Article Added On: December 20, 2004 - over 3 years ago
Title: Christians must put up
Author: Dave Haskell
Publication: The Toronto Star
Publication Date: January 01, 2004 - over 4 years ago
Faith Groups: Other Christian
Themes: Religion and society

Abstract: David Haskell, a professor who teaches Journalism and Broadcasting at Conestoga College in Kitchener, writes about the spirit of Christmas, its changing definition and his sentiment as a traditional Christian.

December 20, 2004

It is ironic, but for many traditional Christians, Christmastime can be the most un-wonderful time of the year. Yuletide is depressing for them because it is the season when they are most often reminded that their particular brand of faith is no longer the standard, or the norm in Canadian society.

They watch as their heartfelt beliefs and traditions slowly fall out of fashion and it stings them to remember that it wasn't always this way. As late as the 1980s, traditional Christianity still had a strong grip on the public agenda and that fact was demonstrated with gusto at Christmastime.

But to the chagrin of devout believers, things have changed dramatically and the evidence is all around them.

Nativity scenes and other Christian symbols, once prominently displayed in front of schools, city halls and other public buildings have been supplanted by the jolly deity of consumerism: Santa Claus. Gone are the days of the public school Christmas concert.

The word Christmas itself has been deemed too religiously charged to be used in polite society.

Companies that used to salute the season by putting up a sign reading "Merry Christmas" now opt for the more generic proclamation of "Season's Greetings." Retail clerks are instructed by their bosses to wish customers "Happy Holidays" but nothing else.

Who can forget a couple of years ago when municipal administrators in Toronto ordered that the 50-foot evergreen tree set up outside City Hall was to be referred to as a "holiday tree." That same December, the Royal Canadian Mint ran commercials that changed the old holiday standard the "Twelve Days of Christmas" to the "Twelve Days of Giving."

Just last year a devout friend pointed out to me with great indignation that the Globe and Mail had no problem running a front-page headline wishing readers a "Happy Hanukkah" but opted for "Seasons Greetings" on Dec. 25.

As a traditional Christian myself, I sympathize with my fellow believers who feel they are losing their joy to the world.

But I have a different take on the situation.

I am convinced that the current challenges to the character of Christmas