A Christian Monopoly

I'm torn. On one hand, I enjoy the festivities of Christmas and the atmosphere created by lights on trees, by warm cider and a fireplace, by candles in the windows. On the other hand, I am not a Christian. I was raised Catholic and—like so many people today—have since drawn my own conclusions about the dogma.

I wonder how many others find themselves facing the same uncomfortable situation: caught between endorsing a religious celebration and enjoying the salve of tradition.

Several billboards throughout San Diego declare that Jesus is the reason for the season. They have a point. Iterating it forces me to face my own beliefs about December 25th. If there's anything I can't stand it's hypocrisy.

The billboard renters are reminding me it's us or them.

Adding to all this divisiveness is the (recent) hubbub about "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas." I think the whole thing is rather childish. In my wife's office some disgruntled Christian insists on vandalizing all the "Happy Holiday" banners—edifying them to read "Merry Christmas." Personally, I think he or she should get back to work and stop proselytizing on company time.

What is it with this new, self-justified intolerance? Can't the rest of us celebrate the holidays? Can't we say it to each other? Can't we all acknowledge that it is the more inclusive greeting?

Have these people ever thought about the fact that they might be offending me? Or maybe it doesn't matter to them: Jesus is still the only reason for the season, I am reminded again.

Pick sides. Choose.

All this patriarchal black and white intolerance is sapping my love for the season. The Christmas season as well as the holiday season. All it does is tire me out and make me wish for January.