It is true that the most puritanical elements of Christian protestantism do not see Christmas trees as Christian, but that is because the trees are used as symbols of Christmas, and puritans do not like symbols and frivolity in conjunction with religion. My end of protestantism rather likes symbols and frivolity and lot of very fun things that puritans don't do. In that tradition, it is hard to separate Christmas trees from Christmas, even though we don't actually put them in the church proper (they are, after all, about as pagan as can be, the Christ/Mithras Dec 25 thing notwithstanding). In my childhood home the tenderest moments were the family gathering around the tree and my grandfather, the patriarch, reading the account of Jesus's birth in Luke's gospel. This probably repeated several generations of the annual tradition, and we continue it. But to someone whose religious and family traditions did not include this particular one, the tree may seem secular because it is in all the malls and commercial places in the holiday season. It has become a symbol of holiday shopping and thus secular and commercial. So this lowly tree is hopelessly confused, and must be searching for the true meaning of its life.

I am more impressed by Nancy and Laura's approaches of inclusion than to my earlier one. The only drawback is that in Rush Limbaugh territory it may be derided as "politically correct", as though there were something wrong with that, and feed into the noise machine's "War on Christmas". Then you are off and running. Sarah Palin comes to town and beats you over the head with a Christmas tree.

A hard line to find. I personally would let them put up the damn stocking and I would give the candies to the Ph.D. students, who will eat anything. No $2. Then they find out how cheap I am. Merry Christmas Bah humbug.

And I would let my Christmas be about family and religion and giving to the poor, especially children and the sick.

Ginny

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From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of White, Nancy Jean [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2013 11:31 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Help?  I welcome your suggestions to my proposed email before I hit the send button.

Personally I do not think of Christmas trees and stockings as Christian and have no objection to them as they are a celebration of, in my opinion, a secular holiday that to some is tied to a religious holiday. Celebration of Christmas was banned for many centuries because of its pagan connections. However, eventually the Christians gave up on it and just adopted it.

If I were in India I would probably celebrate Diwali even if I am not Hindu. I would find it interesting to experience their holidays and traditions. I believe students from other countries might feel the same when visiting the US. One of the "fun" things about visiting another country is experiencing their culture, including holidays, even including religious holidays though as I said I don't think of Christmas trees and stockings as having anything to do with Christianity.

I do usually put a sign on my door every year that says, "The real reason for the season: The birth of the SUN" with a nice picture of a SUN on there :)

Nancy J. White
Department of Finance and Law
Sloan 329
Central Michigan University

Webpage: http://faculty.cba.cmich.edu/webs/white2nj/
989-774-1842
fax: 989-774-6456
[log in to unmask]
You can access many of my papers at: http://ssrn.com/author=411303
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From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Gershuny, Pam [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2013 11:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Help? I welcome your suggestions to my proposed email before I hit the send button.


Hi Colleagues,
I received the email below from the Dean's Student Advisory Board Chair.  I previously voiced my objection to a Christmas tree in the lobby of the business school with the Dean who informed me that this was a "conservative state."  He is an Associate Professor serving as an Interim Dean.  After my conversation with the Dean, I posted a discreet "Mazel" on the mailbox hung outside my office door.

Now, a Christmas stocking with my name on it?  I am a member of a "blended" family, Jewish, Christian, and many more.  I am very distressed by the idea of a 12 ft tree and the Christmas stocking with my name on it.

We have many students from China, India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, all over the world, and from nearby St. Louis, who do not identify as Christian.

I would like to send an email objecting to this plan that is respectful, but I am finding it difficult to find the wording.  If you have a moment during this hectic time of year, I would appreciate hearing your advice very much.

Best to you all,
Pam Gershuny
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO
(Yes, it is Rush Limabaugh's hometown, and the only synagogue in town closed many years ago.)


Hi Teachers and Administration,

The Dean's Student Advisory Board is decorating the Atrium for the holiday season. We decided to put up a 12 foot tree with Redhawk colors and a Rowdy on top and also decided to hang stockings on the second floor balcony with teacher and administration names on them. We are asking for a $2 donation (or more if you want) to help pay for the costs and you are able to take your stocking when you leave for the break or you can leave it to be reused next year (there may also be some goodies in there periodically). If you would be willing to help, Sherri Jenkins will be collecting the money and I will get your stockings hung quickly.  A picture of the stockings are attached for your viewing.  If you don't want to participate, that is fine also.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know.  Thank you.

Student's Name Witheld
Dean's Student Advisory Board Chair