Someday Christmastime will roll around and there won't be any news stories about people having a problem with that.

It really gets to me every year how some people cannot even tolerate a Christmas Tree or the word "Christmas". Are they so afraid or offended by Christ that they don't even want to see a symbol or hear the Name? How do they survive the other 364 days a year when they pass churches or find a Gideon Bible in their hotel/motel room?

Christmas, as I thought everyone knew, is a federal holiday here in the United States of America. That means that the federal government acknowledges December 25 as "Christmas"; a special day of the year when government employees have the day off. In addition to that, our postal service stops and other government agencies take a rest: Social Security, for example.

Because the federal government acknowledges the day by stopping federal outlets and giving employees the day off it stands to reason that I, as a citizen living in the country run by this government, ought to be able to say "Merry Christmas"; as an employee, as a friend, as a stranger, as whatever. Stores should be able to acknowledge the Day with "Merry Christmas"; because if it weren't for that Day they would make about only half their income.

There are many other holidays from various religions being celebrated in December. They are not acknowledged by the federal government as a federal holiday. However, I really do not feel threatened if they want to have symbols of their religion on federal or state property. If atheist want to have a big sign that reads: "We're atheists and we don't believe in god". I think that's silly, because anyone who understands what an atheist is already knows that, but it doesn't threaten the assurance of my faith. So I wonder; why don't these religions and unbelievers extend me and my faith the same freedom of speech I am willing to allow them?

What exactly is the problem with Christmas; can anyone tell me? Because of Christmas charities throughout the United States (and I would guess the world) have a boost in contributions; moreso than any other time of year (with the exception, possibly, being MDA, when they receive the majority of their donation during Labor Day). Christmas itself celebrates God's most selfless gift when He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. I suppose military families come the closest to being able to relate to this kind of sacrifice; knowing that their offspring is going into harm's way for a greater good. However, the Son of God didn't come into the world as a warrior, but a baby. So how can such great love cause such great offense and downright anger? Ironically, the Bible says that the Good News (i.e. Gospel) will be an offense to people and it obviously is; even Mike Huckabee's bookshelves make some people nervous.

Nevertheless, I say "Merry Christmas" to you. I hope it truly is a merry time of celebration with friends and family and I hope a time to further realize; as I am always learning; that the greatest gifts are not found beneath the tree.