Seattle airport removes Christmas Trees to avoid lawsuit...

Ok I wasn't sure where to post this.. but I thought. "Hmmm.."


"All nine Christmas trees have been removed from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport instead of adding a giant Jewish menorah to the holiday display as a rabbi had requested.

Maintenance workers boxed up the trees during the graveyard shift early Saturday, when airport bosses believed few people would notice.

"We decided to take the trees down because we didn't want to be exclusive," said airport spokeswoman Terri-Ann Betancourt. "We're trying to be thoughtful and respectful, and will review policies after the first of the year."

Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky, who made his request weeks ago, said he was appalled by the decision. He had hired a lawyer and threatened to sue if the Port of Seattle didn't add the menorah next to the trees, which had been festooned with red ribbons and bows.

"Everyone should have their spirit of the holiday. For many people the trees are the spirit of the holidays, and adding a menorah adds light to the season," said Bogomilsky, who works at Chabad Lubavitch, a Jewish education foundation headquartered in Seattle's University District.

After consulting with lawyers, port staff believed that adding the menorah would have required adding symbols for other religions and cultures in the Northwest. The holidays are the busiest season at the airport, Betancourt said, and staff didn't have time to play cultural anthropologists.

Hanukkah begins this Friday at sundown.

"They've darkened the hall instead of turning the lights up," said his lawyer, Harvey Grad. "There is a concern here that the Jewish community will be portrayed as the Grinch."

AGH. Sad isn't it? These people really DO need to get lives! As was explained on my talk radio show this weekend, the Trees are a non-denominational symbol of the season of giving. It's a sad state of affairs when we have become so fear driven of offending anyone that we have to take such extreme measures. I guess they're going to "politically correct" all the joy out of the season. Bah humbug! May they all get lumps of coal in their stockings - if they deign to even hang such offensive items of festivity in their homes! :rolleyes:

I saw this rabbi on the news this morning and he wants the trees back up...
he used the "S" word...

Instead of the Jewish community being portrayed as a "grinch" why not lay the blame on an over zealous rabbi? :confused:

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Originally Posted by CountryWolf07

Ok I wasn't sure where to post this.. but I thought. "Hmmm.."


"There is a concern here that the Jewish community will be portrayed as the Grinch."

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This man should have thought about that before he ever opened his
mouth in the first place. :( Bah, Humbug. :(

Richard, What's the S word? :confused:

I can't even begin to express how sad I am about how Christmas has become so POLITICALLY charged. A guy at our Church handed out Christmas cards to his co-workers, and one put up this huge fuss (making a scene and everything) and insisted that he take it back. :(

For myself, I am stable enough in my beliefs that it does not offend me if somebody wants to hand me something that is outside of my beliefs. ;) And I can't fathom others who want to just be a constant downpour on other's traditions and beliefs.

I just don't get it. :confused:

Agreed the rabbi should of kept his mouth shut. Trees and wreaths are ambiguous to the season. Now had their been a nativity scene at the airport but they refused a menorah, that'd be a whole other can of worms.


Anna, that's just insane!! I feel bad for the guy you know.

Bah, the tree is a pagan symbol anyways. :)

This reminds me of a story one of my former professors told me. My professor was a school librarian for a long time, and one of the students in the school actually cut down a tree from her house to bring into the school library.

Well, the principal told her that they couldn't have a Christmas tree...some people might get upset. So, instead she decorated it differently and made it a "winter tree." How could she really get rid of it when a kid had cut it down and brought it in for her?

The Seattle airport should just put up a sign that says "Happy Holidays tree" or something. Of course, then some people would get upset because it doesn't say anything about Christmas (there are actually people boycotting stores that use the slogan "happy holidays")....it's all a bit ridiculous.

We actually had this issue at work. We put up a Xmas Tree for years and then we added a menorah for all our Jewish co-workers. They complained that they felt left out...so we purchased a menorah and they would light a bulb each day.

But now we just don't put anything up....don't know why really. I think the tree got to be too much work. The menorah was easy...just plug in a light. :p

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Originally Posted by CathyBogart

Bah, the tree is a pagan symbol anyways. :)

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Yup it is :)

The rabbi didn't want the tree taken down... he wanted a menorah (sp?) put up beside it. I have no problem with that.

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The Seattle airport should just put up a sign that says "Happy Holidays tree" or something. Of course, then some people would get upset because it doesn't say anything about Christmas (there are actually people boycotting stores that use the slogan "happy holidays")....it's all a bit ridiculous.

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they should just call it a holiday tree and be done with it. Those who are boycotting stores because they say "happy holidays" instead of "merry christmas" really need to look at the history of the real reason for the season, considering its really a pagan holiday celebrating the solstice and a lot of traditions christians are calling theirs are actually pagan (carols, gift exchange, tree, yule log, etc). that or they refuse to admit the facts.

to me its a time for giving, a time for family, and especially for kids. no matter what my beliefs are. i've got a christmas/holiday/winter tree up, decorations, etc.

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays :)

(sorry for the babbling)

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Originally Posted by lizbud

Richard, What's the S word? :confused:

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IT's code for "Contacted A Legal Professional to Make Me Famous/Money".

oh geez.......PC is going just a bit too far.......

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Originally Posted by Pembroke_Corgi

....it's all a bit ridiculous.

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Isn't it? :( I just find it sad that everything has to be so bloody PC these days. Personally, I feel like I can't express my freedom of speech when there's the possibility of offending someone and getting sued. It's all too rediculous.

Do you know how hard it was for me to find "holiday cards" for my company? We have so many restrictions because we can't offend anyone, so I had to be as bland as possible. To me, that's not the meaning of this holiday...
:rolleyes:

I don't get offended if I see other religions depicted, or if someone gives me a greeting card for one of their religious holidays. In fact, I feel honored that someone felt like including me for their special occasion. I have many Indian friends, and I get wishes for Diwali, Pongal, Holi and other holidays, and I think it's great!
Trees have always been put up during the holiday season in stores, companies, airports etc. It's one of the many reasons why I love the holidays...because the trees, the lights and the festive mood is lovely, until the big PC brother raises his ugly head.

It only takes one person to ruin it for many...:(

I respect as I want to be respected.......If someone said Merry Christmas and I were offended, they would be too if I said Happy Hannukah......but I think a better world is one to bend the rules a little and have more consideration to some other people´s beliefs, I particularly celebrate Christmas, but I would have no problem calling my tree a winter tree or adding a jewish celebration item to my decor......

And as for Happy Holidays I tend to use that as for ALL the holiday season.....so I see no wrong in that......Merry Christmas for THE day, and Happy Holidays for the rest of the season...........I don´t get why people are so.............(fill in word here).......

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For myself, I am stable enough in my beliefs that it does not offend me if somebody wants to hand me something that is outside of my beliefs.

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Now had their been a nativity scene at the airport but they refused a menorah, that'd be a whole other can of worms.

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exactly!!

after all the season is to be happy, in peace and full of joy......why do they want to change that??

I feel sorry about jews being brought into the stage with this rabbi statements.......I´m part jewish........

people wonder why most just dont get as excited when christmas comes around anymore!! It used to be about love and family, ect... now it is about nothng but making money, and people being rediculous!! Geesh, you cant even do your shopping without someone being mean and nasty!! I dont get it!!

Very pathetic.

Around here Heshey, PA has Candylane which is a big display of lights. They have a menorah, the star of david but not ONE nativity scene or one thing that mentions Christmas. I assume this is because people complain so much about "Christmas" because they aren't Christian. SO WHAT?! Why can they have their holiday but christmas is Taboo. Get over it.

I would not be the least bit offended if I said Merry Christmas to someone and they responded with Happy Hannukah. Why is it that some people have to take it so personally? Why can't we ALL respect everyones celebration without turning it into a pissing contest every single year.

It disgusts me that this cr@p makes it to court half the time. What a waste of time and money for everyone involved. Sad state of affairs we are in these days when people can't put a tree up without being publicly ridiculed.

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Originally Posted by sparks19

Around here Heshey, PA has Candylane which is a big display of lights. They have a menorah, the star of david but not ONE nativity scene or one thing that mentions Christmas.

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Hmmm.
What would happen if someone showed up with a box of Godiva chocolates? :confused: ;)

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Originally Posted by sparks19

I would not be the least bit offended if I said Merry Christmas to someone and they responded with Happy Hannukah. Why is it that some people have to take it so personally? Why can't we ALL respect everyones celebration without turning it into a pissing contest every single year.

It disgusts me that this cr@p makes it to court half the time. What a waste of time and money for everyone involved.

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I would not be offended either..........adn yes it´s sad when they get up to court!!........but the saddest thing is the people that let them get all that way up!!.........If it were me i would just send them off, anyone whom it may be, i hate when people do a lot of fuss

for example: my hubby is a judge and he gets all sort of cases like you think.......what?? you´ve got to be kidding me??.........some "x" person sued anothe because the "y" person stoled 5 (yes five) apples to EAT!!.....and the "x" person has zillions of acres of apple trees!!!!...........now that´s a waste of time of everyone involved or what?? time that could be used in the pursuit of homicides and the such, but no he had to recover his 5 miserable apples.............. :rolleyes:

Well, I for one am totally shocked :eek: not about the complaint about the trees but because no one has yet complained about stars on the tops of Christmas trees. The stars represent the star that lead the wise men to the manger. I guess so far no one has noticed. :rolleyes:

Whether people like it or not Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. They should celebrate their own holidays or not as they choose and leave mine alone!!! If they want a holiday where they exchange gifts, they should pick a different date. Then they can call it what they want. I promise not to complain about their decorations they display and wish them the best on their holiday!!! After all, no one forces anyone to celebrate Christmas and there are at least 5 different directions they can look in besides the direction of any Christmas decoration.

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Originally Posted by momoffuzzyfaces

Well, I for one am totally shocked :eek: not about the complaint about the trees but because no one has yet complained about stars on the tops Christmas trees. The stars represent the star that lead the wise men to the manger. I guess so far no one has noticed. :rolleyes:

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Astronomers around the world are OK with that....


And what is with the Nativity scene in your signature...







......It should be bigger! ;)

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

And what is with the Nativity scene in your signature...







......It should be bigger! ;)

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Just click on it and it will be!!! ;)

:) You all are not going to beleive this.. I work in Aviation & with customers all over.. I just talked to a gentle man From Seattle & he was in shock when I ask him about this & said that is not what happened.. He said he knew this Rabbi & stated that the Rabbi just wanted his stuff put up in the Airport & had no Idea that they were taking down all of the Trees & stuff.. :rolleyes: Now I told this customer of what all was on TV & you cant even think of what he said about the media.. So I am confussed :confused: ..

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Originally Posted by momoffuzzyfaces

Whether people like it or not Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Agreed. Just look at the first six letters of the word! :rolleyes: This is all so sad. Never in a million years would I have thought way back in my childhood that this world would have gotten so strange. I just can't relate to the crazies who are offended about something that has been tradition for 2,000 years. :rolleyes:

Well all I know is the world sure has changed since I was younger.

In elementary school our teacher was Jewish. Every year in December he'd let us have a CHRISTMAS tree party and put together the small silver fake tree and decorate it. He happily accepted both Christmas and Hanakka (sp?) cards however he never gave out either type himself. He never fussed over our celebration of Christmas, and for those of us that were curious he even took some class time to show us how to play Dredels (game) and explain the lighting of the candles for how he celebrates. Although I cannot for the life of me remember it after all these years.

He was always a most liked and respected teacher. I always appreciated his acceptance of our Christmas, as well as his candor about his own Jewish holiday season, and never once did it ever become a battle ground.

Personally I think this whole PC thing with Christmas has more to do with people's selfishness and lack of their own faith and worth than it actually has anything to do with the holiday itself or how other people choose to celebrate or not celebrate it. JMHO

Merry CHRISTmas

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Originally Posted by Pam

Never in a million years would I have thought way back in my childhood that this world would have gotten so strange.

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Just wait.

I was Just watching Lou Dobbs and he made a point about Seatac NOT being a governmeent operation....They took the tress doen just from the fear of being sued....

Just like the "No God on Money" moron...it takes on moron to wreck the whole chacha foir everyone.


Individuality Sucks...

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Originally Posted by Catlady711

Personally I think this whole PC thing with Christmas has more to do with people's selfishness and lack of their own faith and worth than it actually has anything to do with the holiday itself or how other people choose to celebrate or not celebrate it. JMHO

Merry CHRISTmas

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I think you are right about the lack of their own faith. Maybe they are secretly afraid that people with faith are right or something (no matter what faith).

I, myself, do not mind seeing sybols of other religions. I like learning about their celebrations. What bothers me is the way people are determined to keep Christ out of Christmas and some won't even say Merry Christmas. You can't please all the people all the time but many are making a royal mess of things by trying. :rolleyes:

I just wish people a happy holiday. It's generic and covers just about everybody.

Just think...............

In our future we may not be able to use the color red - it might be associated with Christmas.

We shouldn't use green - it might remind us of Christmas trees.

Of course, we couldn't use blue - it could having something to do with Hanukkah.

Pink would be out - and probably yellow and lime - that would be so close to Easter colors.

And God forbid, orange or black - you might be referring to Halloween.

Grey - yes, a drab grey - that will be our new world.

But, for me, I simply have to say MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

while I still can............without being sued.

Airport workers get around Christmas tree tiff

Mini-trees appear; Jewish group plans no lawsuit over menorah’s exclusion

MSNBC News Services
Updated: 10:44 p.m. ET Dec 11, 2006

SEATAC, Wash. - Airline workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport took the holidays into their own hands Monday, decorating ticketing counters with miniature Christmas trees after officials decided to remove all of the trees from the main terminal's public spaces.

The airport's director, Mark Reis, didn't mind the merry rebellion one bit.

"The passengers and the meeters and greeters are all happy about it," he said. "They provide a festive spirit."

There's a much larger UppyDate to the whole issue ...
See >>>

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16150563/

/s/ Phred

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Originally Posted by gini

Just think...............

In our future we may not be able to use the color red - it might be associated with Christmas.

We shouldn't use green - it might remind us of Christmas trees.

Of course, we couldn't use blue - it could having something to do with Hanukkah.

Pink would be out - and probably yellow and lime - that would be so close to Easter colors.

And God forbid, orange or black - you might be referring to Halloween.

Grey - yes, a drab grey - that will be our new world.

But, for me, I simply have to say MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

while I still can............without being sued.

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Good observation Gini! :( There is a cute song on Brad Paisley's Christmas CD which deals with political correctness in the songs that we sing this time of year. Of course it substitutes use of the word holiday over Christmas. It also pokes fun at the song white Christmas and how it discriminates against the color black. :) Also Little Town of Bethlehem might offend people of Bethlehem by claiming that their town is little. Of course it is just meant to be a silly song, but it is like you said, Gini. It makes you wonder where we go from here? :confused:

Now I think I will join you in wishing everyone a Merry CHRISTmas!

I think the trees are back up in the airport. It was on the news this morning.

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Originally Posted by elizabethann

I think the trees are back up in the airport. It was on the news this morning.

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I heard that too. Sanity returns. Merry Christmas!

Here's the mind blower.......If you do not clelebrate Chrstmas....Why DO YOU TAKE THE DAYS OFF?

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

Here's the mind blower.......If you do not clelebrate Chrstmas....Why DO YOU TAKE THE DAYS OFF?

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Good one Richard. :D

Thanks for including the link. After reading about these workers, I feel a
whole lot better. :)

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

Here's the mind blower.......If you do not clelebrate Chrstmas....Why DO YOU TAKE THE DAYS OFF?

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Amen!!!!!

I just read a post, this morning, on another one of my groups (MSN), from a member who I like, but who does not believe in God. She was all aflutter because she isn't "ready" for Christmas!!! She hasn't read all of the Christmas books to her kids, she hasn't done her Christmas baking, she hasn't bought the Christmas gifts, etc. If you don't believe in God or the birth of Jesus, why in the world do you do Christmas at all?? :confused: Give me a break!!!!

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Originally Posted by momoffuzzyfaces

Whether people like it or not Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. They should celebrate their own holidays or not as they choose and leave mine alone!!! If they want a holiday where they exchange gifts, they should pick a different date.

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Hon, this time of the season was originally about celebrating the winter solstice (Pagan tradition). Exchanging gifts, the tree, the log, carols, its ALL PAGAN. Religious scholars believe the JC was NOT born on Dec 25th but actually somewhere in April June timeframe.

I don't mean to sound rude but when you say what I quoted above, I say perhaps Christianity should have never taken away this time of year from the Pagans. Perhaps Christians should pick another date considering the Pagans have celebrated this time of year far longer than the celebration of Jesus Christ.

I'm sorry if I offended you but it irks me like crazy that many people do not know the REAL history behind this season.

I agree with everyone else with things becoming way TOO PC. I won't be offended if someone says "Merry Xmas" or any other religious blessing. I'll say it right back to them, or I'll just say "Happy Holidays". I find it rather pleasing that someone wants to wish me a happy around this time of year. Don't know why people want to be sooo offended in recent years.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Happy Hannakuh and have a great Saturnalia! :)

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I just read a post, this morning, on another one of my groups (MSN), from a member who I like, but who does not believe in God. She was all aflutter because she isn't "ready" for Christmas!!! She hasn't read all of the Christmas books to her kids, she hasn't done her Christmas baking, she hasn't bought the Christmas gifts, etc. If you don't believe in God or the birth of Jesus, why in the world do you do Christmas at all?? Give me a break!!!!

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Just because SHE does not believe in god does NOT mean that she should automatically have nothing to do with the season! This is a season for friends, family, kids, giving, receiving, caring. Just because one does not believe in god does not mean that one cannot celebrate. Give me a break!

As for the person who said we've been celebrating this for 2,000 years, well PAGAN tradition has been around a LOT longer than that, and has celebrated their holiday on Dec 25th for far longer:

On December 25 (the date of the winter solstice) pagan Romans, still in the majority, celebrated Natalis Solis Invincti, "Birthday of the Invincible Sun God," Mithras. The Mithras cult originated in Persia and rooted itself in the Roman world in the first century BCE, but by the early 300s CE the rising religion of Christianity was posing a formidable challenge to the sun worshipers, especially after the Edict of Milan issued by the Roman emperor Constantine I in 313 CE allowed Christians to practice their faith in the Roman Empire.

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Originally Posted by RICHARD

Here's the mind blower.......If you do not clelebrate Chrstmas....Why DO YOU TAKE THE DAYS OFF?

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Because I can't get the Solstice off....it's too close to Xmas.

Edit: THANK YOU LUVIN LABS!!!

Perhaps christians should move their celebratory day away from the pagan celebration they were trying to cover up when they chose December 25th in the first place. Perhaps they should also ditch all of the pagan traditions of the holiday. (the decorated tree, wreaths, the YULE log, etc.) Either that, or let it go and let other people enjoy the season as well.

Really, why berate someone for wanting to give gifts, bake cookies, read stories to their children, and make merry just because they don't believe in your deity?

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Originally Posted by Luvin Labs

As for the person who said we've been celebrating this for 2,000 years, well PAGAN tradition has been around a LOT longer than that, and has celebrated their holiday on Dec 25th for far longer:

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Just out of curiousity - I thought the winter solstice is on the 21st, or is it a different holiday you mean? Or has it changed? Just curious :)

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Originally Posted by Luvin Labs

Hon, this time of the season was originally about celebrating the winter solstice (Pagan tradition). Exchanging gifts, the tree, the log, carols, its ALL PAGAN. Religious scholars believe the JC was NOT born on Dec 25th but actually somewhere in April June timeframe.

I don't mean to sound rude but when you say what I quoted above, I say perhaps Christianity should have never taken away this time of year from the Pagans. Perhaps Christians should pick another date considering the Pagans have celebrated this time of year far longer than the celebration of Jesus Christ.

I'm sorry if I offended you but it irks me like crazy that many people do not know the REAL history behind this season.

I agree with everyone else with things becoming way TOO PC. I won't be offended if someone says "Merry Xmas" or any other religious blessing. I'll say it right back to them, or I'll just say "Happy Holidays". I find it rather pleasing that someone wants to wish me a happy around this time of year. Don't know why people want to be sooo offended in recent years.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Happy Hannakuh and have a great Saturnalia! :)



Just because SHE does not believe in god does NOT mean that she should automatically have nothing to do with the season! This is a season for friends, family, kids, giving, receiving, caring. Just because one does not believe in god does not mean that one cannot celebrate. Give me a break!

As for the person who said we've been celebrating this for 2,000 years, well PAGAN tradition has been around a LOT longer than that, and has celebrated their holiday on Dec 25th for far longer:

On December 25 (the date of the winter solstice) pagan Romans, still in the majority, celebrated Natalis Solis Invincti, "Birthday of the Invincible Sun God," Mithras. The Mithras cult originated in Persia and rooted itself in the Roman world in the first century BCE, but by the early 300s CE the rising religion of Christianity was posing a formidable challenge to the sun worshipers, especially after the Edict of Milan issued by the Roman emperor Constantine I in 313 CE allowed Christians to practice their faith in the Roman Empire.

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Well, hon, you did not offend me. I've always known that Jesus was born in the spring around Passover BUT the 25th of December has always been the date that the early Christians chose (for reasons I have no way of knowing) to celebrate his birth.

The winter solstice is actually a few days earlier than the 25th.
Seems like the Pagans had first grabs at the time frame and did not choose the 25th. That date did not take off and become popular until Christianity ran with it. ;) You can't get mad at the Christians just because their holiday became more popular. :D