In response to Mary Samuelson’s letter to the DFP entitled “Stop Christmas Commercialization” I would like to point out that Christmas is no longer simply a celebration of the birth of Christ. Moreover I would like to say that she has a rather naïve and limited view of human nature. Yes, it is true that Christmas originated in the manner in which she spoke of, but what she doesn’t realize is that the secularization of this holiday provides immense benefits to society as a whole. In the harsh reality of today, people need holidays – causes for celebration and moments of uplifted spirit. The flashing lights and ghastly plastic reindeer that you so condescendingly find distasteful are nothing more than the manifestations of this spirit. Furthermore, holidays such as Christmas and Easter, in addition to raising the spirits of public, bring increase charitable donations as well as a friendlier atmosphere. In the days before Christmas, aren’t you more likely to receive a smile from a stranger and a thank you from the store clerk? In your classically Christian view that “the true meaning of Christmas lay only in my religious interpretation” is ignorant, and downright ridiculous. In fact, the true meaning of Christmas is woven into the fabric of the spirit it brings out in humanity.
Christopher Hren class of 2004 chren@bu.edu
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