Columnist Sandy Thompson: Don’t knock public Christmas displays

Sandy Thompson

Friday, Dec. 7, 2001 | 4:19 a.m.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION is allowed in America -- unless you want to express yourself.

Sound confusing?

Consider these two recent attempts at limiting the freedom of expression:

Every year, it seems, there is some controversy about displaying Christmas traditions. Instead of focusing on the "joy, peace, love and warm feelings" that the season is supposed to be about, some people and groups want to "neuter" the holiday. They'd probably do away with Christmas all together if it weren't for the nation's merchants who would be screaming to high heaven because people wouldn't be buying presents and the economy would be ruined.

It's ironic that some people criticize Christmas traditions because of their religious significance, especially since the holiday has become so commercialized that all semblance of religious significance in some cases has been erased.

Even atheists and members of other religions that don't celebrate Christmas can still believe in the hope, joy and family closeness that the season has come to represent.

How sad that certain groups will defend a public display of a symbol that represents hate and bigotry, such as a swastika or a Ku Klux Klan hood, but back off when it comes to defending the right to display red poinsettias or an angel, which is supposed to be the symbol of goodness. They support the display of a religious symbol covered in dung (they call it "art") but are opposed to a public showing of a religious symbol in a positive way because of "separation of church and state."

Sooner or later we won't be allowed to display any positive traditions in a public place for fear it will cause the slightest stir.

There's nothing wrong with a public display of a symbol or tradition of a holiday no matter what the religion -- as long as it is positive and represents good.

How far will we go with this? Will we ban snow because it represents a "white Christmas" and that may be discriminatory?

Should we stop portraying Santa Claus as a jolly, round guy because thin people will feel discriminated against?

Should the next holiday movie cast some tall elves so 6-foot guys won't feel left out when the short Santa's helpers get all the credit for making toys?

And why should women be relegated to being "Mrs. Claus"? Why can't they take those sleigh reins Christmas Eve and deliver the presents instead of staying home and baking cookies?

OK, this is getting silly.

Seriously, we should have respect for people's feelings, traditions, religions or non-religious beliefs. But that doesn't mean we have to ban positive symbols of those feelings and beliefs from public places.

The FM radio station, Sunny 106.5, began playing continuous Christmas music before Thanksgiving, saying that because this has been a difficult year we could all use a lift and holiday cheer. You don't have to believe in the religious meaning of Christmas to enjoy "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

It's the songs' sentiments that are important. They're about being close to those you love and sharing special moments with them.

With all the strife, sadness and tragedy of the past few months, those sentiments are ever so precious today.

Think about that the next time you see a red poinsettia or an angel tree topper.