The Editor,
Re. "Merry Christmas" (Letters, The Tri-City News, Nov. 28).
Since the dawn of All-Saints Day (the day after Halloween for the rest of us), Christmas has emanated from my radio and TV. The green and red decorations appeared almost immediately.
Wednesday's edition of The Tri-City News featured a 12-page feature entitled "Christmas in Port Coquitlam" and there were several other Christmas-related items. Public life is all about Christmas from Nov. 1 until the end of the actual festival on Jan. 6 (the 12th day of Christmas, for those who don't know).
Therefore, I am bewildered when peoplearticulate the paranoid fantasy that there is some conspiracy to steal away Christmas.
If the letter writer Linda Baker, unlike many of my friends, does not wish others "Happy Holidays" at Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Diwali, or any other non-Christian holiday, that is her choice. As yet, I have not met anyone from any other ethnic or cultural tradition who has expressed offence at the phrase "Merry Christmas." But I frequently hear from Christians (and those who claim their beliefs transcend any one religion) who are apparently offended by the phrase "Happy Holidays" or "Compliments of the Season" or any other well-meant wish for their health and prosperity at festive times. How sad for them.
Although I am not a Christian, I too celebrate the holiday - for all that it means (whatever Ms. Baker might think is the reason for the season). I offer compliments of the season to her and to all, whether it's Christmas, Noel, Hanukkah or "Happy Holidays." And I am grateful for the well-wishes of those who offer them to me.
Just as we can all believe what we want and celebrate what we want, we can express it in whatever terms we want.
It's the spirit that matters, not the words.
Kevin Wallace, Coquitlam
