It's that time of year again; namely, the season when retailers certainly hope you retain the Christmas tradition of buying gifts but who also insist on muting any religious sense of the season. There will be many who fall into this category, including Best Buy, the management of which has announced the phrase "Merry Christmas" is off limits.Now let me emphasize at the outset here that I am convinced that the Christian's most important priority in these "wars on Christmas" is to let his/her own Christmas light shine brightly, warmly and generously. The responsibility for "keeping Christ in Christmas" is much more ours than it is that of the government or businessmen.
But, if that priority is maintained, then appeals to government and businesses to retain the traditions of Christmas are very much in order.
An example? This appeal from the American Family Association asks for you to contact Best Buy and politely request the company to change its policy. I think such appeals are proper and of tremendous value (although I suggest individual contacts are better than merely using pre-formatted e-mails). Indeed, before I made this post for Vital Signs Blog, I wrote the following note and sent it off to the founder and Chairman of Best Buy, Richard M. Schulze. I encourage you to do likewise.
Dear Mr. Schulze,
This is simply a brief request that you reconsider your decision to make "Merry Christmas" off limits in your Christmas promotions. Your decision, however well intentioned, is exactly the opposite of tolerance and understanding. It is a denial of history and much beloved cultural traditions, a denial that alienates many, many Americans who believe that Christmas is of unique importance and, therefore, shouldn't be muted by insensitive and misplaced political correctness.
You obviously want Americans to retain the Christmas tradition of buying gifts, but to then deny the very reasons for the holiday's goodwill. That is very sad, very hypocritical...and very muddle-headed. So, please desist with this anti-Christmas policy that is offensive to so many and which will surely be counter-productive to your company's profits. For instance, I will be one consumer, social leader, speaker and blogger who will pass the word about Best Buy's anti-Christmas actions.
Please, let me soon be able to report your change of heart, okay?
Sincerely, and with the warmest wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas for you and your family, I am,
Denny Hartford
This letter was sent to:
Richard M. Schulze, Founder and Chairman
Best Buy
7601 Penn Ave. South
Richfield, MN 55423
Other contact information: Phone: 1-888-237-8289
Fax: 612-292-4001
E-Mail: dick.schulze@bestbuy.com
