The holiday season is here and many Americans are fretting over the use of the words “Merry Christmas” and many seem to be confused about the reason for the season.
“Christmas” is a federal holiday in the United States and many Americans will agree that December is the month to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ, Kwanzaa, the African-American and Pan-African holiday, Hanukkah, the Hebrew festival of lights and other “solstice” celebrations.
So, why are people boycotting Wal-Mart and why is “Christmas” such a debatable topic for news reporters, members of the White House and millions of other Americans across the Western Hemisphere?
According to World Net Daily, a Catholic advocacy group has launched a national boycott against Wal-Mart, claiming that the No. 1 retailer has in effect “banned” Christmas, while promoting other seasonal holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
According to World Net Daily, Wal-Mart has “absolutely not” banned Christmas, but said it’s “trying to serve all our customers for the holiday season.”
Many Americans believe officials of the White House don’t want to recognize their own federal holiday either. World Net Daily noted, President Bush and First Lady Laura Bushes’ holiday card includes a Scripture verse, but doesn’t mention Jesus.
Well, America is the “land of the free” and therefore, people have freedom of expression, can worship any deity and celebrate whichever holiday they want. “Christmas,” just happens to be a federal holiday.
Besides “Christmas” is no longer looked at as a holy and sanctified day, it’s more commercialized than anything.
People purchase gifts for the entire family, children want to have their picture taking with Santa Clause and everyone has to have a “Christmas” or holiday tree with the Star of David on the top.
Most of these Christmas traditions stem from Pagan practices, not Christianity.
Americans need to realize the reason for the season. Until then, the FAMUAN staff would like to wish you a Happy Holiday.
Angela A. Green for the Editorial Board.