Deck the Halls with boughs of holly...
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...
Frosty the Snowman, was a jolly happy soul...
You'd better not pout, you'd better not cry...
You get the idea! Christmas is coming!
And you can spice up your AdSense blocks with a little holiday cheer using their "themed ads".
Want to know how?
First, login to your AdSense account.
Next click on the "My Account" tab.
Scroll down the page to the "Ad Type Preference" area and click "Edit"
Now you can check the box for "Enable themed ad units when available".
Depending on the time of year, these themed units will vary. But right now you should be seeing Christmas-themed units appearing on your site as a result.
And speaking of Christmas, I would like to take a moment do a commentary...
I was in a Target store yesterday and needed to pick up a box of Christmas cards.
And that's when I noticed it...
Among the rows of boxed cards on the shelves, I could not find ONE boxed set that said "Merry Christmas" on the front of the cards!
Not ONE!
Now, if I went to the greeting card aisle, there were cards with the phrase.
But not in the boxed cards.
It's official.
The completely unoffensive to even the most Scroogey of Scrooges, "Happy Holidays", has replaced "Merry Christmas" as the primary phrase for the season.
Of course, it is followed only by "Season's Greetings"
Target employees aren't allowed to even say "Merry Christmas". Many other stores have follow suit.
Meanwhile, the majority of Americans will be waking up to Christmas morning on December 25th, celebrating the birth of the Christ-child.
So why are some in the public arena desperate to appeal to political correctness?
Why have some in this generation succumbed to the pressure to allow bullies and thugs to remove Christmas decorations, trees and lights from many city squares?
Coming from a Jewish background, I never had a problem with Christmas. In fact, I LOVED the idea of Santa Claus, snowmen, Charlie Brown TV specials and reindeer. I would never tell anyone else how to celebrate and I certainly didn't feel pressured to celebrate just because others were. And it certainly never stopped my family from lighting the Hanukkah candles.
But some people aren't happy unless they can dictate what others can and can not do. I call 'em "control freaks" ;-)
To the Scrooges of this world who would seek to offend millions by attempting to steal the spirit of Christmas, I refer to the lesson that was learned by none other than our green friend, the Grinch...
"Christmas came.. it came just the same"
As long as there is another Christmas day, the spirit of Christmas will continue in the hearts of those who truly understand the meaning and seek to celebrate the reason for the season.
It's not about snow. I don't think they'll have any in South Texas this year. But Christmas will still be here.
It's not about presents. There are some families that can't afford gifts for their children this year. Christmas will still be here.
It's not about Santa. While there is a foundation in the church for St. Nicholas, the fat red home invader is about as unspiritual and non-offensive as it gets. But get rid of Santa and you've still got Christmas.
Our largely secular society has attempted to turn Christmas into something it's not.
But just as a rose by any other name remains a rose, Christmas by any other name is still Christmas.
And Christmas is about Christ. Pure and simple.
Those who would seek to take down the lights, ban the trees and silence the harmonious voices of the carolers will never be able to take Christ from Christmas.
THAT is the reason we celebrate. He is THE Gift.
And I don't mind being politically incorrect in saying so.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, another holiday or nothing at all, I hope the season is filled with nothing but goodness and joy for you and your family.
... and Merry Christmas!
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December 12, 2006 07:11 AM
Well, that is great. Now we can all go buy up these :Seasons Greetings" cards and give them out for spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And the "Happy Holidays" cards we can use for Easter!!(When do they get rid of "Happy Easter"?), Summer holidays, Labor day, Thanksgiving, and any other holidays. Maybe even when people go on their vacations. Get a card...Happy Holidays!.
I say..If you don't want to celebrate it, then don't. When in Rome...
Thanks for allowing my little rant.
Doug
December 12, 2006 07:35 AM
Joel, I found your holiday rant rather amusing.
It appears you strongly disagree with the way greeting cards have become politically correct beyond reason and the fact that a major department store not allowing their employees to say Merry Christmas.
After all was said and done, I found it funny that you never once used the phrase "Merry Christmas" that you so adamantly felt had been unjustly removed by the PC secular society (except when explaining that someone could not say it).
Reviewing your closing statement above- it reads as generic as any of the current greeting cards you complained about. You closed the email by saying "...I hope the season is filled with nothing but goodness and joy..."
I am pretty sure that greeting is one for all seasons as it shows such thoughtfullness to anyone (race, religion or ethicity) and is fitting on any day of the year.
Oh ya... Happy Holidays Joel.
December 12, 2006 08:09 AM
Joel
I have to agree with you on this article. I am certainly
opposed to people imposing
their ideals on my culture and beliefs. I am a christian with
the basic belief in tolerance and understanding and I certainly do not go around to try and change anyone elses culture and beliefs if they are different to mine. This PC
business is a sap to a more
more dangerous cancer that is bound to fail and cause the very suffering and upset it set out to avoid. As Doug aptly put it,When in Rome...
December 12, 2006 08:17 AM
Hi Joel
Y'know, I really have to agree with you. Bit by bit, the 'polotically correct' seem to be dictating what we can and cannot say. The worrying thing is, it's spreadine insidiously (not sure if that's the right spelling) throughout every aspect of life. What next I wonder? So far here (Ireland) wer still have Merry Christmas cards on sale,but there are other small signs about. Will they stop kids writing to Santa? Try to stop people going to church/Synagogue or wherever they go to? Funny, but I always thought it was supposed to be a 'free' country. Whatever 'they' do, it won't change folks opinions on religion or anything else, so why not let people live however they want? Nobody should be dictated to.
Thanks for allowing my little rant. Oh, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
December 12, 2006 08:37 AM
Right on, Joel!
We, United States and Canada, live in a "free" society where our brave men and women have fought to retain our freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom to do what we want as long as it is in the framework of very liberal laws.
Christmas is a tradition, and one that is celebrated globally. To not celebrate just because it is not the belief of another person is not what we have struggled for so long to retain.
The freedom that we have is what peoples of other countries envy and why so many want to live in our free society.
If you change what makes our society the attractive place that everyone wants to be a part of, then you destroy what the attraction was in the first place.
Everyone is free to practice their own faith in our two wonderful and blessed countries.
Don't try and ban what we cherish, but rather display your own celebrations with equal pride. We welcome diversity as it brings us all closer together in understanding and goodwill.
That is what Christmas is all about - peace amoung all people ... so, please, let me celebrate my faith, openly, and show me yours so that we can all understand and learn from each other.
Merry Christmas!
December 12, 2006 08:45 AM
Loved your commentary. Thank you Joel and Merry Christmas!
December 12, 2006 09:07 AM
While it certainly is trendy to bemoan the loss of "Merry Christmas", etc from stores, in most cases it's an exaggeration (purposely or not) of the truth. Visit Target.com and you'll find lots of boxed cards with very religious themes. Haven't visited a Target store looking for cards this season, but I'd bet that if they're on the web site, they're in the stores. Maybe you didn't look closely enough? Or you're just jumping on the bandwagon?
December 12, 2006 09:26 AM
Hi Joel
I completely agree with your comments. I come from a Christian background and feel that this self consciousness about Christmas is going too far. I disagree with the email comment above which says "Seasons Greetings" shows respect or thoughtfulness for other races, religions and ethnicities. I have celebrated Sukkot in Isreal with friends and loved every minute of it, and cannot for the life of me see why other groups should feel upset about a reference to Christmas? "Seasons Greetings" cards have been around for a long time and are nothing new, and who knows what was behind the original intention of that particular greeting, but there is definitely a move to downgrade Christmas worldwide - especially coming from the film world. Can anyone imagine film-makers getting away with mocking the revered religious festivals of other religions? Nope, nor can I.
Yesterday I went into Arianna Huffington's blog (why I did that - I don't know) but there it was again...another rant on how disgusting Christmas was from someone promoting secularism.
By the way, in the US, nobody (not even the securalists) will be able to ban Christmas, Pesach, Yom Kippur, Eid, Diwali or any other religious fesitval as the Constitution would forbid this.
So, folks, Happy Christmas and Happy Channukah and Happy New Year.
December 12, 2006 09:27 AM
Hi Joel,
Great commentary about being "PC"! Being raised Jewish myself, I learned at an early age about religious tolerance from my parents. I have no problem in saying "Merry Christmas", or having other people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The U.S. was founded upon the idea of religious tolerance - where has this tolerance gone these days? Why are we so paranoid about what other people will do, will say, will sue us over? Fear achieves nothing but separation and isolation from our fellow men & women. It's our diversity in our beliefs (and everything else) that makes things interesting. What a dull world it would be if we all believed & did the same thing(s)!
Perhaps it is well past time to stand up for our individual beliefs and what this country was founded upon. Perhaps it is well past time for all of us to embrace our differences while sharing in the human experience together. There's nothing wrong in believing in something different than I do. What's wrong is trying to stuff it down my throat.
December 12, 2006 09:51 AM
It was once illegal to celebrate Christmas but it wasn't atheists who were to blame, it was the Puritans.
I think they were right. Where in the Bible does it say to make this a holiday?
Look up the history of Christmas, it isn't exactly what you have been told. Then again if more people actually read the Bible there would be less Christians.
The phrase Happy Holidays lets everyone feel included. You don't hear Jews ranting about how stores aren't wishing everyone a Happy Hanukkah.
The whole uproar is because Christians want their religion recognized above all others.
December 12, 2006 10:30 AM
Responding to Rhonda's Comments: America was founded on Christian-Judao beliefs. 80% plus Americans practice some form of Christianity. Why is it that the minority (seculars) seem to win so many battles? The uproar is not about Christianity being recognized above others. It is about the slippery slope of doing away with traditions that helped to found this great country. It is about the erosion of the very fabric of American culture.
December 12, 2006 10:43 AM
Hi Joel,
I agree with your comment. Jesus is the reason for Christmas and there is no other reason.
December 12, 2006 11:42 AM
Merry Christmas!
It is a wonderful time of year to reconnect with family, friends and with the Creator of all.
Don't think Christmas and/or Christianity is under attack? That's been the rule for 2,000 years. Currently leading the attack is the ACLU- I encourage you to review a just released FACT filled book exposing the organization committed to destroying America's values and culture: "Indefensible, 10 ways the ACLU is destroying America". Author is Sam Kastensmidt.
Now that book is an eye opener, friends. It's time we Americans wake up and confront the enemy lurking in the shadows of our schools and courts .. your children and grandchildren are being targeted like never before. I urge you to wake up and re-evaluate the direction we are allowing our "leaders" to take us... and take steps to change that direction.
December 12, 2006 11:54 AM
Joel, I just wanted to say, what an awesome post! You have truly expressed how I felt but was not able to put in words myself. This one's a keeper. You are so awesome!
December 12, 2006 12:39 PM
Hi Joel,
Right on regarding Christmas. However if you are having a problem finding the cards that say what you want them to say then you need to go to www.sendingoutcards.com--put in both the user name and password box put in marycoon and you will have access to 2 free greeting cards--follow the tutorial on the front of the site and have a great "Christmas"
Mary Coon
December 12, 2006 12:58 PM
Joel, Spot on my friend! Christmas is about Christ. It is also about traditions
that have bound this countries famlies together for all these two hundred plus years. Without
Christmas you probaly would'nt stay in touch with Aunt Edna or Uncle Frank or your
cousins that live on the
other coast.Famlies are the glue that holds this great nation of ours together, not standing armies or economic strength. Let every person
celebrate the season in their on way and in their on religous beliefs
That said !
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND
A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!
December 12, 2006 01:03 PM
Hey Joel, thanks for the commentary. Political Correctness rules by fear and domination...it masquerades as enlightenment, when it is full of darkness.
Thank God, He cared so much for us in our messed up condition that He sent the Light. We will do well to remember that there was an attempt to extinguish the life of the young Jesus. Why should it be less so now, than to assail the mention of His Name? Happy HOLYdays and Merry CHRISTmas!
December 12, 2006 01:29 PM
Joel,
First, please, please stop your whining! It is NOT the "other than Christians" who are at fault. If you do a little research much of the so called "War on Christmas" is being waged against Christianity by Christians. No one has asked that manger scenes or christmas trees be removed. They have asked that if you're going to honor one religion, then honor others, especially if it's on public property. But nooooo, the Christians don't want any mention of the "other" religions so like a bunch of spoiled sports, they cry that they're being "forced" to remove their symbols.
BTW, the only thing Christian about Christmas is the name. The vast majority of the traditions are PAGAN, including the high mass at midnite!
Merry Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Qwuanza and Happy Hannucka. And if you don't celebrate anything, have a nice day.
December 12, 2006 03:38 PM
Hi Joel,
As a Kiwi (New Zealander) I can tell you the same thing is happening over here. As a Pastor in a small church here in the beautiful Bay of Plenty this is the time of the year that I see the effects of families that simply need a Saviour- they have no future and no hope and the influx of PC is just helping to confuse them even more. They wish to participate in the good things of Christmas as seen from the world of marketing and the media, but they simply can't afford it. This causes more frustration and despair. Good on you for refusing to submit. MERRY CHRISTMAS from New Zealand - where it's summer and NO white Christmas.
December 12, 2006 03:57 PM
And I thought it was only in Britain that everyone had gone mad. We are allowed to mention Diwali, Qwuanza, etc, but as soon as you mention the C word, that is it, you are blacklisted. Some towns are even banning carol singing in case they offend other religions, people are not allowed to wear a cross, some councils have even banned collecting pig ornaments in case it offends Muslims. And there are many companies that have banned their staff from mentioning the C word in front of customers and have taken the word out of all official leaflets. The problem isn't with the other religions, you talk to a muslim, hindu, jewish, whatever, they are not offended. They are more offended by people thinking they are offended.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone (though please keep my name and address secret in case I am hounded out of the town)!!!
December 12, 2006 04:43 PM
I don't care what religion you are or even if you are an agnostic or athiest. This is MY religious holiday and I wish each and everyone of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. This is a glorious celebration of our beliefs.
Again Merry, Merry Christmas.
December 12, 2006 05:00 PM
To the one who taught, it is better to give than recieve.
Merry Christmas
December 12, 2006 05:39 PM
I have to agree this whole Season's Greetings is a bit silly. Especially since we have four different seasons. Its interesting to see the morphing of holidays (aka holy days). Christmas wasn't always Christmas for instance. It was originally Yule, an ancient pagan holiday that was held on December 21-22 to mark the shortest day of the year. The early Catholic Church saw the wisdom of making wee adjustments in the historical calendar to make the conversion process easier - which was an astute move on their part. After all aren't most baby animals born around March?
Now we are moving away from Christmas into a plain-vanilla-Ikea-like holiday.
Well anyways, Merry Christmas, (All-Four) Seasons Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Yippee Yuletide and all that.
-Shawn
December 12, 2006 06:04 PM
I like squirrels.
December 12, 2006 06:24 PM
Yeah Joel, you are so right. I was happily surprised to witness a Jew being pro-Christ.
Haven't you noticed though that the bullies and thugs have been cutting Christ out of Christmas by using Xmas for years? And if you think finding cards with the word Christmas written on is hard, try finding a card with any hint of baby Jesus or even one wise man. Nothing of the original meaning of Christmas can be easily found in shops. The argument that Christmas has become too commercialised is twisting into the cry that commerce has becme too non-Christmas. Incidentally, in Australia cards with snow scenes are prolific despite Christmas occuring in summer in a country where snow only falls on mountain tops in winter.
In Australia we have a half-day holiday in April called ANZAC day to honour the men who gave their lives in the world wars. It has been noted that thousands of men died and we get a half-day holiday, while one man dies and we get two days of holiday.
If people want a good reason to celebrate Christmas, two days off work should be enough. In Australia the shops all shut for two days a year - Christmas day and Good Friday - to celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the God of the western world and although many unbelievers wish to live in denial and not be reminded, that is the fact. We should not allow unbelievers to take Christ out of our world, but at least we will not let them take Christ out of our hearts.
Happy Christmas and goodwill toward all people.
December 12, 2006 09:31 PM
Joel,
My Father was a minister in the Nazarene Church as I was growing up...then he died. At age 61 I have spiritually evolved to enbrace Christmas as a time of embracing the Christ within and renewing my attunement to the message of all Saviors who have lived on earth. Love one another. Be the example where you live ...during your walk in Spirit. Shine your Christ light into and ontop the darkness. BE CHRISTMAS!
Listen to the Christ within and be born anew this Winter Solstice.
Merry Christmas to you and to all who posted to your blog.
Joe
December 12, 2006 10:06 PM
Hi Joel,
here in Australia Christmas has become a time for family to meet together, have a hot lunch, have a hot game of Cricket and not mention the word "baby Jesus" in case we offend others. Preschools have banned the singing of christmas carols that are of Christian nature as well as the dramatization of the real meaning of Christmas. Christians need to stand up for their rights and not to give in to the minority groups. Wishing you a blessed Christ-mass as you celebrate the birth of Jesus and his wonderful gift to us.
Yours in Christ,
Rosie
December 13, 2006 06:36 AM
I do not consider what you said to be a rant about anything. What you said is simply common sense. The goal of these 'control freaks' is to rule everyone else. The worldwide movement is to make sure that only Christians are offended in any way possible and accuse them of intolerance once they express what is offensive to them. I currently am employed by the largest retailer in the world and we were forbidden to say merry christmas last year, but sales dropped off and this year we are free to tell the customers who BUY our merchandise merry christmas so they will buy more from us. I am about as politically incorrect as anyone can get...and I have a surprise for the Christian Church early next year. If you think that the 'control freaks' are bad, wait until you see the reaction of the churches to their own doctrine. I wish you a joyous season all year long..not just at christmas.
Teacher...ministering director..Eternal Life Ministries
December 13, 2006 02:19 PM
Moreover, Political Correctness should be considered Friendly Fascism by the Control Freak Police!!
December 13, 2006 02:59 PM
Amen!!!!!
December 13, 2006 07:21 PM
I would just like to say I completely agree with you Joel! My right as a christian is to say "Merry Christmas" I take no shame in that! Just as I would not hinder another from their faith! But just as they chop a Christmas they are also chopping at the foundation of America, GOD! One nation under ?. Yeah the very thing this Nation was founded under , they seek to opress! What will become of this country if we dont stop it!
Merry Christmas to all!!
December 15, 2006 11:31 AM
Dear Joel.
As a committed Christian may I tell you how much it pleased me to hear an honest Jew say the things you did.
Amongst my most precious memories are celebrating Hannukka with good friends.
We are not rivals in faith, and there is much to be gained in sharing our joy. It is not in such abundant supply.
Shalom.
Ken.
December 15, 2006 04:16 PM
I agree with your assessment of what has happened to Christmas. I get so mad when I hear these humbugs say that Christ should be taken out of Christmas. What are these people celebrating if not the birth of Jesus? My family will continue to keep Him in Christmas and noone can take that away from people who want to do that. I was extremely glad to get your e-mail with that in there. I also paid the $25.00 for Toys or Tots while at your blog. Thank you for giving us that opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. I will also tell everyone I know about this opportunity. Thanks so much.
December 18, 2006 06:38 PM
Merry Christmas Joel,
My wife and I are committed christians and we celebrate christmas for the real reason: The birth of the only Saviour of the sinful world. His name as you know:
Jesus Christ.
One newspaper in British Columbia reported that someone had nailed santa to a cross. Wow, what an uproar. You should hear what people said about that.
But I totally agree with the person who hung santa on a cross. (how funny it may appear). Santa wasn't born and and Crucified for us.
Jesus was. Thank God that he has mercy on a lost world and sent His only begotten Son to redeem us.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
from Jens in northern Canada
where we have white christmas
December 20, 2006 11:25 PM
You are right on with your comments on Christmas. I am sick and tired of Christians being persecuted. I thought Christianity was still the faith of the majority, but it seems to be politically correct to persecute them.
December 23, 2006 09:28 PM
Hi Joel, I agree with you 100%. It's ironic that just this morning a neighbor woman greeted me with happy hollidays. I told her she had just removed the reason for the season when she replaced Christmas with hollidays. She said she was trying to be politically correct & I told her I just wanted to be correct period! And that was to remember that without the birth of Jesus Christ there would be no Christmas season. PS, I was disgusted with the comment by 'Loren', the second one on the list. Your friend Bob.