How Holidays Came To Be

[ashfire]

On the Bill O' Reilly radio show that I listen to. Mr O'Reilly has talked about how Christmas became a American Holiday. Congress had to produce a bill to make Chistmas a holiday and the President at that time, Ulysses S. Grant signed it into law.
Well some people have called Mr O' Reilly's show to say that Christmas is not a Federal Holiday or to say it should not be.
Others call and talk about how they were forced to celebrate Christmas in public school years ago before the public schools have now stopped allowing anything that recognizes Christmas because they were of different religions that do not celebrate Christmas.
When I was in school we would have Christmas Pageants and sing Christmas Carols or perform Christmas plays. I was a shepherd in the Birth of Christ in one.
So one thing you get the feeling of by hearing these people is that the Christmas Holiday should be repeled or more holidays should be added.
Someone has discussed making the National Election Day a Federal Holiday so that more people would come forward to vote for the President of The US so that people wouldn't have to work all day and then try to get to the polls and wait all night to vote or not get to vote.

[Mithrandir]

I'm not sure how this thread can go on from here without degrading into a political lashing out, but I'll let it go for now, just in case.

Be nice, everyone.

[Arbre]

I was in several school plays in elementary school that has Christmas themes (although it was focused on Santa, elves, reindeer, etc ). We sang Christmas songs, but I can't remember if they were anything more than Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. I'm not sure if we sang Silent Night or any other songs about Jesus.

No one was forced to participate if they had real beliefs against it.

My younger siblings were in Christmas plays, but the one I saw last year was about reindeer, so it wasn't religious at all.


I'm not sure how I feel about federally endoresed holidays. I don't know much about how that status affects things. I don't think it's necessary.... But if some of those holidays weren't supported like they are, would it be a lot more difficult for employees to get them off to be with family?

I kinda like the idea of getting election day as a federal holiday... just 'cause holidays are fun. But with absentee votes, there are still ways to vote even if you're busy from morning 'til evening.

[Ashley]

I was in forced Christmas plays all through elementary school...but then again, I went to a private school. I did get to play a shepherd once, that rocked.

Anyway, just thought that'd be something cute to throw in there. I'm sure my parents still have it on tape somewhere, just waiting for some opportune day (like my wedding) to rear its head.

As for the holidays, federally enforced or not, "pagan days" or not, it doesn't change the real meaning of Christmas as a time to celebrate the best gift of all.

(And like OldPhil said, everyone play nice)

[Mizumi-Kun]

My school never had Christmas pageants, and I think it's a good thing too. I mean, what a dissappointing time in an actor's life...but anyway, I believe that holding such a pageant would upset the numerous Jews in our school.

[mitsuki lover]

All I can remember is that the classroom would always be decorated for
Christmas and everyone would exchange presents and sing some carols.

[agasfas]

I was actually never in a christmas play but in 3rd grade our class had to sing christmas carols and halloween songs... Guess it balances it out, right? *shrugs*
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