Some of you know that this Christmas issue is a hot topic with me. I grew up in a world where it was okay to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or as of 1966 Happy Kwanzaa. I don't celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, but I'm not offended by those that do and if someone says Happy Hanukkah I am happy with the well wishes and say it right back..I don't have to be Jewish to respect Hanukkah and I don't have to be Black to respect the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Some places that are primarily Jewish or Jewish owned display large Menorahs, this does not offend me, in fact I'd think it odd if they displayed a Christmas Tree.
Hanukkah is the "Festival of Lights", Hanukkah mean dedication or consecration... It stems from the rededicating of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by Syrian forces. There was only enough oil to fuel the eternal flame for one day, yet the flame stayed for 8 days until they had pressed more oil. So Hanukkah celebrates a miracle and has deep religious significance.
Kwanzaa on the other hand was originally created by Ron Karenga as an alternative holiday to Christmas. A holiday for Blacks to celebrate themselves and their history. It didn't take long before it became Incorporated into the Christmas celebration and Black families went back to celebrating Christmas as well as Kwanzaa...no religious significance.
I think all people should celebrate Christmas, some from the religious stand point and others, just in the spirit of the holiday. There is nothing wrong with having a season that brings joy and happiness to others..I wish the spirit of Christmas could last all year long, but I'll settle for December. I don't think I'm alone when I say I 'm tired of political correctness. I know I won't make a difference by not shopping in stores that refuse to openly express Merry Christmas, but I won't do it, nor will I bank in a bank that does not display a Christmas tree. I want my Country back to the way it was before all this politically correct BS. We have spent years trying to abolish discrimination...what kind of message are we sending to the rest of the world?
Okay I'll get off the Christmas kick...If I could I'd light up my front lawn so you could see it from space....across 5 acres (at least) it would say, no it would scream "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in lights........
