Every year it becomes more and more complicated to wish someone glad tidings during this time of celebration for many cultures.
I believe we must be sensitive to other's beliefs, however, December 25th is Christmas for me and my family: a day to commemorate the birth of what Christians believe (as do I- being a Christian) was the day of Christ's birth on this earth; Christ being my Lord and Savior.
Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. the Menorah has many symbolic meanings to the Jewish culture that are beautiful and spiritual.
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States (and more recently, Canada). The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Much more is said about Kwanzaa here that is profound and meaningful.
My point in writing this post is to point out that we too easily get offended when one person says to another (perhaps of different beliefs) Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays. I do not wish to take CHRIST out of Christmas, the very opposite. This is a time for my family that is very sacred to me, that I love and cherish every year.
I do realize (for all of you out there reading my blog) that this is an etiquette and manners blog, which is precisely why I am writing it. I think Emily Post herself would roll over in her grave. At no such time was there a belief that having good manners meant rolling over and playing dead so someone could walk all over us. I certainly am tired of doing that and refuse to allow it any further in my life. Call a spade a spade and lets keep it moving!
The fact that the White House called the Christmas Trees "Holiday Trees" this year is insulting. The very symbolism of the tree is for Christmas. Have A Menorah, symbols for Kwanzaa, different symbols for different cultures, but why call them Holiday trees when they are clearly Christmas trees? Does someone think they are not offending anyone by calling them holiday trees? I'm sad. The green nature of the tree represents evergreen- everlasting life- Christ. Missing the point?
I simply wonder if we must be so politically correct all the time? Yes, we do need to help others feel comfortable. But the other day I was speaking with my husband about a specific ethnic group of people and I couldn't even remember what the newest PC name was to refer to them by.
We did we become such and offended culture? One where perhaps when we are in the wrong, we seek fault in another to help ourselves feel better. My hubs was telling me about a HS basketball game the other day where a team beat another by some extraordinary number (107-2) and people were angry with the winning team for poor sportsmanship.
We are in an age of entitlement. I found it, I keep it. You deserved it. It's all about me. I deserve a trophy for showing up.
I believe this sense of entitlement not only contributes to the moral decay of our society, but prevents people from learning how to treat others kindly, have good manners, and just plain be good members of society.
Please, during this time of year...no matter what you do or don't believe in; there is a special feeling in the air. Take time to reflect upon your actions, not the actions of others, and see how you can improve. Respect others and don't worry about being offended so much. Be proud of what you believe in.
I find it so sad that we live in a world where someone takes offense in how we greet them during this time of year. Find joy in the fact that they have beliefs wish them well. Faith is a blessing, not a curse.
Treat others as you would want to be treated. Be kind, be charitable, be sincere.
My two cents.
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