (secular celebration), but carefully listening to the wisdom of each.
To You, reading this message, I wish you the happiest of seasons and the most prosperous and pleasant of new years. Merry Christmas, if it fits.