Poll Question: Does anyone really care that much if they see a Xmas Tree or the words?

Question

Merry Christmas in a shopping store? Or do you seriously get offended if you see a nativity scene displayed? Or do you think the media has just blown this all out of proportion?

to Sally B. Huh?? I think you didnt read my question correctly. Read it again.

Answer 1

isn't it hard to believe that so many adults can act so childish?

Answer 2

I think that the media and a few interest groups have blown this issue way out of proportion on both sides. I am not religious at all, and I do get offended when people try to force-feed religion to others who don't share their views. However, the sight of a Christmas tree or the words "Merry Christmas" never bothered me. Christmas is a holiday with a very sacred meaning for many people, but it also has a secular significance in American society. For many people the holidays are a time to get together with family, have parties, and do other things that have nothing directly to do with what is often referred to as "the reason for the season". I think that many people would agree that a greeting of "Merry Christmas" is not generally offensive to non-Christians.

On the other hand, there is no "war on Christmas" no matter what Bill O'Reilley and his ilk have to say. It is perfectly reasonable for retailers and others to prefer to say "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". It is a fact that many holidays fall within the winter months and the United States is a very diverse place. Marketers want to be as inclusive as possible by saying "Happy Holidays", a message which in no way infringes on the existence or celebration of Christmas, but also acknowledges New Years, Hanukkah, sometimes Ramadan, and other winter holidays. If I hear someone wish me "Happy Holidays" it doesn't make me think of satanic or pagan rituals, but of trimmed trees, creches, candy canes, mulled cider and get-togethers.

To sum up, I think that this whole thing is a non-issue made into a big hoopla by bored media and a very vocal minority. Those who attempt to say that a message of "Happy Holidays" somehow seeks to undermine their religious freedom or faith come off as ridiculous and foolish to me, as do people who are so sensitive that they get offended if someone wishes them a "Merry Christmas". People of many different backgrounds enjoy and celebrate the winter holidays, and those who attempt to exclude others based on religious differences sure seem to be sending a decidedly un-Christian message. After all, isn't Christmas a holiday about peace, fellowship, compassion and charity?

Answer 3

I don't think anyone is seriously offended by an Xmas tree or Merry Xmas.

It's a very small minority of Conservative Christians spreading a false rumours and then having it blown out of proportion by the media.

Answer 4

I think that they are a wonderful part of the holiday. I would rather someone wish me a merry christmas than happy holidays.

i think people just want something to gripe about. Even if every religion had something up, they would gripe about one being bigger, one being shinnier, and think everyone but their own needs to be taken down.

So yes, it is blown out of proportion, but not by the medis, by the "religions" of the world.

Answer 5

i am fine seeing a tree, the nativity scene with baby Jesus and everything. its the spirit of christmas and the birth of christ that is special..but some people who do not believe in all this may get offended but hey its a free country and if they want dredles and those candle sticks menorahs and etc that's kewl too! we all should be able to express ourselves. happy holidays!

Answer 6

i think it's blown waaaaay out of proportion. I mean, whats happened to the holiday spirit and 'niceness' of this time of year? people just need to chill out.........it's not the end of the world if people are just trying to make things jolly by decorating their store with happy lights and holiday items. The only thing that I have a problem with is when people try to put their beliefs onto you...or if there's one of those baby jesus and mary glowing lawn statues. I think that's really direct and unnecessary. i mean, we get it. It's the celebration of baby jesus. But some people just celebrate xmas for the giving and family time.

Answer 7

considering Christmas was a religious observance way before it became a secular observance, by about 1800 years, I think it would be backwards for someone to get offended if they saw a nativity scene.

Answer 8

I'm not offended. The only problem I have is if a nativity scene or some other religious references are made on public property. But I don't freak about it. It's idiotic, but I'm not offended by it.

Answer 9

We care! Most of the mid west are German! We love to see anything Christmas, even if it is not Christmas! So MMMeeeeerrrrrry Christmas , und Gut Nacten!

Answer 10

DUHHHHHH!!!!! the media has gone over board with this! It's not THAT important! Oh, and something that really makes me laugh is that most companies don't want their employees to say"Merry Christmas!"; they want them to say "Happy Holidays!". And the difference is . . . NOT MUCH!!!!! Let's review. Exactly where does "Holidays" come from? "HOLY" and "DAYS!!!!" So isn't trying to avoid saying "Merry Christmas!" by saying "Happy Holidays!" just silly?! You haven't REALLY avoided it! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Answer 11

The media has made way too big a deal out of it. I don't think people get offended at all.