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December 22, 2006

Santa and Confucius

While we Americans fret over the "War on Christmas," in which secularists are supposedly attempting to purge the Founder of morality (Christ) from the seasonal celebrations, over in China the concern is that Christmas itself is wiping out tradition and morals from Chinese society because it is opening doors for the invasion of western popular culture. Several doctorate students are calling on Chinese to boycott Christmas and return to Chinese traditions, specifically Confucianism.

"We notice that many Chinese who do not believe or do not know anything about Christianity... would join in Christmas partying without much thought," said the students, all from elite universities. "This is a phenomenon of the collective loss of sense."

The students said they supported religious freedom but called on Chinese people who are not Christians to stop celebrating Christmas and not to give cards and presents or go to parties. They also urged government departments to consider regulating Christmas activities in public venues and in the media.

What I find most compelling about this is that it highlights the truth about Christmas: that it is an immensely appealing celebration, full of fun and gift-giving, and one need not be a Christian to enjoy Christmas. In fact, Christmas is really two different holidays in one. The Nativity Christmas is observed by Christians and celebrates the birth of Christ, while the Santa Claus Christmas, a secular winter holiday, is observed by people of many different belief systems.

Santa Claus is a unifying figure representing generosity, good deeds, the joy of children, and happiness for all, and one I believe can be added to anyone's yearly celebrations without eliminating or threatening their existing cultural and/or religious traditions. In other words, I disagree with the Chinese doctorate students who are calling for a Christmas boycott.

I'll be off for several days for Christmas, though I'll probably have to check in to see what's up, but I wish you all the happiest of holidays and yes, a very merry Christmas! And I particularly want to congratulate Governor Kulongoski on being placed on Grover Norquist's naughty list this year for refusing to sign his "No New Taxes" pledge.

Posted by Becky at December 22, 2006 11:02 AM