Have A Politically Correct Season and An Appropriate New Year

Over the years, I have seen more and more advertisers steer away from invoking any reference to Christmas in their advertising. It’s easy enough to understand that advertising at this time of year is about making money and has little or nothing to do with the original intent of the celebration.

Gift giving has become the source of incredible stress for many because it now encompasses more than just family members. The list has gotten longer: bosses, business colleagues, clients, political players, postal workers, disgruntled postal workers …

There are some traditions that, at least for now, have not changed. It is still known as a Christmas tree. In Edmonton, the most famous tree is the Singing Christmas Tree, a spectacular musical event at the Jubilee. But maybe John Cameron, the producer, will have to contemplate a name change down the road. Would the Seasonal Singing Tree resonate?

In a country as diversified ethnically as Canada, this time of year is beginning to feel like a contradiction in terms. Maybe we should revisit the seasonal concept unveiled by Costanza’s father in Seinfeld: Festivus. There’s a whole website devoted to it: http://www.festivusweb.com/.

When I pulled my tree decorations out along with the manger, I paused to think about the declining lack of enthusiasm I feel at this time of year. As children get older and do their own thing, there is less time spent enjoying the traditions we grew up with. I know this is not the case for everyone, but I have run into more and more people who feel the same.  Assembling the manger helps me pause to appreciate where this celebration came from.

So, as we head into the season, may I wish you all a politically correct season and an appropriate new year — and for those of you who can appreciate it — Merry Christmas!