The Fictional War on Christmas

            In the essay “End the ‘War on Christmas’” Edward Grinnan (p. 421) argues that the conflict known as “The War on Christmas” is a foolish argument and a “ceasefire” should be declared over the conflict. Grinnan argues that the holiday itself has roots in pagan culture and was adapted into Christian culture in order to persuade those who lived in their own society into joining Christianity. Also comparing the “War” to that of a “bickering old married couple” that they are arguing about the topic without any side reaching an agreement. Grinnan cites a story published in Guidepost regarding an incident on Christmas Eve during World War I in which the opposing sides in the war spent the night singing carols to one another instead of fighting only to resume “killing each other” in the morning. Grinnan concludes saying that the argument between religious and non-religious groups over the holiday is redundant since it has “vaguely pagan origins” as well as pointing out the public’s over “commercialization” of the holiday. Also explaining, that everyone should embrace the “joy and light and peace,” that comes from celebrating the holiday which is something we could all agree on.

            The war on Christmas is fictional at best considering the ever growing holiday season. In 2012 the holiday shopping season started on Thanksgiving making it black Thursday instead of starting on the traditional black Friday. The beginning of the holiday season has been the Friday after thanksgiving since the mid 1900’s marking the official start with sales in shopping centers as well as families beginning to trim their trees the on this day. It is not commonly known to those who don’t work in retail but most stores and shopping centers begin receiving holiday shipments as early as mid-July to early August. Grinnan’s assessment about the over commercialization of the holiday is correct because people have seen the holiday season as a way to get the best deals on products that are generally expensive during the rest of the year.

            There is also the aspect of the media’s and network television’s involvement by airing movies and specials during the Christmas season. Television networks such as ABC Family air several holiday specials as well as the highly publicized “25 Days of Christmas” when they’ll air Christmas movies from the first of December until Christmas Day. Networks rarely air specials for any other holiday during this season even though Hanukah and Kwanza are a part of the season. Grinnan states that “the separation between church and state can sometimes blur,” this is also something that is addressed every year since the President and the White House have a long standing tradition of their own holiday special that airs on cable television every year. Even though the President shows support towards all holidays it is widely known that the white house is mostly covered in Christmas decorations during the season.

            The constant argument of the so called war on Christmas truly is fictional when just walking down New York City’s infamous Fifth Avenue which is covered in decorations all the way down to Rockefeller Plaza where the traditional Christmas tree is hung every year.  There’s even a big snowflake that hangs on Fifth Avenue while men dressed in Santa suits stand at every corner asking for Christmas donations. Grinnan’s assessment that “at its golden heart Christmas is an embracing of joy and light and peace, something I think everyone can agree to celebrate together” is true to most Americans who walk through light covered streets and sing carols while sitting together at home during the holiday. Yet the true question should be is there an actual war on the holiday? Once a person looks around the real answer is no, the only war that is being waged on Christmas is a war of words between opposing sides for a greater equality for all other religions who don’t celebrate this mass marketed holiday.

Works Cited