Making Christmas All-Inclusive

We all believe in the separation of church and state, except when it comes to Christmas. Here is a Christian holiday that, although secularized by the federal government as a national holiday and by merchants everywhere as a paean to greed, celebrates the birth of the Christian God and is thus exclusionary by its nature.

It is not a Jewish holiday, or Muslim, Buddhist or even Greek Orthodox (they celebrate their Christmas 10 days later). Many feel left out by this religious holiday that found its way into the secular calendar.

I have a suggestion which, if adopted, would turn Dec. 25 into an inclusive holiday: Declare Dec. 25 to be Homecoming Day in addition to being Christmas Day. This will allow non-Christians to celebrate the holiday and be part of the holiday season.

I am not suggesting we tamper with Christmas; I am proposing an additional holiday that would allow all of us to take part in the holiday season.

Eric Forster

Los Angeles