WHY ONLY CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE?

juni

I wonder why Christmas decorations only are strung out all over in the White House. This country has all kinds of religions. Why do they cater to the "Christian" religions?

What about Kwanzaa? the Jews, the Moslems, etc. and their observances? They have enough rooms in the White House to accommodate all of these holidays. I mean there would be decorations from now til the beginning of summer!

I realize that other faiths observe Christmas, but a lot do not. I believe this has always been the practice of every administration.

Juni

OnTheWayOut

I think the reason is obvious. If the white protestant male president participates in any way with Kwanzaa, Hanukah, etc. he faces the backlash of those that say he is a hypocrite. It could be done, of course, by high officials within the administration. As an example, Condi Rice could put up the Kwanzaa tree and reindeer. Maybe a high-ranking muslim Senator could string the Ramadan lights across the iron gates.

There really are no other decorations from other followings- there are token ones, but really, what politician would not look like a hypocrite for putting them out?

Of course there are FESTIVUS (Festivus for the rest-of-us, Seinfeld fans) decorations- somebody help me, how do you decorate?

carla

I think because the guy who lives there is a Christian he would probably do Christmas.

lonelysheep

There is no such thing as a US president who is not a "god-fearing christian". So, at their home, Christmas is the ONLY thing that will be observed.

blondie

The White House has a Hanukkah party each year and sends out a message for Kwanzaa. There is no day in Muslim beliefs around December that corresponds in any way with Christmas but............

Bush Pays Tribute to Month of Ramadan at White House Iftar Dinner
(Honors Muslim traditions of a great faith in America and around the world)

http://tunis.usembassy.gov/oct_19_2006.html

Blondie

Justice-One

I wonder why Christmas decorations only are strung out all over in the White House. This country has all kinds of religions. Why do they cater to the "Christian" religions?

This country tolerates all religions. (Tolerate may not be the best word.) But this country was BUILDT on Judao / Christian beliefs. That is why we have Christmas, and not Islamas, Budmas, or any other "mas."

XJW4EVR

Interestingly, the Pilgrims did not celebrate Christmas. The considered it a Roman Catholic holiday, and being good Protestants they abhored all things "Papist." I don't think that the celebration of Christmas took hold in this country until the mid 1800s. I would have to double check on the exact date, but I am thinking the 1840s or so.

lost_light06

Festivus decoration's consist of an aluminum pole (because of it's strength to weight ratio)

There is also the "Airing of Grievances" where you tell everyone what your problem with them is.

At the end of the night there is the "Feats of Strength" where you wrestle someone.

Justice-One

There is also the "Airing of Grievances" where you tell everyone what your problem with them is.

Hmmm....Do they put one of these up at JC meetings?

juni

Thanks to all of you. Blondie I knew you'd come through w/some facts.

And I like the humor too. Need to laugh to stay healthy. Thanks guys/gals.

Juni

WHY ONLY CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE?

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