Merry Christmas Makes a Comeback

It was only about two years ago that I was shopping at No Frills and said Merry Christmas to the cashier, which sparked a conversation about the politically correct term "Happy Holidays".  She said that at Walmart, if an employee said "Merry Christmas", he or she could be fired!

As part of the politically correct campaign, Lowe's started selling "holiday trees".  Food Basics wished its shoppers a "Happy Diwali" but there was no mention of "Merry Christmas".  I noticed that Sear's had signs hanging in their stores which said "More Merry".  Where was the final, most important part, of that phrase?

It was such political correctness which ignited the "War on Christmas".  The American Family Association made a conscious effort to boycott stores which used the salutation "Happy Holidays". Others unofficially voted with their feet by shopping in stores which still supported "Christmas". Last year, I posted a list of Christmas friendly stores here in Brantford on Facebook.

After all, the majority of Americans identify with the Christian faith.  Similarly, over 60% of Canadians consider themselves Christian.  Shouldn't we call a spade, a spade?

The large American retailers must have started feeling the crunch.  This year, they have made a deliberate effort to bring back "Merry Christmas".  Walmart, Walgreen's, Macy's and Kohl's have all embraced the salutation.  Lowe's is once again selling "Christmas trees".  Food Basics wished its shoppers "Merry Christmas" this year in its leaflets.

Whereas in 2005, only 20% of large American stores were using the phrase "Merry Christmas", this year that number is up to 80%.  As the large stores embrace Christmas, the small stores will follow suit.

Even politicians are getting in on the act such as British Columbia MP Nina Grewal, who, despite being a Muslim, encourages Christians to be proud of their traditions.  See the following clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAd5ZVDhexY.

I am looking forward to next year when I hope to see even more "Merry Christmas" signs in store window fronts, hanging from store ceilings, in leaflets and catalogues, and online.  Long live Christmas!

For more information, visit http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/12/22/the-war-on-happy-holidays-begins-as-merry-christmas-makes-a-comeback/.

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In Search of the Big Bird

This morning I dropped the kids off at school and headed straight for Food Basics to do my Thanksgiving shopping.  The store had only opened half an hour before I arrived and the workers were stocking the shelves.  I took my time in the produce section, thinking there was no rush.  Then I made my way to the meat section:  only one Butterball turkey left!  I love Butterballs; they always turn out so tasty and juicy.  As I held the bird in my hand, an elderly lady approached me.  "Is that the last Butterball?" she asked.  "I think so," I replied.  I examined it, wondering if it was big enough for my whole family.  The elderly lady said:  "Oh, that's too bad.  I wanted a Butterball.  And that's a small one, just right for me.  I'm only cooking for two.  My husband passed away.  He was a veteran." I'm holding the turkey, thinking:  How can I take this knowing that the other lady will have to choose one of the other turkeys.  Her husband was a veteran.  That would be cruel.  I'm thinking maybe I should give her the Butterball and head to the other Food Basics to search for one.

But a solution arrives with one of the workers.  I ask:  "Is this the last Butterball turkey?"  She walks around the corner and finds one more in another bin.  It happens to be $3.00 more.  It's a bit bigger -- perfect for my family.  I hand the elderly lady the smaller turkey.  She's thrilled!  "Merry Christmas!" she exclaims, putting the smaller turkey in her cart.  I thank God for everything at my age," she adds, making sure that I know she knows it's not Christmas.  I put the bigger turkey in my cart.  I ask the worker where the stuffing is.  The elderly lady and I, with the last two Butterballs in the store, follow her to the bread section.  I help the lady read the directions on the blue stuffing box.  It's Paxo, my mom's favourite.  The lady buys one box while I buy two.  She declares:  "I'm glad I came early this morning.  If I'd come later, I wouldn't have met you, and I wouldn't have got the big bird.  I thank God for everything at my age."  I certainly didn't do much for the lady.  But some people count their blessings, no matter how small. I can learn from the lady with the big bird.  She has thanksgiving in her heart all year round.  May God bless her!

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