EVEN in my high school days, the nuns and teachers had reminded us there was more to Christmas than gift-giving, merrymaking, parties, vacation and fun.
That the focus of the word Christmas was Christ. That the appropriate symbols in the home should be advent candles, the “belen” with the Holy Family and the Three Kings, all about the story of the Nativity and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ.
Not the foreign and imported symbols of Santa Claus with or without Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, elves, pine trees, holly, fairy lights, snow and mistletoe, and other commercial creations promoting foreign cultures.
One thing is sure. Christmas is much-revered and much anticipated for spreading cheers and making family, friends, loved ones, even strangers and hapless ones happy during the season.
Yet, in foreign shores, people are waging war on Christmas, particularly its celebration.
And it all started with politicians (so what else is new?). Their targets? Universities allowing the setting up of Christmas tree ornaments, the conduct of Christmas parties, or making private displays of nativity scenes, angels and menorahs.
At the University of Tennessee, for instance, its chancellor has been asked to resign for allowing Christmas parties to be held. Nine Republican members of Congress from Tennessee denounced the move.
And as expected of politicians reeling from drunkenness with power, they also vowed to cut the university’s budget.
Also, they’ve strongly pushed “that holiday parties and celebrations should build upon workplace relationships and team morale,” thus not placing any emphasis on religion or culture.
Their equally strong admonition: “Ensure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise.”
The politicians have explained their opposition to the university’s linking the season’s celebration to a religious event, saying that the university is a public university and thus, should not endorse any religion.
Opposition to associating Christmas as a religious event is not unprecedented. Even in the 1600s, the Puritans made it illegal to even mention St. Nicholas’ name. People were prohibited from exchanging gifts, lighting candles or singing Christmas carols.
But no one can put a good spirit and good intentions down. In the 17th century, Dutch immigrants to the U.S. brought with them the legend of Sinter Klaas.
The New York Historical Society was founded with St. Nicolas as its patron saint, and its members engaged in the Dutch practice of gift-giving at Christmas.
Abolitions and reinstatements of Christmas celebrations are never-ending, they’ve become cliché.
So when other politicians, ironically Republicans themselves, state in a news release that “some people on the far left claim to be tolerant of everything except traditional Christianity. They don’t object to Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or any other religion’s traditions. But they go unhinged on anything that hints of traditional Christianity. They try to take down Crosses and Christian emblems. It is a shame and very sad. And it is extremism.”
Touche! Let these men continue their war. But we have no issues with ours. Merry Christmas, everyone!
(lelani.echaves@gmail.com)