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December 11, 2006
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

The Happy Holiday Train

     Christmas is stupid, but what is even more stupid is the constant debate about the holiday. Some people go as far as to be offended when a stranger wishes them a Merry Christmas. I mean … they actually get angry about it? On the flip side, Christians are offended because they are not allowed to erect nativity scenes in public places. 
   
     What this all comes down to is the fact that Christmas is a Christian holiday, and  many Americans, especially the left leaning ones, are sick and tired of the Christian institution that already tends to sculpt so many aspects of our society. But instead of these haters understanding that good Christians do in fact exist, they seem to lump all Christians into one opposing category.

     So that means that when Christmas comes around, the most celebrated Christian holiday, the haters feel justified in getting angry at the fact that “Merry Christmas” is the dominant language greeting instead of the all encompassing “Happy Holidays.”

     This is pure silliness.

     I know many who have joined the Happy Holiday train, and I do understand where they are coming from. I am not a Christian, and I don’t think that this season of family and fun should revolve around the Christian faith. For instance, the debate of whether or not a nativity scene should be placed in the Town Square does cross a certain line in my opinion. A nativity scene should not be allowed in a public center because we are not all Christians. Case closed. I mean if a nativity scene goes up, than Wiccans should be able to perform solstice ceremonies in Town Square. And I have a feeling that this would cause a societal war in a season that is meant to be peaceful.

     However, people should be able to create a nativity scene on their own private property. I remember walking by a home a few years ago and read a sign that stated “Who ever stole baby Jesus, please return him.” I’ll admit that I did laugh a little bit, but come on … we should all allow Christians to practice and do what they will on their own private property because, quite frankly, it is their right.

     If a stranger wishes me a Merry Christmas, I am not going to shoot them a glare or spit on their shoes.  More than likely, I will probably nod and smile, because I am aware that Merry Christmas is only a social construction anyway. In other words, the phrase “Merry Christmas” is the norm, regardless of faith.    

     For the majority of Americans, Christmas is a time for three things: Family/friends, giving and receiving presents, and yes, the celebration of Jesus’ birth. And whichever one of those is most important depends on the individual’s preferences. Those who generally ride the Happy Holiday train are more about the family, friends, and food thing. But, they too are often seen exchanging gifts on the 25th of December … you know, the Christian holiday.

     This leads me to my final point: Christmas still represents gluttonous materialism at its finest. Christian or not, it is still a time to show those you love how you feel about them by purchasing them an expensive gift.

     So, America … get right out there and buy, buy, buy, in order to show your love.


   

   


      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.

     'Rank and File' appears on insurgent49.com every Monday.

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in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.