Happy Holidays vs Merry Christmas

The silly season started early this year – – before Thanksgiving.   Of course, I’m talking about the battle between those who decry  the lack of Christ in Christmas and those who think Christmas is a secular holiday and should be open to those of all – – or no – – religious persuasion.

It was during the reign of Governor Christine Gregoire that state employees were told to use the term “Happy Holidays’ instead of the more traditional “Merry Christmas” in their intercourse with the public.  While that order had some success, it also created a backlash here in progressive Washington state.

The Christmas tree in the Capitol Rotunda was renamed the Holiday Tree and those who saw the beginnings of the decline of American civilization began to organize.    The two sides clashed and still clash to this day.

But this year it started early – – before Thanksgiving.   An obscure self-proclaimed evangelist in Arizona decided that Starbucks has dropped Christmas because its “holiday” cups are bright red “the color of Satan.”

It’s all silly.   I think Christmas is both religious and secular and people should use Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas however they want to.  My Rotary Club is having its annual Holiday Christmas Party in a couple of weeks.

By the way – – the City of Olympia has just installed  its “Holiday” tree in Sylvester Park.