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O' Christmas Tree

By Gary Swanson

Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Harris & Taylor

December 12, 2009 01:53 AM

O' Christmas Tree

O' Christmas Tree

The poor Christmas Tree is always getting flack at this time of year. Even though we recognize it as a symbol of Santa Claus and commercialism, the Christmas Tree gets chased out of malls, schools, public buildings and other places because some religious and non-religious groups take offense to its' presence.

O' Christmas Tree

I have Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist friends who put Christmas Trees in their homes for the children. Where else can Santa Claus bring presents to? Should Santa change his date?

As far as I always knew, Christ wasn't born anywhere near December anyway, so why all the fuss?

O' Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas!

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Karen Anne Stone

New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Real Estate

Gary: I do not really think that having a Christmas tree in a public place ends up offending anyone... not really. I think it has just become a negative due to the fact that religious symbols of other faiths are not allowed... so... if room for ALL is not made... then a case for none is then made. For me... a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree... and I don't see any problem with it. Sheesh.

Dec 12, 2009 01:59 AM

Leslie Prest

Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ

Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

It seems from what I've heard that it is sometimes the people of NO religion who object to ANY religious symbol being displayed.

Dec 12, 2009 06:44 AM

Gary Swanson

Century 21 Harris & Taylor - Grants Pass, OR

Just this last week in Ashland Oregon a public school removed their "Holiday Giving Tree" and replaced it with "giving snowmen", because a parent complained. I can't imagine who would be offended by a "Holiday Tree."

Dec 12, 2009 10:47 AM

@ Leslie & Gary: I think for folks with NO religion... which is fine, by the way... in order to take away their reason for complaining... I believe there should be a place... maybe on the town square... where there is some sort of marked-off area... with spotlights ON THAT small area... with NO tree. Then, there would also be an illuminated sign that explains that "this is an area with NO type of holiday tree... for folks who have NO religion." Did I explain that well ?

Dec 12, 2009 12:35 PM

I think you explained it perfectly Karen. That way no one will be left out.

For an update, that school in Ashland, Oregon has now reversed themselves and they are putting the "Holiday Giving Tree" back up.

Dec 12, 2009 12:52 PM

O' Christmas Tree

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