Letter to the Editor

As I sift through photos and memories, I came across this Letter to the Editor I wrote that was printed on December 2, 2006 in the Chicago Tribune. They titled it The best greeting.

In response to the many letters concerning stores changing their holiday greetings this year I’d like to add my perspective.  

I am a retired 1^st grade teacher who worked hard at including all holidays in December. I preferred introducing my students to Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa, and most important, to respect each celebration. I was glad when stores switched to Happy Holidays because I felt it was inclusive to everyone.  

A Holiday Committee was formed at our school a long time ago to decide how we should handle the placement of Christmas Trees, Santa Claus and other Christmas decorations. I was surprised when several Christian teachers felt that Christmas Trees and Santa Claus were secular and therefore could be allowed placement in the halls and classrooms for enjoyment by children of all religions.  One teacher was surprised when I asked how Santa Claus could be entirely secular if another name he goes by is St. Nicholas.   

I think that much of the problems with the world today occur when people are so ethnocentric that they are unable to see the point of view of those around them. Lately, I’m feeling that many people in this country are not even trying anymore. 

If you could have seen the bright smiles on the faces of the children whose religious holidays were also acknowledged in the classroom, you would understand why I am saddened by those who are insisting that holiday salutations need to be Merry Christmas.  

In fond remembrance of the December Holidays of Lights unit that I hope is still being taught in our district, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

You know what? I think all this is still relevant today. We need to come together, appreciate and be kind to each other.