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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Trees (12/05/05)
Holiday vs. Christmas: Which is politically correct?

Recently in the news, the debate continues on whether Tis' the season of Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Some consumers have even gone as far as to ban shopping at Wal-Mart because employees greeted customers with, “Happy Holidays,” instead of, “Merry Christmas.” Even the tradition of cutting down a tree and placing it in your home with lots of colorful lights and decorations is under battle. Is it a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree? Decorated trees outside at town squares, fire departments, and even the huge tree in front of the White House are involved in this conflict between liberals and conservatives. I consider myself to be a Christian conservative and Christmas is about Christ, therefore, the tree that we decorate every year is a Christmas tree and a Christmas tree it will stay.

Disputes over politically correct words are really quite humorous. For example, I can recall a time when women’s liberation wanted “Manholes” to be called “Person holes” and a “cockpit” to be called a “flight deck.” I can not speak for others but I am so confused on which terms to use in certain situations. For instance, using Asian instead of Chinese or Japanese, Black instead of African American, Flight Attendant instead of Stewardess. How can one keep up with the ever changing vocabulary?

One thing is for certain, Jesus will remain Jesus. Liberals can play around with the Christ in Christmas but they can not touch the Word, Jesus. As a possible solution, a new tradition can be started. Terms such as, “Jesus Tree” could be used when admiring a decorated tree and “Happy Jesus to you” could be expressed when greeting one another. Let’s see how long it takes the Liberals to have a heart attack over that one. Wait! They might not have a heart so; let’s call it a “Valentine Attack,” and watch them find a reason to change that holiday.

As a final note, as Christian we must remember that, “Jesus is the reason for the season” and He wants us to reach others by witnessing His love and shine His grace for all to see. Therefore, decorate that Christmas tree with as many lights and ornaments that can fit on it and greet one another with this Holiday cheer, “Merry Jesus!”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Kris St. James
12/12/05
I like your sentiment here, but the tie to the Trees theme is kind of spotty--it goes fom being about political correctness to Christmas Trees, then back to a political statement. I'd focus more on the "Tree" aspect. Just a question (off subject): Do you believe Jesus would be considered to be Conservative or Liberal when you consider the society in which He lived? Just a thought...keep up the good work!
Marilyn Schnepp 
12/13/05
Uh Oh! Isn't that strange? The TWO subjects that should never be brought up at a friendly get-together - are now at a face off! The subject at hand, "Trees" never did have anything to do with the birth of our Lord; His death, yes! Nailed to a tree - But not His birth. But well done piece on this controversial subject.
Sandra Petersen
12/13/05
You make some very fine statements in taking your stand like in "I consider myself to be a Christian conservative and Christmas is about Christ, therefore, the tree that we decorate every year is a Christmas tree and a Christmas tree it will stay."
I am weary also of the debate over Happy Holiday vs. Merry Christmas.
The subject was trees, and I liked the idea of a Jesus tree instead of a Christmas tree, but you needed to develop the theme of the Challenge.
On the other hand, I think this would be a great letter to the editor!
Janice Stotz
12/14/05
I agree. This would be a great letter to the editor for your local newspaper, or any newspaper for that matter! Great job.