It's CHRIST-mas, for crying out loud

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When Don told me that rumors had surfaced about an "inclusive" Christmas in Washington this year, I nearly dropped my teeth. "Sure," I thought, "He often jumps at those things he reads on the internet; we'll see." Let's face it; he is a tad reactionary at times. So this morning, I found this story and have checked out a few other sites to confirm it. It's true. The White House discussed an "inclusive" Christmas this year. It opted, instead, to follow tradition. Sort of.

Okay. I try not to be political here. I think we all have a right to believe what we believe and to do it in peace and respect. But, this strikes me as the stupidest thing I have ever heard. How in the name of all that is jingly can one make Christmas "inclusive"? Look at the word. Christ mass. Christ. As in Jesus. As in the Son of God. As in Christianity. As in the words and faith of the Founding Fathers, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. As in "So Help Me God" in the courtroom. As in "God We Trust" on our money. "God Bless America" or "Battle Hymn of Republic". Come on. Let's be serious.

To have an Inclusive Christmas is an oxymoron. Emphasis on the moron, please. Christmas is a Christian holiday. It is NOT inclusive. It is for Christians, just as Hanakkuh is for Jews or Ramadan is for Muslims or the Solistice is for Wiccans. Why is it necessary to take a Christian holiday and make it inclusive?

One of the loveliest things about our nation is that we were founded on the principles of Personal. Choice. This does not mean that we appropriate days or holidays or observances and try to make it 'inclusive' for everyone. Rather, it means that we all have an opportunity to worship, honor, or whatever, our concept of God. Or not.

The end.

The idea that we all have to be 'equal' or 'equally included' is ludicrious. We are not. We are not clones. We are not created the same. Sure, we all have the same basic equipment, in varying degrees. This is what makes us so fascinating. So, why in the world would we want to make sure everyone is included in everything? It makes me think of the playgrounds where students are no longer "chosen" for a team. "No one should be last," some argue. Right. There is always a first and last. Get over it. It's life. And believe me, I have been last lots of times. I haven't spent a huge amount of time in therapy whining that I wasn't included or first.

Honestly, it is this very concept that has lead to the dumbing down of our educational system, employee apathy, and materialism. We do not all have to be the same. We are guaranteed the RIGHT to pursue happiness. We are guaranteed that we will have the same chances; however, it does not mean that we are to all be cookie cutter versions of each other.

I have struggled with the difference between "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas." I am a Christian. I prefer to say "Merry Christmas." However, I do not expect someone who is not a Christian to respond in kind. It is their choice. But don't force your choice on me. As Scrooge says, "You keep the day in your way and I'll keep the day in mine." Perhaps he is on to something.

As for me, I plan on having a Christian Christmas. I do not apologize for doing it. However, you may keep your holy days as well. And not apologize for doing it. Just don't tell me that you want to be inclusive. Otherwise, I might include you in my naughty list.