Are you finding that the Christmas season is referred to as the Holiday Season? Just watch the brochures and catalogues coming into your home at this time of year and see how it is called. The word Christmas is used very seldomly or else deleted when referring to the merchandise being offered to the customer. Anything portraying symbols of Christmas from the Christian point-of-view are not even illustrated to be sold.
To be inclusive to all people, who are citizens in this country with different religions, these Christian symbols are removed – no Baby Jesus, Nativity scenes or Christian cards.
Canada is a multi-cultured country and this was never a problem until in recent years. The whole Christmas season revolved around the birth of Christ from the very beginning. Then Santa Claus was introduced with more decorations for decorating Christmas trees and the home. Gift giving became very important thus commercializing the season even more. Even putting up elaborate displays outside our homes with colourful twinkling lights became a norm. Even clothes had a Christmas flare.
The winter season has the Christmas holidays but now it is referred to as Winter Holidays, Happy Holidays, and Festive Season, taking the word Christ completely out of the picture along with Merry Christmas. Season’s Greetings is used instead. With these things removed the holiday does not have the same meaning for Christians around the world.
This year, even Starbucks deleted any Christmas symbols from its holiday cups but left them red. As the new yearly calendars make their appearance many have holidays of other religions on them. What phrase we say or use this holiday season should be one we are comfortable with and is of our personal choice. Why change the wording when you were brought up with it and it is meaningful for you?
