Before anyone makes any complaints toward “Seasons Greetings,” perhaps it is wise to do a little research on the winter season and Christmas traditions. December 25th has become mainly associated with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth for nearly two-thousand years, especially in the Western world. However, before A.D. 350, December 25th was the birthday of many gods and a holiday for other religions. Also keep in mind that various other religions have adopted December 25th as a holiday over the years. The winter season itself is sacred to many religions world-wide, not just Christianity. Many Christmas traditions, such as the Christmas tree, the mistletoe, and hollyberries, have their origins in pagan religions.

The Romans celebrated the winter season called “dies natalis invicti solis,” which translates as “the birthday of the unconquered sun.” On December 21st, the winter holiday of Saturnalia took place. Saturnalia was a holiday honoring the God of Agriculture, Saturn. Germanic tribes celebrated the Winter Solstice, which they called Yule. It was believed that the Sun God, Mithras, was reborn every year after the Winter Solstice, since the days slowly got longer. Mithra was born on December 25th. Mithras was also an Eastern god which was adopted by the Roman military. The winter season is also celebrated by countless religions. In Persia, December 21st is the birth of Sun God Mehr. In Babylon, the widow of Nimrod, Semiramis, was believed to have given birth to the Sun God, Tammuz, on December 25th. Karachun, the Slavic version of Halloween, takes place on December 21st. Hanukkah is practiced by the Jewish people sometime during the winter season, almost always falling in December. This year Hanukkah starts at sundown on December 25th. Kwanzaa is celebrated between December 26th through January 1st. On December 8th, Buddhists celebrate the day Siddartha Gautama reached enlightenment, which they call Bodhi Day. On December 12th, the small religion known as Jainism in India observes Maunajiyaras which is a day devoted to meditation and fasting.

In 1931, artist Haddon H. Sundblom created the modern image of Santa Claus. Even though Americans attribute their tradition to the Dutch; Sinterklaas, as they called him, was no slightly overweight, long bearded, sleigh-riding saint. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of charity, and should be honored with dignity, not gluttony. Saint Nicholas Day is actually December 6th.

Let us also keep in mind that Christmas should not be about gift giving or a time of political correctness. However, I do not want this response to sound like an attack on Christianity, but rather as an educational tool for those who do not know the origins of Christmas. The American Christmas borrows its traditions from various other sources. To deny the origins of Christmas and to disrespect those of other religions is very ethnocentric. Everyone should practice religious tolerance through the use of “Seasons Greetings” instead of the exclusive use of “Merry Christmas,” especially since 20% percent of the American population is non-Christian.

If you are going to boycott a store for using “Seasons Greetings,” then you should also boycott all stores selling a Santa Claus, as it corrupts the sacredness of the Christian holiday and perverts the image of Saint Nicholas. Furthermore, if you believe that it is okay it ignore the religious minority in America and associate terrorism to political correctness, then you are a threat to the foundation the United States of America was founded upon. To insure the freedom of religion, the government must be a secular institution, but that does not mean the government has to be atheist. We must allow all government officials the right to greet others in an fashion the deem necessary, according to their religious beliefs. If an official chooses to send out a "Seasons Greetings" rather than a "Merry Christmas," that is the official's choice and should not be criticized. Instead of criticizing the greeting, you should be thanking that official for the consideration. Likewise, you should not criticize the usage of “Seasons Greetings” because it acknowledges everyone and isolates no one. You should be happy you are getting a friendly greeting, you could receive an insult instead.

The Daily Iberian - New Iberia, Louisiana - Printed 23 Dec. 2005