December 23, 2004
So wait, it's not Chris-mas?
Check out this excerpt from an article about "The Polar Express" in Slate today:
William Broyles, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zemeckis, adds that he made no effort to embed any biblical messages in the Christmas movie. "We were very determined not to make [the movie] sectarian or of a particular religious faith in any way."
What? No particular religious faith? You mean, a movie about Santa and Christmas was supposed to have no particular religious faith? That's absurd! I'm not sure who's supposed to be more shocked at this -- the Christians who have been whining incessantly about how Christmas has been diluted, or Jews and Muslims who must shrug once again and say, "Fine, we know Christmas is everywhere this time of year, but seriously now: We don't celebrate it."
I've had the following conversation at least 15 times this week:
Person: Got any good plans for Christmas?
Me: No, I'm working.
Person: Oh, that's too bad.
Me: No, not really. I'm not Christian.
Person: Oh. But that's still too bad -- working Christmas.
Me: No, really, it's not. I volunteered to work. Christmas is just another day for me.
Person: Oh. That's -- that's still too bad.
No, it's not too bad! Not everyone in the country celebrates Christmas, even if everyone in the country has to suffer through Christmas television specials and Christmas music in every store and Christmas decorations on every street corner. That, folks, is why it's more appropriate for people, especially store employees, to say "happy holidays," and therefore not assume that every person they see is Christian. Not everyone celebrates it, and some people (read: me) get downright annoyed when Christians assume everyone is decking the halls. But don't tell that to these people, because they don't want to hear it.
Posted by Jason Feifer at December 23, 2004 09:06 AM
Comments
I am so incredibly sick of Christians whining about the phrase "happy holidays." Why is it so impossible to comprehend that THEIR big holiday is NOT the only one being celebrated this month? Hanukkah? Solstice? Kwanzaa? Ever heard of them?
What really pisses me off, though: why is it offensive to them when inclusive phrases are used? How on earth is it a bad thing to include everyone in one's greeting?
Posted by Sabrina at December 23, 2004 10:50 AM
Not all Christians are offended by this. I personally like being inclusive. I don't like being lumped into a big group like that. But then again, I'm not exactly hard-core Christian or anything, just raised Catholic.
On a side note, my roommate, who is Jewish, refers to Christmas as "National Jews Go to The Movies Day" which I find hilarious.
Posted by Kristin at December 23, 2004 02:01 PM
Bah Humbug. :) Just kidding. I learned a long time ago to just give up and use it as a Family Time holiday. Easiest time to take off and see the siblings.
Posted by Moni at December 26, 2004 11:54 PM
My jewish boyfriend really does go to the movies with his family on Christmas.
Posted by jesslane at January 4, 2005 10:09 AM
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