Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

[Foosa]

Cnn.com Link (http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/09/news/companies/walmart_christmas/index.htm?postversion=2006110909)

[Kareeser]

The announcement comes a year after religious groups such as The American Family Association and The Catholic League boycotted retailers including Wal-Mart last holiday season for excluding the word "Christmas" from products sold in stores.

...

"We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often."

Is it just me, or does the statement not match the sentence above? In the top, Wal-Mart caved. In the second, Wal-Mart "is not afraid" :)

Anyway, good news. I don't understand what all the fuss is about, changing "Christmas" to "Holiday". I bet it's supporters include a bunch of people who sit around at home looking for something to change in our society...

[mbossman2]

hard to answer without going political and getting the thread closed.

Suffice it to say that to the majority of Americans (~80% identify themselves as Christians) view this season as the Christmas season. Some christians are feeling a tad bit "persecuted" with all the seperation of church and state lawsuits and court decisions so they feel that they cam influence this behavior by speaking out, both vocally and with their pocketbooks. evidently retailers listened.

[David M]

I see nothing wrong with mentioning any religions major holiday. I think the only ones who might have a problem are the atheists and agnostics...and they are welcome to create their own holiday if they wish.

Some people are so on edge now searching for things which may offend them. Lighten up, its Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa and so forth. It all boils down to respect and acceptance. Because one religions holiday is being acknowledged does not mean that all the others are being ignored or disrespected.

If I were in the Middle East and someone wished me a nice Ramadan (or however it is expressed)...then should I feel offended because I am not Muslim?

[doctorgonzo]

I don't understand what the big deal is. Yes, the majority of people in this country celebrate Christmas (as I guess I do, even though I am agnostic). So there really isn't anything wrong with wishing a person a "Merry Christmas". At the same time, more and more people in this country are not Christian, so you can't always assume that people are celebrating Christmas. In the end, businesses can say whatever they want and just deal with the consequences.

[jimmyrules712]

everyone I know, Christian or not, celebrates Christmas. It's more an American holiday than a Christian holiday.

[David M]

It's more an American holiday than a Christian holiday.

You nailed it Jimmy.


Perhaps we should all wear badges around our necks stating our personal beliefs so nobody ever accidentally wishes us happiness, joy, peace, health or other good things in the wrong way? Only a prima donna would be offended if someone wished them well but not in the manner that they require from others.

[enhanced08]

I'm atheist but I still celebrate Christmas and I dont see what the big deal is. Why should people get upset if someone wishes them a Merry Christmas if they dont celebrate it? Its more of a kind gesture than pointing out the religious background of it. No one gets upset when you tell them "Have a good weekend" even tho Sunday is considered a religious day to some.

If walmart takes this stand, do ya think other retailers will soon follow?

[RazorDX]

I work in retail, and we sell a lot of holiday stuff. I actually work in the Seasonal department, and I can tell you that Christmas merchandise sells as quick as we can get it on the shelves. Any other holiday and it takes three months and a 90% discount before we can get rid of any of it.

Christmas is going to be hard to get out of retail since it is the most commercial holiday of the season.

[Alaron]

Sorry folks, this is treading too close to a religious debate.

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