Non-Christians not offended by holiday names

I'd like to commend Patricia C. Nora for her letter on 3/1. She's absolutely right that there is no "Hopping Holiday". The holiday on the calendar is "Easter." And in December -- we all celebrate Christmas!

Oh yeah, did I mention I don't believe in the Christian god(s) -- or any of the other gods, either (Greek, Roman, Hindu, etc)?

As Nora implied, an Easter egg hunt has nothing to do with the Bible/Christianity (anymore than a jolly fat man in a red suit bringing us presents at Christmas). While there are pagan and Christian roots for each, the holidays are now almost completely secular.

Very rarely are non-believers offended during Easter and/or Christmas seasons because of the use of those two words. Non-believers are much more concerned with Christians discriminating against people based on their beliefs -- killing kids with prayer (vs medicine); or fighting to teach creationism in science class.

Does it matter if a city is worried about possible complaints and chooses to use "Hopping Holiday" at Easter? Not really. Does it affect you if a store at Xmas wishes patrons "Happy Holidays?" Not at all.

To the cities and stores: please don't be afraid to use the names of the holidays for fear of offending non-believers.

To the Christians: when the specific holiday names are not used, please keep calm and remember that you and/or your god are not under attack (regardless of what Fox "News" tells you!).

Colin Barr

Arlington Heights