Prior to the 1990's were there any objections to the use of "Christmas"?

Question

Recently there have been many objections to the use of the word Christmas. Ex. Christmas tree's, Christmas Holidays does anyone know if prior to the 1990's similiar objections were raised? (Specific references please especially if there Canadian)

Answer 1

In England, Queen Elizabeth I outlawed Christmas because of the drunken riots that would break out every year.
With the concept of a separation between church and state in the 1700's, local governments would usually "look the other way" at nativity scenes and the such, even though they were illegal, even back then. In the fifties, it became almost a national duty as a reaction to atheist communist countries. In the sixties and seventies the courts moved in and re-established a separation of church. With the rise of evangelical Christianity in the eighties, the wall was eroded, with believers decrying "secular humanism". The conservative Supreme Court judged that the displays had to have "historical significance" which opened the door to obvious religious displays.
It should be noted that in early America and Canada, public displays of religion were often considered bad taste and were rare, except in places of worship.

Answer 2

I'm afraid, I don't have specific references, but I'll still mention a few. It's hard not to see the multiple trials about creationism dating back to the Scopes trial as being an objection to Christian dominance, as it is a relatively late invention to not use the bible as the soul source for such lawsuits. You could also bring up the long fight to end the reading of Christian Scripture in Public Schools, the last court decisions being in the 90s in the US, but stretching back decades.

The oddest thing is, that as more Atheists come out of the closet and object to public funds being used for religious celebrations, the myth of the US as a Christian Nation seems to grow. I can remember when, 30 years or so ago, our town ended the bible thumping over the PA in the schools. No mention was ever made about the US being a "Christian Nation," it had more to do with everyone recognizing Madison's assertions that only strife can come from having the government choosing which sect to support.

Maybe it is linked to monopolizing of the word Christian by relatively new sects in America. When was the last time you saw an Episcopalian (Anglican), Quaker, or Lutheran demand a creche be paid for by taxpayers?

Answer 3

There were legal battles about religious symbols and celebrating religious holidays in public places since the 60's when the court baned school prayer. What was new in the 90's was that stores and advertisers no longer used the word Christmas but replaced it with Holidays.This seems more motivated by profit than principle. During the last Christmas shopping seasons Bill O'Reilly, one of the chief complainers about the change, advertised "holiday gifts" on his commercial web site.

Answer 4

Years ago I read that the celebration of Christmas was banned in the US but was brought over by the influx of Irish Catholic immigrants.

You can google those ideas if you're really interested in researching it. I have no idea where I read about it.

Answer 5

Would'nt think so.All this gunk about how it is offensive to other religions is stupid.I would think that immigrants to any country.Would be bound by the laws and customs of the nation they are entering.If a christian nation opens her doors to people of other faiths.Surely these migrants knew they were entering a christian counry.They don't have to accept that religion only the customs of thier host nation