The Crosby Chronicles: Political correctness of Christmas goes too far

Did you see the story about the City of Santa Monica no longer allowing life-sized Nativity scenes to be installed in Palisades Park, a tradition that has been going on for almost 60 years?

It seems some atheists were uncomfortable with it (what, there weren’t any atheists years ago?) and so for the first time city officials held a lottery to decide who would get the display areas. Of course, the atheists ended up with most of the stalls.

The political correctness of the Christmas season, from images of Jesus to the utterance of the greeting “Merry Christmas,” has gone too far. I’m surprised no one has proposed changing the name “Christmas” on calendars to simply read “Holiday.”

Look, if Christmas is not your thing for whatever reason, don’t participate. However, for those not bothered by it, December is a wonderful month, a brief few weeks that provide a respite from the anger, isolation, and disrespect that plagues our society most of the time.

Long ago, Christmas time transformed into a common holiday no matter one’s religious affiliation. It is a time full of inspirational songs, heart-warming movies, and family togetherness. Those who oppose the cheerfulness of so many people should read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In it they may find a kindred spirit, that of Ebeneezer Scrooge who before the spirits visited him epitomized all that is wrong with people who despise other’s happiness.

Why don’t all the Scrooges create their own holiday, call it Anti-Christmas, and hold it Dec. 26. That way they can all gather together amongst themselves, cheer that all the good will toward man has ended, and create traditions that will please their kind. But let the rest of us enjoy the days before.

Brian Crosby is a teacher in the Glendale Unified School District and the author of Smart Kids, Bad Schools and The $100,000 Teacher. He can be reached at brian-crosby.com.