CHRISTMAS RADICALS: CONCLUSION

CHRISTMAS RADICALS: CONCLUSION

Those who haven’t read my two previous articles on the bride’s campaign for equal treatment of Christmas should really read them: http://www.genelalor.com/blog1/index.php?s=bride.

It’s not that they’re exceptionally well-written or riveting but the end result of her campaign has proven to be very surprising and could be termed, “One small step for the bride, one giant leap for Christmas.”

To review: My wife of 40 + years isn’t really radical, in most respects, but certain inequities tend to get her dander up. One inequity, a blatant offense, actually, is that most private and public institutions this time of year believe that Santa Claus, “holiday trees,” and wreaths are adequate displays in recognition of the Christmas season.

Fair enough, except when those same private institutions such as state and federally chartered banks then honor Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights which falls the same time of year as Christmas, with representations of the symbol of Hannukah and of Judaism, the menorrah.

That’s fine, too, except for the fact that the menorrah is a religious symbol and Santa, trees, and wreaths are not. To be accurate and, yes, fair and equitable, a Nativity scene, a creche depicting the birth of the Christ Child, the only reason for the Christmas season, should be accorded at least equal time.

So the radical bride protested last year. She wrote letters and made calls to the headquarters of Capital One Bank, spoke to a few reps, and was told her complaint “would be considered.”

Well, lo and behold, they were considered and today she saw a Nativity scene at our local branch. It wasn’t huge and it wasn’t displayed prominently but it was there in relatively full view.

She extended her sincere appreciation to the branch manager who seemed a tad taken aback by the thanks.

True, the bride’s success wasn’t a huge accomplishment and this is hardly the time to have to engage in competition sports with menorrahs but it was a notable small step and should stand as an encouragement to those who feel as we do. A journey of a thousand miles still begins with that first step, right?

Make your voices heard to banks, et al. Let the managers and, especially, the powers that be at HQ, that we insist on at least one, small Nativity scene.

Then we can go after public institutions.

You never know!