Don’t be ashamed to celebrate your holiday
By Lauren Paulsen, Senior Columnist
“Christmas” seems like it’s becoming a taboo word nowadays. Too many people are afraid of insulting non-Christians; therefore, certain things are being renamed, such as “Christmas Break” becoming “Winter Break.” There’s even this big controversy over Starbucks’ holiday cups. In my honest opinion, this is all very silly, and I think a lot of people agree with me.
Canada has been a Christian-dominant country since European settlers arrived here many, many years ago. As a result, it is not unreasonable for there to be a lot of Christmas-related stuff. If we go to another country, we don’t expect them to change their holidays because we have a different religion.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t respect other religions. Canada is multicultural, and therefore a lot of different religions must coexist. However, I do not think that wishing anyone who isn’t Christian a “Merry Christmas” should be considered offensive. On the contrary, I have many friends who aren’t Christians who enjoy it when they’re wished a Merry Christmas. I’m not offended when someone wishes me a Happy Hanukkah, or tells me to enjoy Diwali. Instead, it makes me feel happy.
I even have non-Christian friends who join in on Christmas festivities with me, such as exchanging gifts or making gingerbread houses. Christmas is about giving and should be enjoyable. I don’t think Christians should be so afraid of offending non-Christians, just as I don’t think non-Christians should be afraid of offending Christians. Stop this nonsense about holiday cups and enjoy the holidays, whichever ones you may celebrate or not celebrate, and don’t worry so much about offending others.
