I have the unfortunate task of working in retail and every year I loathe the Christmas season. Actually, I begin to hate the holidays as soon as Halloween is over. It's not because I dislike my family or traditions, although I could easily use that as a reason to not enjoy this time of year. I hate people in general who think that they have the right to tell me that our company is not respectful of "the people" because a tree is not displayed the day after Thanksgiving. I have even had a woman tell me that she was personally offended that the Christmas tree was not up and decorated, and proceeded to berate me until I could find someone higher up for her to complain to.
Boo. Hoo.
Each year tends to present new challenges for me. I see this time of year as a Christian Crusade of sorts. I see some customers wearing "Keep Christ in Christmas" pins and similar propaganda. They tell me how our tree should not be stuck in the corner of the lobby. We have our "priorities out of whack" to quote another customer. To think that all the complaints stem from a simple tree. A symbol that has nothing to do with the bible or Christ in the first place. How can a plant cause a small portion of the population to feel that they are being attacked if it's not placed or decorated according to how they feel it should be? Who are these people to make such demands in the first place?
I find myself growing more angry each year at the population of old crotchety Christians in my footprint. It's almost as if, shocker, they can't fathom that some people may practice another religion, or none at all. How do they think other people feel when Christmas symbolism in shoved in their faces at every turn? I know I don't enjoy it. I feel sorry for Muslims, Jews, Hindu, etc. I'm sure some have learned to adapt and even enjoy the holiday. But how would my crusaders feel about a focus on Kwanzaa or Hanukkah for example? What do we even truly know or understand about these celebrations?
Christmas itself wasn't even celebrated until long after Jesus had died. The idea of bringing a tree indoors to decorate was put into practice even longer after the first Christmas was celebrated. And that idea was stolen from the Pagans, much like Easter! I am willing to bet that many devout Christians don't know this, or care to believe it. Stop complaining about the lack of a tree in stores! Stop telling me that I do not have my priorities in order. Don't come into my store and expect an apology for offending your religious viewpoints by having done absolutely nothing wrong. If you are a good Christian you will look the other way instead of causing trouble over nothing. This holiday season, don't use Christ as an excuse to prop yourself up as a crusader "hero" to others.
I don't believe in a god and I actually enjoy the Christmas season and fill my home with woodsy animals, garland and snowmen. I decorate a tree and wrap gifts. Eggnog is in the fridge and my calendar is full of party times and festive gatherings. When the weather turns cold, the holidays become a great excuse to eat too much yummy food and gather with the people we enjoy. That is all Christmas needs to be. That is a Christmas that everyone, everywhere can celebrate.
