I Still Call It CHRISTMAS

 

I might be the last Mohican to call Christmas Christmas and not “Holidays” because it’s not some holiday but a Christian celebration of the birth of Christ. “Holidays” are at various times during the rest of the year. Holidays are in the summer or during a brief winter- or spring break. The last bloom in our garden My belief might be threatened by extinction, but I couldn’t care less. If I look through the media, or walk through town or even meet somebody and be greeted with “Happy Holidays”, I return it by wishing Merry Christmas. I am not saying that nobody is saying Merry Christmas anymore but public sector seems to have pretty much abandoned the old-fashioned form. I am getting a bit worried and annoyed when public schools are told to abandon Christmas and call it a “Holiday”, just because there are also kids whose parents happen to have a different belief. Everybody can have his or her very own religious or non-religious belief, but we live in a western country, with a culture cemented on Christian values and if that isn’t befitting other groups they stand free to teach their kids themselves or set up their own school.  And I have no problem with any other form of celebrations and beliefs IF THOSE STAY CLEAR FROM DICTATING THAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS CANNOT EXHIBIT CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS OR FOLLOW CHRISTIAN CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATIONS.   When I went to school (long time ago) we had religion classes. As Germany is considered a country dominated by the Christian belief, we learned about the Old and New Testament. I enjoyed it, because it was like learning history. But even back then, there were a few students from other countries or other beliefs. These students were not obliged to attend the religion classes. Nope, they were given other tasks and could sit in a different classroom if they so desired. It was all voluntary and it was that easy. And when the first of Advent came, we were always beginning the week with Christmas Carols and the hallways of the school were adorned with wreaths with 4 real red candles. Oh my Goodness, that would warrant the fire dept. being in the school yard!    Sunday 2. of Advent Photo by Bea Our world has become much, much more complicated over the decades and I fear for my young nieces and their offspring as to what might be in store for them. However, I reckon that Christmas will survive out my life time though. Here on Campobello we still have a Christmas Tree. And the one you see below is built of lobster traps. It’s the Island Way!