When I say Merry Christmas!

To the Editor:

This year I had trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. As I write this commentary, I look back at the past year and I ask myself why.

During the last election, it became so apparent to me, how our country is so divided in our beliefs a, goals and inspirations. Many of the traditions, I have long cherished, seem to be waning or totally disappearing. Christmas shopping begins on Thanksgiving night, children cannot sing traditional Christmas songs in school, the ACLU is constantly challenging the placement of a Manger or crèche, stating they cannot be visible in a public place, football players no longer honor our flag as a symbol of love of country and the men and women who have given their lives for freedom, On television, even the Academy Awards are intermingled with political overtones. In the entertainment field plays like “Hamilton” are subject to protests because many do not accept the results of our election.

It seems so much of what I have believed is being challenged. And yet, during this Christmas season, I am optimistic that the Christmas message is still prevalent. Are we really so different? I believe it is more important than ever, to pass along this message. Do we not want ultimately the same goals? We must, as Norman Vincent Peale suggested “Keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world." It does not matter to me, if you are Muslim, Christian, or atheist. Is it not Peace on Earth, good will to all? As a Christian, when I say Merry Christmas to you I simply mean, I wish you joy, peace and hope! Is that so wrong?

Anne Angilly

Warwick