Christmas vs. Holiday

Last night, as I was watching the news I saw a leading story regarding what is being reffered to as "The Tree" that is placed in Portlands living room at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The hub-bub seems to be that some folks would like the tree to be referred to as a holiday tree, in order to not be offensive to those of differing faiths, instead of a Christams Tree.
Have we really gone that insane? I don't know if people have forgotten what Christams is or what it is a celebration of, so let me remind you.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Baby Jesus. Whether you believe in the deity of Jesus Christ or not, that is what the celebration refers to.
Now on the other hand, the tree is not a religious symbol. It was first used in Germany to celebrate the winter solstice by attaching small candles to the branches to symbolize the winter sky's.
So with all of this information, what do we do now? You know what I think? Get rid of the tree. Get rid of the presents. Spend the few days around the 25th with your family and friends. Not at parties swilling the newest holiday liquid based spirits, but with the people who you care about. The people who love, support and encourage you on a day to day basis. Share with them what they mean to you and let your friendship be the gift that they carry with them from your home and into the new year. So call your tree what you will, share the spirit, that is what will last.