I've been teaching for twelve years now. In total, I've had maybe five students who didn't believe in practicing gift giving or anything remotely Christmas because of their faith. That leaves about 415 other students I've had who do. Those five children's families either chose to pull their children out at the end of the day during the "party" or simply allowed them to participate knowing we weren't preaching God's Word in the classroom. Never did they pull their children out of school for a "Christmas" party.
I think it's sad that such a majority of people I've encountered have become so overly sensitive that they can no longer practice their faith freely. I'm not a preacher, I'm a teacher. The problem seems to be that the teaching profession preaches tolerance so often while obviously being hypocritical in the area of allowing student expression in the classroom. Can we sincerely feel offended by somebody offering us a "Merry Christmas" in good nature? When someone is actually offended by those words, aren't we as teachers to blame for not sincerely promoting freedom of religion and speech and good will?
One thing is for sure, I hope people feel the good will I plan to deliver in the way of many Merry Christmas greetings this December. I will not suppress others from saying Happy Hanukkah to me and will receive it with joy. One thing that would almost be offensive to me is "Happy Winter!" Give me a break. Are we even moving away from Happy Holidays now? Is that too controversial for people? It's madness.
Well, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Randy--
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts are on my mind, too, this "holiday" season! We've created a climate, I fear, in which the majority is made to feel that they are in the minority. I, too, don't mind being told "Happy Hanukkah"--I can think of worse things from today's teenagers! :) I think, as a Christian but not as a preacher in my classroom, that the old addage "the world fell apart when we took God out of it" is pretty dead-on.
Christmas or this "holiday season" isn't the only thing targeted. Halloween, for example, now has to be celebrated as a "Fall Festival" without costumes. When will it all end?
Great thoughs, Randy! --Mindy
Randy,
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting that you decided to blog about this topic this week because just yesterday (several hours before your post) I had a student ask me why people say Happy Holidays or Happy Winter instead of Merry Christmas?
I tried to explain to them that some people don't believe in Christmas and its significance. And that it only takes a few people to change society and the traditions and beliefs of the our culture.
One student piped in and said, "Well, do those people exchange gifts? Do they take the day off of work for Christmas and Easter if they don't believe in Jesus?" I've often thought of these questions myself but I found it to be very observant of my sixth-grader. Another sixth-grader said, "There would be NO Christmas if there was NO Jesus."
Granted, I teach in a Catholic School but I think you are right now when you say that we are working so hard to teach tolerance and diversity among students, staff, schools, etc. But we are giving a contradictory message when we allow one or two students and their families dictate what we are doing in the school. Most teachers, in the public school, don't go into great detail about the significance behind Christmas ecause of the separation of church and state but what is the harm of celebrating with decorations and having a party for the students? Make it optional!
So . . . GOOD FOR YOU for taking a stand and posting this blog! I love your saying, "We are not preachers, we are teachers!"
Merry Christmas to you and your family Randy!
I think it is sad that schools have to change from the good old days of school Christmas parties. However, I understand. I think children, whose families do not celebrated the season, have to put up with so much already because of their parents religion that I want to make it as easy for the child as possible. I cannot imagine what the child is going through when all his/her friends are getting new toys and clothes. It must be a very confusing time for them.
ReplyDeleteWith all that being said, I hope you also have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!