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About Christmas

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Christmas wars, a.k.a.
the "December Dilemma"

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What is this?

A Christmas tree? (Christianity)
A Hanukkah bush? (Judaism)
A Yule tree? (Wiccan)
A Winter Solstice tree (Atheist)
An excessively-decorated Festivus tree (Secular)
or all of the above, plus many more by followers of other religions?

Background:

The religious makeup of the U.S. is in a state of flux as the percentage of adults who are adherents of non-Christian religions and secularism increase.

With Christianity losing is preeminent position in North America:

bullet

Some Christians believe that the only recognized seasonal day of celebration in December should be Christmas, to the exclusion of all others. They would like retail store employees to continue to wish their customers a "Merry Christmas" as they had in years past.

bullet

Other Christians, followers of other religions and secularists note the increasing diversity of beliefs in America. They would prefer an inclusive greeting, like "Happy Holidays" that would imply recognition of Christmas, all the above listed celebrations, and many more.

This is a lose-lose situation for U.S. retailers who, above all, do not wish to alienate their customers. Fortunately, the conflict appears to be fading.

Topics covered in this section are:

bulletOverview of the "Christmas wars"
 
bulletThe nature of, causes of, and reaction to the "Christmas wars"
 
bulletA more detailed introduction to the "wars"
 
bulletWhat do the public and stores feel about the "wars?"
 
bulletCauses and possible solutions to the "wars"
 
bulletCelebrations near Christmas time: By various religions; by individuals
 
bulletWhat is the original "reason for the season"
bulletWhy the Church picked DEC-25 for Jesus' birthday
 
bulletBrief descriptions of some recent events during the Christmas wars:
bulletDuring 2004
bulletDuring 2005
bulletMore conflicts during 2005
bulletHouse Resolution 579 to protect Christmas
bulletDuring 2006
bulletDuring 2007
bulletDuring 2008

bulletReactions to the conflicts by various groups and individuals
 
bulletAlternatives to conflict:
bulletThe Peace Tree
bulletCultural displays at Christmas time

Site navigation:

Home > Religious information > Christmas >  here

Home > Christianity > Beliefs, practices, etc > Holy days > Christmas >  here

Home > Religious hatred & conflicts > Specific conflicts >  here

 Home page > Religious tolerance > Cooperation > here

 Home page > Spirituality menu > Religious tolerance > Cooperation > here

Copyright © 2004 to 2008 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally posted: 2004-DEC-04
Latest update and review: 2008-DEC-30
Author: B.A. Robinson

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Go to the previous page, or to the "Christmas" menu, or to the "Cooperation in diversity" menu, or choose:

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