The War on Christmas: A Battle for Tradition

It's that time of year again when the snow starts to fall, the lights twinkle, and the age-old battle over Christmas begins. Who's fighting this war, you ask? It's the secularists and their allies who want to strip away the traditional meaning of Christmas. What are they doing? They're pushing for "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," and they're trying to remove nativity scenes from public spaces. When is this happening? Every December, like clockwork. Where is this taking place? All across America, from small towns to big cities. Why is this happening? Because some people can't stand the idea of a holiday that celebrates something bigger than themselves.

Let's get one thing straight: Christmas is a Christian holiday. It's about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not about generic winter festivities. Yet, every year, there's a push to make Christmas more "inclusive" by watering it down to a bland, secular event. This isn't about being inclusive; it's about erasing the true meaning of the holiday. If you don't celebrate Christmas, that's fine, but don't try to change it for those who do.

The attack on Christmas isn't just about words; it's about symbols too. Nativity scenes, which have been a staple of Christmas decorations for centuries, are under fire. Some people want them removed from public spaces because they claim it's a violation of the separation of church and state. But let's be real: these scenes are a part of our cultural heritage. Removing them is like trying to erase history.

Then there's the issue of Christmas carols. Schools and public events are increasingly shying away from traditional carols that mention Jesus or anything remotely religious. Instead, we're left with songs about snowmen and reindeer. While those tunes are fun, they don't capture the essence of Christmas. It's a sad day when "Silent Night" is considered too controversial for a school concert.

The commercialization of Christmas is another front in this war. The holiday has become more about shopping and less about celebrating. Retailers start pushing Christmas sales before Halloween, and the focus is on buying the latest gadgets rather than spending time with family and reflecting on the holiday's true meaning. It's a distraction from what Christmas is really about.

Some argue that Christmas should be more inclusive to accommodate people of different faiths or those with no faith at all. But Christmas is already inclusive. It's a time for goodwill, generosity, and coming together. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate those values. Trying to change the holiday to fit everyone's beliefs dilutes its significance.

The irony is that while some are trying to erase Christmas, others are embracing it. In countries where Christianity is a minority religion, Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm. They see it as a time of joy and community, not as something to be sanitized or hidden away. Perhaps we could learn something from them.

The war on Christmas is a symptom of a larger cultural shift. It's about more than just a holiday; it's about the values and traditions that define us. When we allow these to be eroded, we lose a part of our identity. Christmas is a time to stand up for what we believe in, to celebrate our heritage, and to push back against those who want to take it away.

So this December, don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas." Display that nativity scene proudly. Sing those carols with gusto. And remember, Christmas is about more than just presents and parties. It's about celebrating a tradition that has stood the test of time, despite the efforts of those who would see it disappear.