Christmas Beef

Well, it’s that time of year again and with all the good cheer and warm wishes comes a subtle hint of religious persecution lying just below the audible sound of voice and within the written words of the time. Subtle is a level that can be personally defined and in this case is no where near the persecution that Jewish people had suffered at the hands of Nazis and anyone else who has similar beliefs. My reference to persecution now is in the public schools. My children, may I say that we are Catholic and celebrate Christmas just like others, with gifts and such, are being told in their schools that they cannot make reference to Christmas.

Specifically, with the art they draw in school, they cannot say Merry Christmas but must say Happy Holidays. While Happy Holidays is perfectly acceptable, it tends to define our family’s meaning of Christmas incorrectly. We not only celebrate a holiday, but we truly celebrate much more than that, a Holy Day. Why should Catholics or any Christian be forced to deviate from their beliefs? We are not getting preachy by saying Merry Christmas, but are extending the celebratory expression that one person should toward another, signifying not only happiness but our belief in the true meaning of Christmas. I have Jewish friends and because of their strong beliefs I wish them always a very Happy Hanukah. Am I wrong for saying that? No. So, why I ask is it wrong for children to say Merry Christmas?

Getting back to my children and their art in school, my 9 year old wished to draw a reference to Jesus on his Christmas picture and his teacher ignorantly told him that he cannot draw that and he should draw a dreidel instead. Again, it is not my wish to condemn the symbols of the Jewish faith as I have the utmost respect, but rather it is my intention to show the ignorance of specific teachers and the school administration if they stand behind the teachers and are enforcing such rules.

It is my suggestion that we as parents teach our children our faith, the true meaning and how to respect people and the faith of others. It is our obligation to enforce and teach these beliefs to our children, thereby teaching them of the true human spirit that is evidently being blanketed by society and the apparent need to control. These days, with this economy, things can be so bad for friends, family, for everyone and anyone. It therefore becomes more important that we recognize the faith practiced within our families, learn from it and trust in it.

As this letter comes to a close and in hoping that my points have been made, please everyone be safe, have peace and share love within this one season that represents so much to so many.