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Home My WebLink AboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2013-11-20, Page 44 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, November 20, 2013 www.lucknowsentinel.com The Lucknow Sentinel VOLUME 137 - ISSUE 46 PUBLISHED WEEKLY P.O. Box 400, 619 Campbell Street Lucknow Ontario NOG 2H0 phone: 519-528-2822 fax: 519-528-3529 www.lucknowsentinel.com SUN MEDIA A Quebecor Media Company MARIE DAVID Publisher marie.david@sunmedia.ca JILLIAN UNDERWOOD Sales representative ji I lian.underwood@sunmedia.ca MARILYN MILTENBURG office administrator Iucknow.sentinel@sunmedia.ca Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO SENTINEL CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 400 Lucknow ON NOG 2110 For any non -deliveries or delivery concerns: phone: 519-528-2822 e-mail: lucknow.sentinel@sunmedia.ca Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All advertising and editorial deadlines: Friday 2 p.m. Changes of address, orders for subscriptions, and undeliverable copies (return postage guaranteed) are to be sent to The Lucknow Sentinel at the address indicated here. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid at the applicable rates. The Sentinel is available on microfilm at: GODERICH LIBRARY, (from 1875) 52 Montreal Street Goderich ON N7A 1 M3 Goderichlibrary@huroncounty.ca KINCARDINE LIBRARY, (from 1875 to 1900 & 1935 to 1959) 727 Queen Street Kincardine ON N2Z 1Z9 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities. Canada pcna Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association Neutralizing `Merry Christmas' is more offensive than saying it I'm probably not the only one annoyed by the white- washing of what is politically - correctly referred to as the "winter holiday season" in a society that is becoming embarrassingly crippled by the stripping of names from religious holidays, out of fear of offending others. Well the news flash is, if you're offended by someone saying Merry Christmas, or any other 'reli- giously charged' name for a seasonal holi- day, you already should be ashamed for wor- rying about something so foolish. No one cares. Or should I say no one SHOULD care. Why? Even though I'm not religious, I respect the origin of why we have a gift -giv- ing season, the decorations, the songs, the lights, the foods and everything that goes along with Christmas. These things have been dear to the religious folk for centuries. And that deserves respect, even if you're not religious. Most people enjoy time off during this season because of these holidays, a few still enjoy Christmas bonuses , but almost every- one, regardless of faith, is impacted by Christmas in Canada. It is the number one reason for all of these cheery, happy and feel -good holiday joys, followed by Hanukkah, Kwanza and other holidays that take place at this time. They should also be respected, not watered down. The reason for my rant spurs in part from my annoyance in seeing 'Happy Holidays' and 'Seasons Greetings' as a generic, non - feeling salutation intended not to offend those who don't celebrate Christmas, or whatever religious festival. And for those who consciously change their greeting to reflect that, they should ask what they get out of pandering to that societal 'change' that's supposed to be respectful to others. The way I look at it, it has the opposite effect. Column Troy Pa tterson An example of this I noticed last year, and again this year, a corporate franchise listing its 'holiday hours' as Dec. 24, 25, 26, but listed names for New Years Eve and New Years Day. This is what I consider an absurdity, because I figure why recognize the New Year (of the Western calendar, not Jewish or Chinese calendars), but not the reasons for the Dec. 24-26 dates? Or that's just it, to the corporation, are they just dates now? But why recognize the New Year as a 'holiday'? It's corporate hypocrisy and as insignificant as it may be, it's still ridiculous when I observe it in that way. Either recognize that people celebrate holidays, or don't. This neutral 'Red and Green Day' kind of half-cocked corporate celebration wears on me every year. And my annoyance likely gets greater as I get older. And once again, I'm not even a religious man, I just believe in the right for religions to celebrate however they like. It enriches our communities, brightens up our down- towns and makes the miserable cold, dark season all the more bearable. Let them 'Keep Christ in Christmas; or have their Nativity scenes in public spaces. Who does it hurt? Who does it offend? Apparently many people, as ridiculous as that is. And I'd like to tell those who it does bother to shut up their faces, because Canada is more about tolerance than greying out what peo- ple hold dear. In fact, I'm offended by people taking offense in saying Merry Christmas. It's one of the biggest, most pointless actions taken by municipal, provincial and federal govern- ments, alongside the corporate world. They fear minorities taking issue with it, so they side with neutrality. Cowardice I say. Typical 'Holiday Specials' nowadays focus on Santa, Frosty, Rudolph and other fictional characters, but fail to acknowledge how we even earned the right to Western society even recognizing this time as a holiday. And what's wrong with recognizing Christmas for its actual origins in the story of Jesus Christ, whether you believe or not? Same goes for the actual origins of Santa Claus. But they're all lost in the fiction and fantasy that domi- nate the modern holiday season. And that's sad and I share in that sadness with those who struggle for holiday recognition. It's a really nice time of year, so why spoil it with political nonsense? Regardless of the faith you have (or don't have), if you can't take joy in what others find joyous, or at least see the beauty in what they're celebrating, you're seriously lacking something in your life and should look at that issue before wasting your energy com- plaining about what other people enjoy. What's really unfortunate is the many that find 'offense' are the same people who spend thousands of dollars this time of year spoil- ing themselves, spouses and family on con- sumer products, because our culture has somehow intertwined greed and selfishness with the holiday's original message of giving, family and peace amongst humanity. Even without the religious connotations, those are concepts even Atheists can accept and cele- brate. Those concepts also have more merit than the buying season's Black Friday and the more recent 'Cyber Monday' leading up to the holidays, as they're dedicated to splurging on sales, the use of credit and spending beyond ones need on luxuries and other non -essentials. So looking back at the two modern 'priori- ties' of the holiday season: Don't offend by saying Merry Christmas, but spend lots on presents for your friends and family... we're actual moving backwards socially instead of progressing. Celebrate the season as you want to. And if people try to 'PC' correct you? Tell them where to go... but with a little holiday cheer. letter to the editor Huron County Christmas Bureau gearing up for a busy season Dear Editor, Since 1967, the Huron County Christmas Bureau, a volunteer organization, supported by the Huron -Perth Children's' Aid Society, has devoted many hours each year to ensure that no child is forgotten at Christ- mas time. Last year over 1,000 children, from newborn to age 18, benefited from your generosity. The Christmas Bureau is a countywide Volunteer group that organizes five gift centers (bureaus) that distribute new toys, clothing, and food cards to families in our county who need a hand. As a new resident to Huron County ten years ago, I was invited to co-chair the Clinton Bureau at St. Joseph's Church. What a welcoming experience. It was and is a wonderful oppor- tunity to contribute to our com- munity. Children ARE our future and Christmas Bureau is one way of embracing our youth. How can you help? One way is to volunteer at your local Bureau. Last year over 400 volunteers were involved donating over 5,000 hours of time. You can also remember the Christmas Bureau children when planning your Family, Friends, and Office Christmas Party by shopping for a child or youth. Financial gifts are always required and if donating New Gifts (Clothing, Toys, or recreational items) or Teen Gift Cards, please do so during Col- lection Week of Dec. 2-6, as this helps the Bureaus address the needs of the registered families. Posters and signs will be placed throughout the communities as a reminder to contribute. This year, the Bureau has decided to phase out Food Boxes mainly because of the safety/mechanics of collection and distributing. To compen- sate, the Food Card Value clients receive has increased. If you are a custodial parent, and live in Huron County and you need some assistance, the Christmas Bureau phones open for registering Nov 18 through to Dec. 6 Monday to Friday. You will be given an appointment during the week of Dec.9-13. Confidentiality is our priority. Call Christmas Central at 519-524-7336 ext.3271 or 1-800-265-5198 ext.3271 2013 Bureau/Gift Centers - Clinton: Clinton Legion (St. Peter's Church), Exeter: Pre- cious Blood Church, Goderich: Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Seaforth: The Agriplex (Bethel Bible Church), Wing - ham: Wingham United Church. Thank You to all who pro- mote, donate and support Huron County Christmas Bureau. Gayle Dunn Christmas Bureau Volunteer