CHRISTMAS TREE OR HOLIDAY TREE?
An on-going debate
A (lighted and decorated) Christmas tree is one of the traditions of Christmas celebrations. But this name is not uncontroversial, in particular in the USA. Some believe it should be called a ‘holiday tree’, especially when it is the town’s or city hall’s tree. The reason: the constitutional separation between state affairs and religion.
One can be too politically correct, in my view. Nevertheless, the debate is not really about semantics. It’s about the role of religion in real life. Times are changing, even faster than our emotions can cope with. Other religions are rising and so is the number of people who do not believe at all. The real issue behind the debate about the tree’s name is the on-going struggle how to deal with all those changes and developments. Some people try to fight them, others adjust to the new situation. Many feel frustrated, because most changes are beyond our control.
Any society does need common values: they are the glue of society so to speak. And that is what we are really celebrating. And by celebrating together, we can improve our relationship with one another and strengthen bonds. Whatever the tree is called, it is a symbol of peace, respect and solidarity, probably even in a secular society. Basically, all major religions have certain basic values in common. So, what’s in a name?
Merry Christmas to all of you or at least enjoy the holiday season in the spirit of Christmas!
Karel Frielink
Curacao-based Attorney (lawyer) / Partner
