Opinion

Call a Christmas tree what it is

Posted December 24, 2011 4:00 am

We all know that we live in a diverse nation where we celebrate different traditions, especially this time of year. But when use of the generic “holiday” is used to describe something that is obviously associated with Christmas is ridiculous. For example, we now have “holiday trees” and “holiday lights.” Tell me, what other holiday besides Christmas uses trees and strings of lights?

The most amazing thing I have seen lately was on the bulletin board outside of an elementary school in Palatine. They announced a “Santa Holiday Party.” What other holiday uses Santa besides Christmas?

We all have to recognize other people and their traditions, but to when we generalize everything in the name of being inclusive, we cheapen everything at the same time. Reasonable people will not be offended if we see a menorah on display, just as I do not believe people would be offended if a city or school called it a Christmas tree. Call it what it is. Let’s stop the generic use of the word holiday to describe things that overtly represent Christmas.

Steve Howard

Schaumburg

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