Comments on: Merry Freaking Christmas

By: Joan Ginsberg

Joan Ginsberg — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:16:45 +0000

I was raised Catholic but am now an atheist like my husband, who was raised Jewish. Our immediate family (meaning our kids and grandkids – we don’t give a crap about anyone else because we have enough to worry about with just them) practices several different religions. And I am sure that my step-daughter and step-son (brother and sister) are going to get into a tiff with each other on Friday over Santa. My son is going to egg on my daughter and her kids about not believing in Santa and practicing Judaism, while my daughter is just going to ask for a little understanding about why she doesn’t want presents wrapped with Jesus (she is OK with secular stuff). I wish they would both just shut up and eat more of the great food I cook for all of them. As Laurie said, “don’t be a jerk about the superiority of your beliefs.” Even if your beliefs are the majority.

In my last job, which had a predominately Jewish office but a totally Christian production floor, we had a Christmas tree in the office and we did whatever we wanted, holiday-wise. Except we did not get any days off except Christmas day itself. Bummer.
Joan Ginsberg´s last blog ..HRevolution – The Future of HR

By: laurie ruettimann

laurie ruettimann — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:54:39 +0000

I want to weigh in because I was raised Catholic, I have Jewish family members, I am related to others who are born-again and believe in a literal interpretation of the bible. I am now an atheist. I studied comparative religious theology and worked as a research assistant for a Religious Studies professor.

The Christmas debate is boring.

People look for reasons to get bent out of shape, and Christmas is no exception. If you’re a jerk, you’re a jerk. The holiday season serves as a construct for your jerky behavior.

So let me make a few more things clear.

* There is no war on Christmas. People need to chill out.
* Christians are not trying to oppress Wiccans, atheists, or Jews with the Christmas holiday. If someone wishes you a Merry Christmas, chill out.

I roll my eyes at this debate every year. Wish me a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, or a Happy Festivus. I don’t care. Just don’t be a jerk about the superiority of your beliefs.
laurie ruettimann´s last blog ..Unemployment, Politics, & Christmas

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:12:08 +0000

It’s great to feel that kinship, Bonita, and it’s even better when it’s unexpected. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:11:34 +0000

Well, then in that case I wish you a Happy Hanukkah, Lindsay. We can agree that a happy new year applies to everyone, right?

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:10:39 +0000

Frugality trumps much, but it doesn’t overcome our need to have fun.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:09:36 +0000

Thanks for the comment, Jason. I’m a big fan. The world is definitely more complicated with things like religion in it, but I don’t know that a world could exist w/o some kind. People have an innate desire to believe in and be a part of something. And if I get to wish you a wonderful new year, then that’s icing on the cake. Have a good one!

By: Jason Seiden

Jason Seiden — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:46:54 +0000

Personally, I love when anyone wishes me good cheer. I’m normally a semantics stickler (they matter!), but if you’re wishing me well, then however it comes out is OK with me.

That said, not everyone has such a benevolent intention when using religious semantics. And while I personally can do the mental translation from “Merry Xmas” to “Happy Hannukah,” I’m aware that most of the world practices a religion that has been hijacked by a radical few, that there are countries whose leaders use subtle linguistic tricks to direct peoples’ attention and keep them in line, and that our media here does the same thing.

So if I had to make a law for all humanity, I’d cut out the religious elements. I’d feel like an ass doing it, and I’d miss the well wishes as much as anyone—but I simply don’t trust that when it comes to their religion, that *most* people mean it as respectfully as you do.

Too much blood under that bridge, you know?

In short: I’m glad I’m not the one making the rules… it gives me the freedom to wish you a Merry Christmas and not worry about it!
Jason Seiden´s last blog ..Dealing with a sense of entitlement