Politically Incorrect

I have to admit that I got really frustrated today. As I was walking through a mall today in the San Francisco Bay Area - waving and saying "Merry Christmas" - a man tugged on my sleeve and literally pulled me to the side. Of course, I knew who he was immediately. And I instantly recalled the first day he went on the naughty list at the age of 8. He hasn't been off that list since. I also knew exactly what was coming... a lecture. Let's just call him Bill for the purposes of this post as I don't want to reveal his real name. But Bill is that kind of guy - and we all know one - that thinks he is better than everyone else. Superior. You know the type... they are the ones that always have a condescending tone in their voice as they explain how they might do something different. They don't directly address their concern with you but they make their point in a not-so-subtle manner.

So Bill literally pulls me aside. My security team immediately pops out of the shadows and quickly surrounds Bill. I wave them aside. Bill is annoying but he is not a threat. He steps up to me and says, "My name is Bill. It's my pleasure to meet you. What is your name?"

"Santa", I say.

Bill rolls his eyes and chuckles. "No. I mean your real name." He stopped believing when he was 7 years old. What a shame. Who knows how different his life might be if he still believed in the magic of the Christmas Spirit and all of the possibilities this world offers? But he doesn't. He has it all figured out in his own mind. There is no need and no time for wonder.

"Really... I am Santa Claus. But I know you don't believe, Bill. Its ironic that your parents, William Sr. and Angela, both believed their entire lives. Usually the parents stop believing and the kids keep the hope alive... at least for a few years." As I said his parent's names, I saw a brief look of surprise but it quickly disappeared.

Bill turned red. But he quickly controlled his voice and spoke with an obviously forced calm. "Ok then... Santa... I just wanted to let you know that all of us may not celebrate Christmas. If I were playing Santa Claus at the mall, I would say 'Happy Holidays' so as not to offend anyone. Have you considered that option or, perhaps, other alternatives to 'Merry Christmas'?"

"Yes. I have thought seriously about 'Happy Christmas'," I stated confidently.

Bill was obviously flustered. "That's not politically correct. I would think the real Santa, if there were one, would not want to offend anyone."

"Bill, Santa does not want to offend anyone. But Santa celebrates Christmas... not a generic holiday. Santa respects your beliefs... I request you respect mine."

Bill let out an arrogant huff, spun on one foot, and marched off towards the food court. I continued on down the corridor toward the line of kids that were now awaiting me.

I get this every year. And quite candidly, I am growing tired of it. I celebrate Christmas. CHRISTmas. Not a generic, secular holiday. As I told Bill, I respect that others may celebrate different holidays. I don't get upset if someone tells me Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Diwali. I don't celebrate those holidays because they don't fit in my religious belief system but I am not offended because someone else does. Tolerance is not about being anti-religious or secular... it is about truly experiencing, practicing, and protecting religious freedom. That means I have the right to celebrate Christmas. I put up a Christmas tree, not a Holiday tree. I send Christmas cards, not Holiday cards. I say "Merry Christmas", not "Happy Holidays"... ok, sometimes I say "Happy Holidays" but not because I feel forced to do so. I sing Christmas carols, not Holiday songs.

And to be clear, I may not agree with your beliefs, but I will be the first to stand up to protect your right to have your own religious beliefs. I expect the same from you in return.

So politically correct or not, you can expect to hear me saying "Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Ho, Ho, Ho!" for many years to come.