Christmas, being politically correct and where are we going?

[scuba]

True event, I will provided you with the details as best I can, our children are not school aged so this is from our best friends who have a 5 year old.

My wife just got of the phone with her best friend, her best friend indicated that she was told the "book exchange" was cancelled at her young boys kindergarden class citing a Jewish family having a problem with the exchange. I suppose it was more like a "Christmas gift" exchange. It should be made aware that the "book Exchange" was a way of somehow making the season, Hanauka, kwanzaa, and Christmas without actually calling it a Christmas party special. Like it or not the winter season IS special because several major religions celebrate important moments in their respective religions. I want to make everyone aware that it doesn't have to be a jewish family, it could very easily be atheists, hindus, buddists, etc...so it's not about bashing anyone reliegion.

If I acknowlege that there are many different reliegions and my children also acknowlege that then why are we worried about offending anyone. Ultimately the "thats offensive to me and my family" was dropped.

the Question for all of you is...why is this offensive? should their have been a Christmas/hanauka party exchange. Could they have done a party to expose kids to differnet reliegious holidays, could it be a Co-holiday party? is it offensive to have reliegion in schools thus the problem yet kids are indeed off for the Christmas Holiday. I don't suppose anyone has ever explained to me what is so offensive about the different Holidays and how we celebrate them. Why is it offensive to say Merry Christmas, heck I wouldn't in the slightest be offended if someone told me happy hanauka.

Lastly, where are we going? we're certainly on a road, not certain where we are going? One day Christmas, or hanauka will be gone, no one off for the Holidays? just another day.....I know it's alot, with a few questions....help me understand how we can be so self concious and are not able to sit through some type of party or celebration from another religion?

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

My child goes to a school, and I teach at a school, that doesn't do holidays. We celebrate all kinds of things -- author's celebrations, or reading a certain number of minutes, or the birthdays of members of our communities, but we don't do holidays at all.

It is such a relief, the kids are calmer because we don't hype them up with ghostie worksheets in October and candy canes in December. We don't have to worry about including everyone. When I think about the huge amount of instructional time that my child lost when he was in his last school because they were making gifts or otherwise

I love the holidays, but to me they are about my family. Buying gifts for classmates (even if it's just one for a "book exchange" is an unwanted burden at this time of the year). I can't tell you how much I hated taking time out of my schedule at a crazy time of the year to hunt down a peanut/egg/milk free recipe for decorate them yourself snowmen cookies because I wanted to be the "good" room parent.

Our Kindergarteners do study holidays -- but they study, not celebrate. They read books and learn facts, and make related crafts.

So, I would be entirely in favor of canceling a "book exchange" or a holiday party, and guarantee that the children (who weren't in Kindergarten last year, and therefore don't know to expect it) won't miss it.

 

[Rora]

I'm putting my flame suit on:

I don't get this nonsense about not being able to say Merry Christmas. Personally, I believe that December is a very special, spiritual month for various religions and each group of people should be allowed to celebrate their respective holiday. Saying "Merry Christmas" to a Jewish person in the store isn't going to kill them, just how saying "Happy Hanuka" won't kill a Christian person. AND if it does offend them, then they need to simply get over it and stop over reacting. How can you find offense in well wishes, even if they aren't from someone who practices your specific holiday??

I'm all 100% postive that people don't wish you happiness for the WRONG holiday out of spite or out of blindness to other faiths.

I understand why schools (I'm a 3rd grade teacher) don't always celebrate holidays- gets the kids too excited, some kids might feel left out if they don't celebrate the holiday being celebrated, etc. But I think it's important to teach our children about all types of holidays and religions as to promote tolerance, acceptance and education.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I pretty much agree with the OP. When I was a kid we had a Christmas Party. We also had a Christmas tree and Menorah in the lobby of the school. We learned about the jewish traditions and not many of the Catholic ones but still, it was not a big deal. The kids could sing O'Holy Night at concerts as well as Hannukah songs. Over the years everyone is so offended about everything. Everyone talks about tolerance but that seems to only mean that instead of learning about other celebrations we just stop them all together. I think it is sad.
Children learn more at school parties than just having a treat. They learn to socialize in an unstructured setting with their peers. They learn what is acceptable in those conditions and what is not. It is almost the "business lunch" of the youth.
Too many people make a big deal over things that shouldn't be. I think it is sad for our youth and I do agree that eventually if it doesn't stop then all holidays will mean nothing to the world except what you make of them in the privacy of your own home.
YMMV.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think we live in a sad society...

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I think when I was in elementary school we did it right. A class parent came in and told the story of Hanukkah and we also did things in the class for Christmas. In music we sang Dreidel, Dreidel and also Silent Night, Jingle Bells, etc.. No one was offended and we enjoyed all of the different holiday things we got to do.

BTW, I'm Jewish and have no idea why a book exchange would be an issue, it wouldn't be for us and wouldn't be for anyone I know. Quite the opposite, we believe strongly in education and reading and would encourage a book exchange.

 

[dismom2]

My child goes to a school, and I teach at a school, that doesn't do holidays. We celebrate all kinds of things -- author's celebrations, or reading a certain number of minutes, or the birthdays of members of our communities, but we don't do holidays at all.

It is such a relief, the kids are calmer because we don't hype them up with ghostie worksheets in October and candy canes in December. We don't have to worry about including everyone. When I think about the huge amount of instructional time that my child lost when he was in his last school because they were making gifts or otherwise

I love the holidays, but to me they are about my family. Buying gifts for classmates (even if it's just one for a "book exchange" is an unwanted burden at this time of the year). I can't tell you how much I hated taking time out of my schedule at a crazy time of the year to hunt down a peanut/egg/milk free recipe for decorate them yourself snowmen cookies because I wanted to be the "good" room parent.

Our Kindergarteners do study holidays -- but they study, not celebrate. They read books and learn facts, and make related crafts.

So, I would be entirely in favor of canceling a "book exchange" or a holiday party, and guarantee that the children (who weren't in Kindergarten last year, and therefore don't know to expect it) won't miss it.

Ba-Humbug. Glad I didn't have a teacher with your attitude. And I don't think one holiday party (or even two or three) is going to kill the academic world. It's good for the soul to mix a little fun in with all the work. I still learned a lot, and I went to school before everyone was offended over everything---it was a much better time.

Also, FYI--Christmas is a religious holiday, not a family fun day. Many people choose to not celebrate or acknowledge the 'true' reason for the day, but you can't change the fact that it was and is a day set apart to celebrate the birth of Jesus (even though he wasn't born that day).

There are also other holidays during December, and I have no problem with my kids learning about all the other religions, and a great way for kids to learn is through art. Gee-- why don't we outlaw art now, some people might think that's a waste of time, too (when in fact, it can be extremely beneficial in the learning process---you know about different teaching techniques, I'm sure). It's also educational for kids to learn about other religions. I loved helping out at all of my childrens' parties at school, and it is the parent's who supply almost everything for them. The only ones who choose to did/do. If it was a chore for you to hunt down supplies for your child's class, you shouldn't have offered. Doesn't sound like you had your heart in it anyway. Lighten up.

 

[AlleyKat]

My wife just got of the phone with her best friend, her best friend indicated that she was told the "book exchange" was cancelled at her young boys kindergarden class citing a Jewish family having a problem with the exchange.

Question for all of you is...why is this offensive?

Lastly, where are we going?

More often than not, the masses "suffer" because a single "unit"(family/person) is offended!

Knowing there is strength in numbers, I've always wondered how/why those few who are intolerent of others seem to garner control, changing or obliterating celebrations and customs this country has known and loved for generations!!!

We are going to H--- in a handbasket as we "allow" our nation, one that was founded on freedoms and religion, to be consumed by those whose principles and beliefs dictate otherwise!

 

[AlleyKat]

Ba-Humbug. Glad I didn't have a teacher with your attitude. And I don't think one holiday party (or even two or three) is going to kill the academic world. It's good for the soul to mix a little fun in with all the work. I still learned a lot, and I went to school before everyone was offended over everything---it was a much better time.

Lighten up.

Amen!

Parties, goodies galore, GIFT EXCHANGES, good Lord, who knew we were being raised to embrace such offensive behavior!

I've often wondered how many naysayers are such because it's easier to "do away" with celebrations than it is to put the required effort into planning such events.

 

[kimblebee]

I was just talking about this very subject tonight. I was at a holiday concert for my daughter and the theme was the Olympics. It was cute and all but it really bugs me because I feel like as a society we are getting way to politically correct. They were singing songs about Olympic flames and skiing. Why not have songs from different religions? Have a Christmas carol and a Hanukah (sorry if that's spelled wrong) song and a Kwanza song as well. They did actually sing a song in a Native language. I miss going to a Christmas concert. Deck the Halls and all that. One class actually did exercises to a Fergie song for their part. Really???

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

I'm putting my flame suit on:

I don't get this nonsense about not being able to say Merry Christmas. Personally, I believe that December is a very special, spiritual month for various religions and each group of people should be allowed to celebrate their respective holiday. Saying "Merry Christmas" to a Jewish person in the store isn't going to kill them, just how saying "Happy Hanuka" won't kill a Christian person. AND if it does offend them, then they need to simply get over it and stop over reacting. How can you find offense in well wishes, even if they aren't from someone who practices your specific holiday??

I'm all 100% postive that people don't wish you happiness for the WRONG holiday out of spite or out of blindness to other faiths.

I understand why schools (I'm a 3rd grade teacher) don't always celebrate holidays- gets the kids too excited, some kids might feel left out if they don't celebrate the holiday being celebrated, etc. But I think it's important to teach our children about all types of holidays and religions as to promote tolerance, acceptance and education.

I agree with you on all points. I'd just like to add that I don't understand why "Happy Holidays" is offensive either. Sometimes I say "Merry Christmas", sometimes I say "Happy Holidays." It's completely spontaneous. I work in retail, so I come in contact with people from every faith on a regular basis. You'd be amazed at the number of people who have reacted to my wish for "happy holidays" as if I've just insulted them. Is that really necessary? Absolutely not. And it certainly doesn't jive with the spirit of the season either.

 

[Joe in VA]

I'm not a Christian, but I think it's an absolute joke that people walk around on eggshells in this country trying not to offend anyone. Why is Christmas offensive? The vast majority of Americans celebrate it, and it shouldn't hurt anyone's feelings to see others celebrate it.

The sterilization of Christmas and the public square in America is sickening.

 

[golfgal]

Christianity, the last acceptable form of discrimination in the US--heaven forbid anyone steps on the toes of another religion yet Christianity can't even be MENTIONED anywhere it seems. When 95+% of the country considers themselves "Christian" what is wrong with singing a Christmas song at a "Holiday" concert??? The LOGICAL way to deal with this is that the one person in the school that has an issue with this is allowed to be excused from participating without losing credit--simple enough.

 

[NMAmy]

Christianity, the last acceptable form of discrimination in the US--.

As an atheist, I find that to be pretty untrue.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Could we extend removing forced celebrations from the workplace too? I agree that religious based holiday celebrations are best left at home. Even if your celebration of a certain season is not religious based, it really should be left home.

We incorporate far too much of the personal into our academic and professional work lives and that is where the problems flourish. Remove it all and relegate it to the personal (i.e. outside of the school or workplace) and the problems should be reduced.

Learning about other cultures should be conducted in the classroom, however learning about doesn't always include forced participation in celebrations of a given culture.

 

[aprilgail2]

My child goes to a school, and I teach at a school, that doesn't do holidays. We celebrate all kinds of things -- author's celebrations, or reading a certain number of minutes, or the birthdays of members of our communities, but we don't do holidays at all.

It is such a relief, the kids are calmer because we don't hype them up with ghostie worksheets in October and candy canes in December. We don't have to worry about including everyone. When I think about the huge amount of instructional time that my child lost when he was in his last school because they were making gifts or otherwise

I love the holidays, but to me they are about my family. Buying gifts for classmates (even if it's just one for a "book exchange" is an unwanted burden at this time of the year). I can't tell you how much I hated taking time out of my schedule at a crazy time of the year to hunt down a peanut/egg/milk free recipe for decorate them yourself snowmen cookies because I wanted to be the "good" room parent.

Our Kindergarteners do study holidays -- but they study, not celebrate. They read books and learn facts, and make related crafts.

So, I would be entirely in favor of canceling a "book exchange" or a holiday party, and guarantee that the children (who weren't in Kindergarten last year, and therefore don't know to expect it) won't miss it.

Wow Bah Humbug- glad my daughter doesn't go to a school like this or have a teacher like you! Her 5th grade class is doing a week long secret santa thing and the last day it is a gift exchange/grab bag- they did have to have a Holiday concert instead of a christmas concert and it was very good-

 

[The Mystery Machine]

True event, I will provided you with the details as best I can, our children are not school aged so this is from our best friends who have a 5 year old.

My wife just got of the phone with her best friend, her best friend indicated that she was told the "book exchange" was cancelled at her young boys kindergarden class citing a Jewish family having a problem with the exchange. I suppose it was more like a "Christmas gift" exchange. It should be made aware that the "book Exchange" was a way of somehow making the season, Hanauka, kwanzaa, and Christmas without actually calling it a Christmas party special. Like it or not the winter season IS special because several major religions celebrate important moments in their respective religions. I want to make everyone aware that it doesn't have to be a jewish family, it could very easily be atheists, hindus, buddists, etc...so it's not about bashing anyone reliegion.

If I acknowlege that there are many different reliegions and my children also acknowlege that then why are we worried about offending anyone. Ultimately the "thats offensive to me and my family" was dropped.

the Question for all of you is...why is this offensive? should their have been a Christmas/hanauka party exchange. Could they have done a party to expose kids to differnet reliegious holidays, could it be a Co-holiday party? is it offensive to have reliegion in schools thus the problem yet kids are indeed off for the Christmas Holiday. I don't suppose anyone has ever explained to me what is so offensive about the different Holidays and how we celebrate them. Why is it offensive to say Merry Christmas, heck I wouldn't in the slightest be offended if someone told me happy hanauka.

Lastly, where are we going? we're certainly on a road, not certain where we are going? One day Christmas, or hanauka will be gone, no one off for the Holidays? just another day.....I know it's alot, with a few questions....help me understand how we can be so self concious and are not able to sit through some type of party or celebration from another religion?

When I was in TX I met MANY people that celebrated Christmas as a secular American holiday. It really was pretty eye opening for me. And to be frank, it really expanded my mind as to what Christmas means.

It is a commercial, secular holiday for a lot of Americans.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree with you on all points. I'd just like to add that I don't understand why "Happy Holidays" is offensive either. Sometimes I say "Merry Christmas", sometimes I say "Happy Holidays." It's completely spontaneous. I work in retail, so I come in contact with people from every faith on a regular basis. You'd be amazed at the number of people who have reacted to my wish for "happy holidays" as if I've just insulted them. Is that really necessary? Absolutely not. And it certainly doesn't jive with the spirit of the season either.

I don't understand this either. I also wish people a Happy Holiday, I do not assume that everyone celebrates Christmas or that those who do not celebrate Christmas do not celebrate anything. I do send cards adn many are Christmas cards, I hope that if I send one wishing a friend a Merry Christmas they do not take offense to that either. It is the spirit of the wish and not the words that are important.

I don't know what the issue with the exchange was. In an educational environment exchanging books is a nice learning opportunity IMO. My DGD's school adopts families and collects for the Emergency Aid Fund in town. The Holiday Season is used as an opportunity to teach the children that part of being a member of the town means helping their neighbors. No one tells the children that the collection is for Christmas, none of us know who the family is, where the food goes or what meal it is used for. THe kids love to watch their piles growing and learn that charity means sharing. If their parents want to expand on that lesson that is their business. In the book exchange parents could choose to interpret it as a Christmas gift exchange or a fune prelude to winter book exchange.

When I was in TX I met MANY people that celebrated Christmas as a secular American holiday. It really was pretty eye opening for me. And to be frank, it really expanded my mind as to what Christmas means.

It is a commercial, secular holiday for a lot of Americans.

That is what makes all of the noise so confusing to me. No one forces the religious aspect on anyone.

 

[2Kds2K9]

I heard that 70% of the US is Christian. But, we allow the other 30% to dictate what will and will not be celebrated.

In our county schools, saying "Merry Christmas" is almost like swearing. Yet, every December, my kids come home singing the Dreidel song and telling me what the different colors mean in Kwanza. Then they gloss over Christmas. Very frustrating.

The area that I'm in is very PC. In fact, Arlington County, which is very diverse and right next to Washington, does not celebrate or discuss any type of religious celebration. They do a "Winter Theme" and leave it at that.

I just find it very frustrating and disheartening that Christmas is not allowed to be mentioned in our public schools without a furor of some sort.

Merry Christmas!

 

[GJM]

It's good for the soul to mix a little fun in with all the work. I still learned a lot, and I went to school before everyone was offended over everything---it was a much better time.

I totally agree with this! When my DS went to school in NJ they had great holiday parties, at Christmas they would make decorations for Christmas, Hanukka, and Kwanza. They had a Holiday Party and the kids loved it, what is the big deal.

In his new school in SC - they don't have any decorations in the class, they are having a Holiday Party, but not like they did in NJ. At one point they couldn't call Santa "Santa" - he was the "Man in the Red Suit" - his name is Santa!

They are only allowed 2 parties a year, Holiday, and End of Year.