The happiest time of the year is here. Seems that everyone has good will at heart and the best of people comes out during the month of December. Yes, we celebrate Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa, but in recent years, political correctness is showing its ugly face in an area where it has no place to be.
From the time when the Pilgrims landed in this country in search of religious freedom, people have been able to join any organized religion or sect they choose without persecution. No other country in the world has welcomed as many religious beliefs with the respect that we have in the United States.
If anyone asks us what American culture is, we really do not have an answer for it depends upon the particular upbringing of each one of us and the national heritage of our ancestry. In the case of mixed nationalities within one family, we have a wonderful blend of cultural and religious beliefs that cannot be found anywhere else. Our real identity is being a nation of immigrants that embraces everyone.
Eighty percent of the population of the United States believes in Christianity but we have families that celebrate Hanukah and then go to Midnight Mass before Santa brings presents to the children. Couples have learned to bring up their children within two religions, perfectly aware of where they belong and who they are, feeling proud of their heritage – from both sides. That’s the real melting pot!
Yes, we celebrate Christmas and there is nothing offensive in wishing anyone “Merry Christmas.” Political correctness should be reserved for those times when harm could be done to someone, whether in housing, school or employment, but this is Christmas, the best time of the year… or think of it as Hanukah… or Kwanzaa. Isn’t it great?
We live in the greatest country – let’s celebrate!
