Editorials

Christmas or holiday tree?

Germany is credited with beginning the modern Christmas tree tradition, starting in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. It is believed that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

The birth of the large public or town square trees, that were erected in the center of the town, on for example, the very large Capitol or New York style trees were erected in public places to give moral support to the people of the times, and quickly grew in popularity during World War II .

The Christmas tree has become a symbol of giving, with the presents placed under the tree for loved ones to open with glee on Christmas morning.  The legend of Santa Claus permeates the idea of a jolly fat man in a red suit bringing presents to all "good boys and girls" on Christmas morning.  As this is Christianity's recognized celebration of the birth of the Christ child, symbolized by the Bethlehem Star which guided the 3 wise men, at the top of the tree, as well as the naming conventions of the actual holiday lending credence to the Christ Mass day, the Christmas tree has become the dual symbol of the birth of Christ as well as a holiday of giving.

It was with pleasure that I saw the White House and their contingents actually placing the Christmas Tree at the capitol.   The Blue Room Christmas Tree was handpicked by White House Chief Usher Gary Walters, Superintendent of Grounds Irv Williams and Grounds Foreman Mike Lawn on October 18. The tree was cut in late November and sent to Washington, D.C. The White House staff also selected two beautiful Real Christmas Trees for the White House Oval Office and the Bush family’s private residence.

“The last time a Christmas Tree from Pennsylvania was displayed in the White House was in 2001,” Gary Walters said. “This beautiful Douglas-fir from the Botek family is the perfect tree to continue this long-standing White House tradition.”

 

This is a Christmas tree.
It is not a Hanukkah bush,
it is not an Allah plant,
it is not a Holiday hedge.
It is a Christmas tree.

Say it... CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas

Yes. CHRISTmas - celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!!!

We need to take a stand and pass this on to those who still celebrate Christmas and what is actually symbolizes. 

Jesus Loves You!

I respect other people's right to celebrate a holiday of their choosing, BUT, this has always been and will always be a Christmas tree, not a generically politically correct holiday tree.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.