Santa Laying eggs

written - 12/18/2005
In front of a Walmart on Saturday about 50 people organized by religious leaders protested against Walmart wishing shoppers “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas”. Dick Otterstad of the Church of the Divide donned a Santa Claus costume and greeted shoppers with the message: “Don't forget about the meaning of Christmas”.

The meaning of Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ even though no one is sure when he was born. Some of the best analysis has determined Jesus was actually born in July. Nevertheless, how does a fat guy with a fake white beard who rides in a magical sled powered by flying reindeer remind us of what Christmas is all about? If anything, those images seem to be distractions.

This brings up another point . . . . Why is Easter equally as bizarre? On this day, people are supposed to celebrate the “resurrection” of Christ. In order to remember the resurrection, worshippers are encouraged to find chocolate eggs laid by rabbits (mind you rabbits do not lay eggs).

I suggest religious leaders focus their own poor use of symbolism rather than how Walmart promotes the holiday. At least Walmart and Target are using the words “holiday” to describe a holiday. Rather than criticize Walmart's greeting, religious leaders should be more concerned about the absurd and distracting symbolism of a fat guy flying in a sled and rabbits laying eggs.

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