Something feels lost with Christmas this year. Capitalism run amok, children getting two to three hundred dollar presents. It's gotten worse every year, but what really seems to be upsetting the masses is the fact people are awakening to discover Christmas has nothing to do with religion. What's more, is people are attempting to reclaim it, take it back with a vengeance. A few years ago, a retail attempt of turning Christmas into a more politically correct "Happy Holiday" back-fired on merchants. This year, it appears everyone I run into who follows the Christian faith demands it to be a "Merry Christmas". The "Holiday Tree" replaced by the in-your-face Crucfix Christmas Tree. Good tidings replaced with the wrath of God.
I knew it went from a normal "Merry Christmas" to a vendetta version of the same phase when individuals would say "Merry Christmas" to me, when I shopped, was walking, or picking up the kids from school, and then grabbed my shoulder as I nodded to acknowledge, turned me to face them and widened their eyes in such a way as to say "Merry Christmas You got it?" Yeah, yeah I got it, I think? As they demanded I say it back with their body language. "Merry Christmas" I'd say reluctantly. I don't mind saying it, even though I no longer Identify as 100% bonafide believer in religion anymore. At first I did try responding with "Happy Holidays" as I did with one gentleman who rebutted "And....?" "Merry Christmas, I replied?"
The climax of this phenomenon occurred at a public tree lighting in Randolph county I attended that had some public official demand we all pray. When not every one did, he demanded those praying to force those who weren't- to do it. As every one's head was down, Shannon looked over at me and whispered "We are coming, we are here." It would have been absolutely hilarious (creepy but hilarious) if it wasn't for I turned around and caught my daughter praying with them? "What? I don't even take you to church kid!!!!!!!"
I felt horrible for anyone who attended who may have been Jewish, Atheist or Muslim, and just wanted to participate in a public function, a winter festival with Christian traditions without being forced to convert.... geesh. I mean I can respect that the holiday may mean something else to you, but you shouldn't force me to celebrate my Christmas your way just because you can't handle the fact your holiday has nothing to do with the religion you purport it to. Give me friends and family and give me food, but don't give me some nutty Christian who thinks Christmas is only their holiday, and no one else can have it.... because if that's the case, the Pagans called and said they want it back.