Not afraid to say
‘Merry Christmas’

In a desire to spread good cheer, but also to make sure their comments are viewed as politically correct, many Christians say the words "happy holidays" when they greet a friend or an acquaintance in the days leading up to Dec. 25. They fear that a simple "Merry Christmas" might be perceived as offensive.

I’ve done it myself.

The growth of cultural minorities in America and the desire to establish a clear distinction between the secular and the religious has put mainstream Christianity on the defensive.

Now the pendulum is swinging back.

Emboldened by the recent presidential election and the growth of the moral majority (as if minorities have no morals), Christians have declared war on the nation’s iconoclasts. They want to see Nativity scenes, not generic holiday decorations, and Christmas trees, not "community" trees, return to the public consciousness. They want Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" and Christmas carols in general to be celebrated in public schools. Other examples are too many to list, but in short, they want to put the "Christ" back in Christmas.

But does Christmas really need to be saved?

Hardly.

True followers of religion know that faith is not a zero sum game. The strength of my beliefs does not make your beliefs any less strong.

Still, the debate over how to celebrate a holiday without promoting religion has grown. It is one of the few downfalls of living in this melting pot we call America.

There is some good news.

I took a chance the other day and said "Merry Christmas" to a friend not knowing if he was Christian, Muslim or Jewish. Happily, I was greeted with a smile and a "Merry Christmas to you" in return.

Most people, you see, are accepting of the beliefs of others. As Americans, it is what we cherish most. As humans, it is the way we must behave if we hope to see a brighter tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everybody, and a Happy New Year.