For decades, conservative Christians have bellyached about a so-called “War on Christmas.”
They have rallied to defend the religious aspects of Christmas, lobbied for Christian decorations in public schools or town halls and criticized anyone utilizing that horribly inclusive phrase, “Happy Holidays,” a phrase used since at least the 1860s. They believe that the season is only for Christians — and insist that our secular government should plant their devotional Christian nativities in public parks, county courthouses and state Capitols.
This year, Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, put up a petty and poorly designed billboard in Madison, Wis., the hometown of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, in order to “send these activists a lesson.” In the Catholic League’s press release, Donohue blatantly boasts that “the Christmas season is our season. We rule. They lose.”
The billboard (pictured above) has been rightly ridiculed by both atheists and Christians for its meanspirited and exclusionary message claiming sole dominion over the entire holiday season. This childish reaction is particularly ironic considering that FFRF has spent decades patiently pointing out that “the Christians stole Christmas,” taking over the natural holiday of the Winter Solstice, celebrated by our ancestors in the Northern Hemisphere for millennia, with the pretense that it is the birthday of Jesus.
But here’s the reality: December and the Winter Solstice aren’t owned by one religion or ideology. It’s a season of celebration, reflection and, yes, commerce, shared by people of all beliefs and none. The majority of Americans — Christians included — are tired of the divisiveness and exclusion that the “War on Christmas” narrative fuels. Atheists, other Americans belonging to minority religions and Black Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa — and even many Christians — have worked for the right to celebrate the holiday season more broadly without a requirement that they subscribe to ancient myths, Santa Claus possibly exempted.
Instead of embracing change and the growing inclusivity of the holiday season, many conservative Christians are growing ever bitter and resentful. I’m looking at you, Bill. Donohue regularly projects his antipathy onto others. In a post last year entitled, “Christmas joy eludes atheists,” he did protest too much.
The Catholic League’s billboard demonstrates the desperation of those clinging to this fictitious conflict. The louder the cries of persecution, the clearer it becomes that their message is falling flat. Americans, particularly younger generations, are moving toward a more inclusive and secular society. “Merry Christmas” is not under attack, but the idea that only one tradition matters during this season is rightly being challenged more and more every year.
FFRF celebrates this progress. For decades, we’ve fought to ensure that government spaces remain neutral grounds for all citizens, free from religious endorsement. We’ve championed the inclusion of secular perspectives in holiday displays, from our Winter Solstice banners to our Founding Fathers signs. These messages remind everyone that the holiday season belongs to everyone — not just those of one faith.
The real grinches who can’t enjoy the Christmas season are the conservative Christians like Bill Donohue. He reminds me of the street preacher in Albuquerque who dressed up as the Grinch and stood outside an elementary school screaming at children that Santa isn’t real.
Inclusivity isn’t a loss for anyone — it’s a victory for everyone. As more Americans embrace a diverse, secular, and tolerant society, the myths of persecution that underpin the “War on Christmas” fade into irrelevance. The so-called war is over, and reason has won. Let’s celebrate a season of goodwill for all — believers and nonbelievers alike.
Happy Winter Solstice and Reason’s Greetings!
Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
3 Responses
Haha, Greg, bible sales rising? I don’t see anyone waiting in line with a shopping cart full of St. James. I’d expect most bibles are sold by the semi-truck full to big investors laundering capital. They call that AstroTurf organizing.
Thankyou Chris Line for your advice on the bill board message from Bill Donahue.I have recently heard that Bible sales are up this year but secularism continues to grow.Would anyone have any knowledge why the sale of bibles has increased.I find this very puzzeling.Thankyou FFRF……
Haha, Greg, bible sales rising? I don’t see anyone waiting in line with a shopping cart full of St. James. I’d expect most bibles are sold by the semi-truck full to big investors laundering capital. They call that AstroTurf organizing.