This is a forum for posting practical ideas about ways to keep Christmas in the public arena . It is about problem solving, not about venting frustration or discussing the Christmasrapping essay. Problems described most be accompanied by a recommended course of action!
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I recently visited the Chapel of the Chimes Columbarium, at the end of Piedmont Avenue , which is a historic landmark and where deceased members from several generations of my family are interned. I've often made a point of going in December when it's decorated, in fact, growing up it was a tradition, as my mother often had her piano recitals there. This time I picked up a calendar of programs from the office. Because the flyer gave little information about the content of the offerings I phoned to ask if there was any Christmas music, as nothing about the observance was mentioned. I was referred to Alison Rodman, who said they had "Holiday music", and had to check with someone who informed her that there was one vocal group performing some Christmas selections.

I commented on how I've always enjoyed the Christmas tradition at the chapel. She then said she is working on removing the red and green decorations because the Chapel is non-denominational and some people might feel "oppressed by the red and green". I asked if someone had complained and she said "no" but cited her reasoning was that if you go to the holy land you won't see red and green in December, and that she is Jewish. She went on to say that "all holidays are not destined to go on into eternity". The last time I checked, red and green and Christmas trees are classified as secular by the Supreme Court (non - religious) so naturally I wonder what her reasoning is based on. On a personal note, some may remember me for various seasonal, non-religious, displays in my front yard that are set up for anyone to come by and enjoy if they feel like it. My considered philosophy regarding this is that, in order for us all to get along, our cultural differences don't need to be melted down into one homogenous, insipid, holiday gruel, and that such sanitizing attempts are subtractive rather than helpful. I know that Christmas as well as All Hallows' Eve and All Souls' Day are not recognized by some faiths, including Judaism, but feel that anyone in this country can contribute imagery from their backgrounds or orientations without removing the traditions of others.

I suppose, as she cited, that Israel is someplace Alison could go where she wouldn't feel like a minority. I hope as a gay man, and a member of a minority that is lagging behind in the quest for certain equal rights, that I always have the grace to recognize that what appears in the public arena isn't always going to be about me and my culture, and know that this is a natural and distinctive part of who I am. Anyone who has enjoyed and is interested in seeing the red and green decorations continue at the columbarium can contact Harley Forey, director, at the chapel (510.654.0123).

The following letter was sent to Davies Hall in San Francisco where various concerts are give during the Christmas season : I went to the Feliz Navidad program last night at Davies Hall as an alternative to the choral Christmas concert I have often attended before. I had hoped for an evening full of the spirit of Christmas. I was enjoying the event until the intermission when I was viewing the Christmas trees. My mood sank when I saw the "Celebratory Tree" signs.

At first I wondered what it meant. Then I realized it was an awkward, self conscious and stilted attempt to mask the name "Christmas". Did someone complain about "Christmas Tree" signs that were there before? I admit this is merely a rhetorical question because I'm sure that no one complained. It was only assumed that someone might be offended. It's easy to imagine many were baffled by the "Celebratory tree" signs or found them amusing of foolish but I want you to know I was downright offended. I understand the philosophy behind this language is one of inclusion and cultural sensitivity. The platitude would go something like this: " We accommodate concert goers of many different faiths and not everyone celebrates Christmas, so we try to make the decorations available for everyone to enjoy."

However, consider for a moment that the Supreme Court has ruled that Christmas trees and Santa are secular images. Surely you don't think that a sign with the word "Christmas" on it endorses Christianity. As an atheist who loves and celebrates Christmas in non - devotional ways I hardly think religion is an issue here. The decorated evergreen has been the centerpiece of the Christmas celebration for a very long time and is recognized internationally. No other tradition has this. I feel that terminology like "Celebratory Tree", "Customary pole". "Festal bush", "Seasonal shrub". or "Observance stick" only subtract from the season and do not aid in bringing people together. When trees are bought off of public tree lots they are sold as "Christmas trees, and people of many faiths and of no faith have adopted this secular custom.

On the other hand, Orthodox Jews who only celebrate Hanukah, object to phrases like "Holiday tree" and "Celebratory tree" because it implies that they should have a tree in their celebration. A rabbi will tell you that decorated trees are not part of the Chanukah tradition. I'm not worried that your name choice will catch on because it is not the way anyone would naturally speak about a decorated evergreen in December. It is very sad, though, to realize that you feel you must mask the name and idea of Christmas from public view (Christmas with it's message of good will and tradition of charity) which is not in the spirit of the season at all. If you feel you simply can't post the word "Christmas" to describe the decorated trees, I would suggest you simply keep the "tree" without a subtractive or disclaiming adjective before it. This would be a less obvious, more gracious phraseology and you could still avoid "Christmas" while being able to enjoy the beauty of it's imagery. I will avoid Davies Hall as long as there are signs that are personally and culturally offensive to me.

The San Francisco Ballet this year, 2007, uses the name "Christmas" not "Holiday" to describe it's production of Nutcracker. I would like to think this is the result of letters written to the company. Walgreens stores also have Merry Christmas signs up. This may also be the result of public response. Macys has also used the Name "Christmas" to describe it's tree and decorated windows for two tears in a row.