I don't usually speak out like this unless it is a topic dear to my heart. There is a bruhaha going on about whether or not you should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays anymore. Some bad apples that have nothing better to do than to ruin yet another holiday have said it is "offensive" to say those 2 famous greetings we all love to hear at this time of year. Stores have resorted to saying "Seasons Greetings" when you walk in, which is fine and dandy. What I want to know is, where do these people get off telling me, or anyone, what should be said when I want to celebrate with the people I care for. I love this country, for the most part, and to take Christmas or Holiday away because it is offensive is ludicrous. I understand there are other religions beside Christianity in this country...but you don't see us saying...oh...Haunakah or Kwanzaa, or whatever "offends" us. We all should celebrate in peace and harmony, regardless of our religious preferences. And if you are atheists...a bah humbug to you too...but you also have that right. Just don't ruin our fun and our beliefs just because you may not agree with them. And least we not forget that without Christ there would be no Christmas. If I offended anyone on this forum, I sincerely apologize. To those I didn't...MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all. :-*
Merry Christmas and have a blessed new year!
I am glad we have the 1st Amendtent which says we have "Freedom of Speech" so I think no one should tell us what we would want to call this "Holiest Day of The Year" when "Christ Our Savior" was born.
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and always follow your Heart. ;)
First Amendten History: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I love how Jesus taught to his disciples to not worry for material goods...yet his birthday is the most materialistic day of them all for most families.
Christianity is struggling to hold it's place as the number one religion in America, there's gotta be some give. This society is a ''melting pot'' and we should do our best to make all faiths feel welcome. Christmas isn't the only holiday that occurs at this time of year... most faiths have some significant event that happens around the same time.
I'm Agnostic, but I don't plan on seeing any "Happy We Can't and Shouldn't Prove the Existence of a Higher Power Day" cards. I like the "Seasons Greetings" term because I can use it for my friends from all cultures, even the Atheists, without forcing Christianity or any other faith down their throats. It can be taken however they choose to celebrate; it's a wonderful euphemism.
I agree with whats being said here about Christmas.. Your almost afraid to say anything anymore,, might "offend" someone..Just not right!!
Merry Christmas and i'll keep saying it..
my 2cents
It is getting awful isn't it. Now I hear it is happy holidays or merry X-mas. Does that mean we are not supposed to use the words Hanuka or Quanza either. I really think that we should just leave each other's religions alone. Not Christmas Tree anymore either, but Holiday Tree. Wonder what the other religions will be calling theirs. This is just getting way too confusing. No one is saying it to offend anyone else I don't think. Pretty soon we won't be saying anything nice to anyone. What a shame. :(
(https://img256.imageshack.us/img256/802/merrych29cp.gif)
:D All I have to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! If someone is offended by this they can mute me! O0
That is like in Massachusetts that they want to change yopu saying a Christmas tree to a Holiday tree.WTF has this world come to,our values,traditions etc!!
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(https://img382.imageshack.us/img382/6529/weihn0022kr.gif) (https://imageshack.us)
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the news this morning on tv made an interesting point about the holidays. The first amendment prevents the state (ie the government) from establishing a state based religion or requiring people to practice a certain religion. Also the state can't interfere with how people practice religion. It also guarantees us the people to be practice religion in any way we see fit. And with public schools, they can understand how it can be a touchy issue with keeping religion separate from educating the students. However the newscaster made the point as the public education system has a duty to educate students, they can use Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and any other major religious holiday as a teaching tool about the history and culture of people with out promoting one religion over another. I think its a great idea myself. So.......... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SEASONS GREETINGS
Merry Christmas to everyone. I have been saying that for almost 50 years and it has great meaning to me. And I will say it as long as the good Lord allows me to be on this earth. Needless to say if anyone is offened by this then it is just toooooooooo baaaaaaaaaaad! Have a save and happy Christmas season!
It is going to be sad if the grade school children can't have Christmas Programs anymore. I think they should put all of the different religions represented in their school in them. Maybe they could get away with it then, but I doubt it because of agnostic's.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you that desire it.
Quote from: Iceman007 on December 08, 2005, 08:37:53 AM
That is like in Massachusetts that they want to change yopu saying a Christmas tree to a Holiday tree.WTF has this world come to,our values,traditions etc!!
A Holiday tree??? Now that is about the craziest thing I've heard yet.
how about a parent getting offened by a giving tree, and the school replaceing it with a giving "counter"? if you think its crazy, I'll send you the link.
If a store tells its employees that they have to say Happy Holidays and can't say Merry Christmas, they are not getting any of my money!! Lowes, I think it was, was selling holiday trees, until the O'Reilly Factor put the pressure on them and they changed it back to Christmas trees. Bill O'Reilly has got many stores to change thier ways....GO BILL!
Merry Christmas one and all!
I see it this way all the other countries had people run them tell them how to think, what to think, and what to do when to do it.................Now we have helped these countries be free of all that and alot of people have come to the USA and now our country is being told what to do, when to do it how to do it. WHat to think and what not to think.........Before we know it our country will be the country people talk about not wanting to come to because all our freedoms and everything we have fought for and stood for YEARS AND YEARS are being taken away.
MerryChristmas to everyone and Thank you to any and all people that have fought our battles to let our country stay FREE and now our Goverment wants to just hand it over to CRY BABIES!
Love your avatar bored.I loved that cartoon! Go Mutley!! O0
Quote from: janetdebra on December 08, 2005, 09:32:01 AM
It is going to be sad if the grade school children can't have Christmas Programs anymore. I think they should put all of the different religions represented in their school in them. Maybe they could get away with it then, but I doubt it because of agnostic's.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you that desire it.
Unfortunately, they are trying to do away with Christmas plays/programs altogether. The next thing you know they will be changing lyrics to Christmas Carols. So, are we to sing "O holiday tree, o holiday tree"? I think NOT. I enjoy watching CHRISTMAS prgrams, and sitting down with my jewish friends and celebrating Haunakah. There is nothing wrong with religions. I think it has a lot to do with the atheists that has to stir up some chit to make everyone's life as miserable as their own. So if you don't want to hear a religious greeting...turn a deaf ear. If you don't want to watch a festive holiday program, don't attend it or trip the station, change the channel. Your choice. But shut your face when it comes to the rest of us who want to enjoy the holidays. So MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS (seeing as holiday has HOLY in it)...and all that jazz. Madonna
BRAVO Madonna!!! Very well said... :D
and Merry Christmas to you
Quote from: Iceman007 on December 08, 2005, 02:27:34 PM
Love your avatar bored.I loved that cartoon! Go Mutley!! O0
LOL Iceman I love that cartoon too. I get on the internet everyday to read a new one
First of all thanks for posting this Madonna. I got an email the other day for a petition to sign to get these stores back to saying Merry Christmas. Have gotten updates since then and some of the stores are already going back to Merry Christmas. Christ is the reason for the season and yes we have all made it more materialistic. We've stopped celebrating Christ Birthday and made it more about us. I also got an email the other day how we were celebrating HIS birthday and didn't invite him even though he was the quest of honor. This year I do plan on teaching my children that this is Christ Birthday and we are going to invite him in to enjoy it. We are also cutting back to just giving 3 gifts to each of our children however big or small but no more. Thanks again for posting this, this subject is very personal to me.
Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to all!
I want to say that I am not religious at all, but our family still celebrates Christmas. Now, if someone came up to me and said "Happy Hannukah", I would not be insulted- that's just stupid. What is wrong with people? Everyone is getting too darn sensitive- GET OVER IT! ::)
First off let me say that I am one of those nasty little atheists. I do not believe in God. However let me also say that I can have an itelligent conversation about religion. I do not get offended at anything really. It takes a whole lot to offend me. My family and I celebrate Christmas and Easter together. And I will wish everyone the appropriate greetings with the holiday. My husband is very religious and I am not. We balance and it works. I let him teach our children religion because although I do not believe I think they should be able to have faith until a time where they can decide for themselves what is right and worng. I will not push them in either direction. But then again that is just me and I am not about to stir crap up when it doesn't need to be stirred. There are a ton of pressing issues in this world and it seems to me that this is trivial crap. As a side note, in our paper they were discussing this same issue. If you went up to a person that celebrates Kwaanza or something and you are not of that religion, are they going to be offended? Just food for thought. Merry Christmas all from a nice atheist in IL!!
Denbive
Hello everyone. Long time lurker here, first time poster... I am also troubled by the controversy over Christmas. I am a Christian, but I do respect everyone else's right to worship in the way they see fit for themselves. I don't blame the athiests, I blame the lawyers (ACLU). I just wonder at what point we Christians are going to say, "You know, WE are offended. WE are offended at not being able to greet people in a way that means something to US on religious holidays. WE are offended that our children cannot experience the Christmas programs, etc at school like we were able to." I honestly don't know what to do, other than contacting our congressmen, but it seems to me if our disagreements with the whole thing are left to forums on the internet, it won't change. Merry Christmas everyone!
IF and a big IF I had to chose a religion, it would be Christan. I tend to hang on the very outer edges of religion without really choosing one over another. I do however respect the rights over others and I do enjoy all the religious diversity in this county. I do celebrate Christmas and easter, but I celebrate more the cultural aspects of the holidays-mainly the ones that focus on celebrating what we have, enjoying our family and being blessed for what I do have. But I must say, I am offended!!! I am offended that schools are afraid to sing Christmas carols, high school bands can't play Christmas songs, giving trees have become giving counters, stores won't post merry Christmas or have Christmas ads, Christmas tree lots are now holiday tree lots and I'm offended that the once standard greetings of this season-Merry Christmas and Happy Hannaka have been replaced with Happy Chrismahanakawnaza. I remember growing up and most TV shows having a Christmas episode every season. Now theres no mention of any type of holiday in December. I remember growing up winter break was called Christmas break and spring break was called easter break. I also remember in school we had halloween party's and a haunted house at school. Now the haunted houses are long gone the halloween party has been replaced with a harvest festival. We all survived didn't we? I am so offended that this Political Correctness is going over board. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannaka, Happy Kwanzaa and blessings for what ever your celebrating this month.
i hope i didn't scare anyone off with that last post....
Unfortunately all this "political correctness" is the by product of the judicial system here in the US.
The US is by far the most litigious country in the world. I believe the reason for this is juries.
I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence but I believe the job of Juror should be a professional job that requires some kind of training. Many people that end up on juries are not qualified to serve in this capacity. This is also fueled by the pathetic state of our education system as well.
There is something wrong with a system that will award you a seven figure settlement because you spilled your McDonald's coffe on yourself and sustained some injuries. The money was awarded I believe because there was no warning on the cup that the coffee was hot. Hello! What did you think it was? I mean come on.
I am a firm believer that jury awards should be capped. The sooner the better. Doctors are leaving the state of Pennsylvania in record numbers because they can not afford the cost of malpractice insurance in this state. Juries get insane with their awards. I sympathize with anyone who has ever suffered an injury because a doctor did something wrong and I'm not saying they should go unpunished but the monies that are being awarded are insane.
For example: Let's say a doctor makes a terrible mistake that costs someone their life. Should the doctor be penalized and should the family be awarded something for the loss of a loved one? Of course, the answer in my opinion is yes to both. The question becomes...What is an acceptable punishment? A multi-million dollar settlement will not bring back the loved one. I am not trying to trivialize the situation but something needs to be done.
Now I know I went off on a bit off a tangent and it may seem that I exaggerated the point a bit but it is very relevant. The reason everything becomes more politically correct all the time is because people are scared to death of the potential liability of a lawsuit. :-\
>:( yes I agree wholeheartedly with you Homer...and I think its a very unfortunate thing! Where I work (see screeny) you have to be politically correct at all times and it is very tedious!
did any one see that stupid "holiday" short about the president's dogs
I have to go to yearly training sessions due to these types of problems. >:(
The speech goes on and on....you can't do this, you can't do that.....geez just cut my tongue out while your at it. >:(
I would like to think that I am very tolerant of other people's view's and beliefs. I am a Christian. Plain and simple. Over 90 % of this country is Christian. The other 10 % has been pushing hot button issues like prayer in school, attacking our pledge of allegiance finally got a reaction out of Christians, but in my opinion not enough. Now they are attacking our holiday yet again. It is not longer supposed to be Christmas? We are not supposed to have a Christmas tree? We are not supposed to celebrate the birth of our savior? I don't think so! I have my CHRISTmas tree put up. I have my CHRISTmas lights on my home. I have a few gifts for my children. I will tell everyone merry CHRISTmas. We will make our birthday cards for Jesus again this year. I will tell the story of the birth of Jesus to my children again this year. And I will pray that I can raise my children to stand up for what they believe in. I will pray that my children do not became so materialist that they forgot what we celebrate this day for. And I will pray that as a nation we can stand up for our rights, while we continue to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
Merry CHRISTmas to all!
Well. . . I am a wiccan. I say Happy Holidays because it covers everyone's beliefs and New Years too. Everyone has the right to believe what they will and that is what makes this country great!
I believe everyone should be able to celebrate in whatever fashion their belief permits. There are things I don't agree with or don't believe but I don't go around protesting because soemone says something or does something I may not agree with. I think everyone should be respectful of people's beliefs whatever they may or may not be. I do my own thing and mind my own business. What do I care how other people decide to celebrate. To each their own. ;)
to each their own and all a good night! :)
Exactly! O0
This is the way i feel!!! Merry Christmas to all!!!
and if you don't like that phrase.................I'll give you a quarter so you can call someone who cares!!!
::sighs:: Okay...my turn I guess.
I've read these posts and get the message. "Why can't we say Merry Christmas anymore. They're taking our holiday away. Why should we change everything we've done to get everyone else involved with the season." That's basically what most of you ultimately said. You say that this is the time of year to celebrate the birth of your savior, and should be allowed to say such. But then you turn around and kick everyone elses beliefs out by say "Merry Christmas and if you don't like it...TS!" So what's good for the goose isn't good for all the other animals on your ark?!? haha.
NOW MY PERSONAL FEELINGS? I'm 24. [I don't know how old everyone else is here...] When I was in school, I sang Christmas Carols. Why? Cos I didn't know any Kwanzaa songs. I know The Dradel song and sing that sometimes :P I didn't say the Pledge Of Allegence. Why? Cos I personally believe that the flag is a symbol of the rape of my people and destruction of our land. Now did my grandpa go to the school and make that teacher stop saying it!? Heck no. Did I still stand up? Sure! Out of pure respect of the other people who did. I am agnostic. I don't, or can't, believe in the "Big guy in the sky" theory. What do I call that thing in my dining room window? A Christmas Tree. Why? Cos as far as I know, that's what the dang thing is called! People who came up with it...called it a Christmas Tree! What do I say to people as I leave? Happy Holidays. Why? Cos I don't know what you believe and it's a general happy/good wishes thing to say. I've never thought of HOLYdays, and even if it was...aren't all the different cultural days just that...their HOLYdays? What about the rest of the year? Is Valentine's day a HOLYday? No. It's a HOLIday. Mother's day? PRESIDENT'S DAY??? What makes December automatically the religious royal rumble?
I think i'm going to stop cos all this is making me mad that i'm shaking. It's amazing to me after all these years, there still so much closed-mindedness. ::sigh:: Just got to tell people, Although you'd like to think so...the world doesn't revolve around you. But then again, maybe it's just me. I'm just one of the few people who have a thing called Tolerance.
Very Well Said! You hit it right on the head for me O0
Albee, I never judged you nor anyone else on this forum. I merely stated my beliefs and my feelings...seeing as i was raised believing that Christmas was a Holy day. And as for someone saying "nasty little atheists" as was quoted...I have never judged anyone except for the few people that like to hang a dark cloud over everything. Everyone can believe what they want to. No one is forcing you to change how you view holidays. All I am saying is that people get off on ruining everything, and if they do, shame on them. So don't ever say that I am a narrow minded individual...I'm far from it. I too am an American...with a brain, that likes to provoke a little thought every now and then.
My post was a general statement. Reread some of these posts about the Pro-Christmas and you get the feeling of "It's Christmas and that's all!". I kno Madonna...I didn't call you out, but if you really want me to....
Reread YOUR post. Your upset because of the change in greetings of stores. You think Merry Christmas should deff be said. You don't think that's closed-minded? "Say MY greeting cos I believe it! Where do you get off changing things for the sake of YOUR beliefs...but don't change things cos I believe them." That's how you sound, or come across anyway. Maybe you should reword your original statement so we can really understand what your trying to say.
BTW: This is purely for the sake of arguing, Madonna and everyone who reads this. I've already said how I feel. I'm totally for saying Happy Holidays and CHRISTmas Trees...I juss like to argue sometimes. :P
as I said before to each their own and all a good night! ;D
I'm not modifying 1 word of what I say . I stand firm in my beliefs, just as you do in yours. And I WILL NOT apologize to you or anyone else for anything I say. If that makes me narrow-minded...so be it. The reason that this post was even started, just for CLARIFICATION, is that some stores are saying things that I, and so many others, are not use to hearing. Why do they start changing things NOW??? That's it...now talk amongst yourselves. :-X
Maybe things are changing now COS of tolerance. People are starting to realize that there are other people out there that have holidays in December too. :)
I was raised up north. Half my family was from the south and was southern babtist. 1/4 was Catholic and the rest Christian. I myself do not follow "the Christian way" like many people do. ONE IMPORTANT THING THAT I WAS TAUGHT WAS TOO ACCEPT EVERYONE AND THAT IT'S NOT MY JOB TO JUDGE ANYONE. America was born as a melting pot of different nationalities, races, and religions. Why did we leave England in the first place? Why did many of our ancestors come here? Some came for freedom, some came to get away from dictatorship, some came for the opportunities, some came so that they can be themselves and NOT WHAT SOMEONE SAYS THEY SHOULD BE. We are suppose to accept people's differences. If I am unsure about someone's religious preference I will say Happy Holidays because at the same time I don't want anyone pushing their religion on me no matter what it is. In the south they are very religious and pushy which makes me rebel against them. I can argue with them in an intelligent matter and stump them.
I know this has been said many times in this topic. MATERIALISTIC......... if this holiday is so important then you need to take charge and make it what it was originally meant to be if you really want to make a difference. Start with that then work way up. I bet these people complaining have also spent A LOT of money on presents and decorations. Go back to the basics. Get rid of the lights and parties. No presents under the tree. How about these people that actually want to cancel Sunday church services because Christmas falls on that day?????? Yeah in some towns the services have been canceled and/or they've made arrangements for service on other days. Pick and choose huh?
If we really want to get into a religious discussion.........then most people need to change what they are to fit their lifestyle back into the bible. DOES THE BIBLE SAY IT'S OK TO CHEAT???????????????????? You can't pick and choose what you want to follow and you definately can't pick and choose what you think is right and wrong for someone else.
Quote from: Albee on December 13, 2005, 07:31:01 AM
Maybe things are changing now COS of tolerance. People are starting to realize that there are other people out there that have holidays in December too. :)
Maybe people are starting to realize that this world isn't about them. I actually think it's selfish when people don't accept that other people have other religions and holiday celebrations. It's definately NOT CHRISTIANLY!!!!
AMEN!
Its so sad to read all of this only to think how much these words are hurting feelings. To each their own, and like was stated before, I'll still say Merry Christmas to all of you whatever you may believe in. Your choice, but don't tell me NOT to say it.. Thats MY choice to say how i feel. Freedom of speech?? is that still an option? with out bashing someone's right to do so? Makes me sad that the world is so shallow anymore, and I feel bad for my g'kids, whats the future hold for them..
Merry Chirstmas to ALL my friends here.!
Merry Christmas to all....,
Today my daughter did not want to go to school because of a bully.
I told her to hold her head up high for what she believes in, and not to let the bully tell her what to think and do. Everyone is different and have to do what is right for them, I never mean to offend when I wish someone a Merry Christmas and I work retail. But that is my belief, and if I can respect others than others should respect me. anyways that is just my two cents I wish everyone a safe and happy december...
Quote from: Shadow on December 08, 2005, 09:48:56 AM
If a store tells its employees that they have to say Happy Holidays and can't say Merry Christmas, they are not getting any of my money!! Lowes, I think it was, was selling holiday trees, until the O'Reilly Factor put the pressure on them and they changed it back to Christmas trees. Bill O'Reilly has got many stores to change thier ways....GO BILL!
Merry Christmas one and all!
Well, being a Buddhist, I appreciate it when someone says "Happy Holidays" as one of the biggest Buddhist holidays occurs at this time of year. So does the Jewish holiday of Chanukah and the African American holiday of Kwanzaa. I'm sorry, hon, but the season does not belong to just the christians, you and Bill O'Reilly.
That being said, I would like to wish those who celebrate Christmas a Merry Christmas, Those of the Jewish faith a Happy Chanukah, Those African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa a very happy Kwanzaa, and I'd like to wish a very peacefull Bodhi day to my fellow Buddhists..... Or, how about I just say, "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!"
Kelly Sue
- Make Touchdowns Not War - Go Colts!!!
Quote from: Albee on December 13, 2005, 01:29:02 AM
::sighs:: Okay...my turn I guess.
I've read these posts and get the message. "Why can't we say Merry Christmas anymore. They're taking our holiday away. Why should we change everything we've done to get everyone else involved with the season." That's basically what most of you ultimately said. You say that this is the time of year to celebrate the birth of your savior, and should be allowed to say such. But then you turn around and kick everyone elses beliefs out by say "Merry Christmas and if you don't like it...TS!" So what's good for the goose isn't good for all the other animals on your ark?!? haha.
NOW MY PERSONAL FEELINGS? I'm 24. [I don't know how old everyone else is here...] When I was in school, I sang Christmas Carols. Why? Cos I didn't know any Kwanzaa songs. I know The Dradel song and sing that sometimes :P I didn't say the Pledge Of Allegence. Why? Cos I personally believe that the flag is a symbol of the rape of my people and destruction of our land. Now did my grandpa go to the school and make that teacher stop saying it!? Heck no. Did I still stand up? Sure! Out of pure respect of the other people who did. I am agnostic. I don't, or can't, believe in the "Big guy in the sky" theory. What do I call that thing in my dining room window? A Christmas Tree. Why? Cos as far as I know, that's what the dang thing is called! People who came up with it...called it a Christmas Tree! What do I say to people as I leave? Happy Holidays. Why? Cos I don't know what you believe and it's a general happy/good wishes thing to say. I've never thought of HOLYdays, and even if it was...aren't all the different cultural days just that...their HOLYdays? What about the rest of the year? Is Valentine's day a HOLYday? No. It's a HOLIday. Mother's day? PRESIDENT'S DAY??? What makes December automatically the religious royal rumble?
I think i'm going to stop cos all this is making me mad that i'm shaking. It's amazing to me after all these years, there still so much closed-mindedness. ::sigh:: Just got to tell people, Although you'd like to think so...the world doesn't revolve around you. But then again, maybe it's just me. I'm just one of the few people who have a thing called Tolerance.
Very well said. The world needs more tolerant people such as yourself.
Kelly Sue
- Make Touchdowns Not War - Go Colts!
Ok, Someone just told me to "have a Merry!" I think that's good. It could be a merry anything, so that's my new holiday greeting.
Have a Merry one, y'all!
Kelly Sue
- Make Touchdowns Not War - Go Colts!
As I said before in my earlier post it is about the being glad to have the 1st Amendment, I do not think we are talking of war at all. All this has to do was wether or not we should be allowed to say what we wanted to say at the holiday time. This is what the 1st amendent says:
First Amendten History: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I think we should all be able to say what we want to say and not be criticized, because it is our chose to say it. I do not think it is a matter of what religion you are, its the fact that we should all have a right to saw what we want to say without having Congress or anyone else telling us what we can or can not say. I am not putting down anyone's religion down, but I would like the respect that no one put down mine in the process.
Just my opinion and we do all have an opinion.... :)
happy, merry whatever you choose to celebrate however you choose to celebrate ;D
Yes everyone should be able to say what they want and generally people mean no harm when they wish anyone a Happy this or Merry that. Usually they are just trying to be polite and cheerful.
It's just that some people don't understand where the line should be drawn. It's one thing to say something to someone but it's another thing to represent one religion as being superior than the others.
I'll have a Merry bottle of taquila!
Quote from: Madonna on December 07, 2005, 11:29:48 PM
I don't usually speak out like this unless it is a topic dear to my heart. There is a bruhaha going on about whether or not you should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays anymore. Some bad apples that have nothing better to do than to ruin yet another holiday have said it is "offensive" to say those 2 famous greetings we all love to hear at this time of year. Stores have resorted to saying "Seasons Greetings" when you walk in, which is fine and dandy. What I want to know is, where do these people get off telling me, or anyone, what should be said when I want to celebrate with the people I care for. I love this country, for the most part, and to take Christmas or Holiday away because it is offensive is ludicrous. I understand there are other religions beside Christianity in this country...but you don't see us saying...oh...Haunakah or Kwanzaa, or whatever "offends" us. We all should celebrate in peace and harmony, regardless of our religious preferences. And if you are atheists...a bah humbug to you too...but you also have that right. Just don't ruin our fun and our beliefs just because you may not agree with them. And least we not forget that without Christ there would be no Christmas. If I offended anyone on this forum, I sincerely apologize. To those I didn't...MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all. :-*
VERY WELL SAID! and Thank you!........ I will add, have a very merry CHRISTmas..... I mean, isnt that waht that day is??????
Well, silver, I happen to be from Alabama. You are saying that we are pushy with religion. The leader of Southern Baptists, (which is what gives the South a bad name) Jerry Falwell, likes to stick his nose in everything and make the South look like a bunch of dimwitted idiots. Trust me when I say that the South is not the problem...Jerry Falwell and his narrow minded views are. As for challenging "the South" to a religious debate so you can stump us...truth being, you prolly can some, but you would have a huge challenge. But let me tell you, there are some highly intelligent people from the South...so stop making the entire South seem like we need to be strumming banjoes and picking our noses. Just because you are from the North makes you no better than anyone else. So lower your nose (seeing as it is stuck in the air, being all uppity), because it's rainy/snowy season and you might DROWN. And seeing as your so "Christian", i don't recall reading in the Bible about the North being any better than the South. Your opinion belongs back in Civil War times. Remember American History??? Thank you, drive thru...have a good day Y'all.
I for one believe in saying Merry Christmas and there will be no one who can change the way I want to celebrate the Holiday. But I did take offense to when reading this thread was the comment made about Southern Baptist. I first am a Christian but secondly I belong to a Southern Baptist church. I am not very vocal and am not pushy but I can understand how some are- this country is going to hell in handbasket quick and it is very fearful to see how it has fallen so quickly. I think it is horrid to say "thank heaven" I'm not a Southern Baptist- I don't go around putting down other religions. Its really funny- it upsets someone to have all southerners lumped together and judged but then they do the very exact thing. Judge not least you be judged.. I am a Christian, I am a Southern Baptist, I am a Southerner (Florida) but above all I am a human-being with feeling and all the frailty of man. I still struggle like everyone else to do what is good and sometimes it is the hardest thing in the world to do when others don't have restraint and tolerance for other Christians. Enough said-- I'm done.
I agree with you Madonna and Beanie, because I am from the south also. I live in Louisiana and people put us down everyday 24/7. I think the majority of the people in Louisiana are Catholic, but no one puts down the other religions. My mother is Catholic and my father is Baptist and we were taught about both religions even though my mother raised my brother and I as Catholics. We learned a lot about the Baptist religion, but we followed the Catholic religion. It was a decision we got to choose once we were old enough to make that decision. We went to Catholics Schools all of our lives, but we had friends from all type of Religions going to our Elementary and High School. It is not a religious thing that I think everyone on the forum should think about, it is letting us say what we want to say and if they do not like it them that is fine. Just do not tell us what to say and we will not tell you what to say. The Lord must be looking down on us and thinking what is the world coming too. Please remember "Peace On Earth Goodwill Toward Men" and have a Merry Christmas.
God is God no matter how we chose to praise him. I believe he gave us different religions because we are all different and so are our needs. He doesn't care and loves us all, so should we. I am a "believer", that means I take a little bit from each religion and I rejoice in it. I am glad it is all there for me to learn from. This may come from the phrase "Love thy neighbor," they are all different. If we were all the same, it would be a pretty boring world, don't you think.
So well said Janetdebra.. Merry Christmas!
I withdrew my comment about the southern Baptist ...not all are bad. I will not withdraw my comment on Jerry Falwell...he's an idiot...period. He judges everyone...telling them that they are bad and going to hell...his views. I agree...it is not Christian to judge, but he does it without batting an eye. The comment on thank heavens I'm not Baptist has been edited because it was TACKY for me to say that. Who am I to judge an entire religion based on my views on 1 bad apple. Every religion is different, to some degree or another, and mine is no better. So please forgive me for my oh so "horrid" comment. ::)
We all love you Madonna girl.
Sometimes we all get a little stupid because something or someone irritates us. I just try to tune it out. In my thoughts, there is always something good to be found in the bad stuff, rather it be people or deeds. I always look for the good even though it is well hidden sometimes. Not speaking of any of you regarding that bad comment, just all of that stuff I see on TV. Got to start turning the news off again. Hope that came out right. ;)
That might be my best option...just turn it off and tune it out. What you don't know won't make your blood pressure rise and won't cause any hard feelings. So I'll just say have a merry one y'all...and no more news for Madonna ;D.
I meant the news on the TV, Madonna, not the news from you.
one thing that makes me cough and gag during this time of the year is how can people spend a grand for presents? I'm talking about those few people who feel it wouldn't be Christmas unless they spend like 500 bucks on the kids, a gazillion bucks on their spouse, and another gazillion and a half on relatives? What ever happened to just a cookie tin filled with homemade cookies, a card and a simple greeting? In my family were not huge on gifts, esp since my family is comprised of 5 different collections of faiths. For Christams the gifts include an annual pass to the local zoo, season tickets to the local ballet company and some homemade candy-that kind of stuff. For those in my family that aren't Christean, they do celebrate Christmas in a round about way. They take their family out to the fanciest restaurant open and then see a movie. :)
I agree with Madonna 100%. Live and let live. Merry Christmas!!