Yes, and here are a few other terms that must be abandoned lest we insult Muslim sensibilities:

Christian
Christianity
Christendom
Jew
Jewish
Judaism
Jew's harp
Jewel
Jewelry

"Jewed" and "Jewing" however, will continue to be allowed to denote shrewd bargaining.

Posted by: Charles Martel at December 3, 2005 4:56 PM

if you cant take the heat, get out of the kitchen........Isa is known to mooslems as a prophet of sorts and he is mentioned in the quaaran more times than any other, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas as the true Messiah.

Posted by: chuck at December 3, 2005 5:12 PM

Absolutely hilarious. And what right, and by what authority, do muslims think they have the right to tell Christians what to call their holy days? We're seeing the same crap here in America, except where in Australia it's by muslims, in the US it's by liberals. Two sides to the same coin, as far as I'm concerned. But if they want Christmas renamed because of the "multicultural" society of Australia, here's a question. Christmas is a holy day to Christians, regardless of what culture one is from. Generally, if one is a Christian from Egypt, or America, or Russia, or China, they're going to call it Christmas, because that's the name Christians gave the birthday of Christ. If you're not a Christian, then either don't celebrate it, or get over it. If you're not a Christian, and you have a problem with it being called Christmas, yet you celebrate it anyway, then don't celebrate it. It's a Christian holy day, not a muslim day, or a jewish day, or some tribal religions day. Muslims, liberals, etc., have no right to tell Christians what to call their holy days, period. There is no other option, just shut up and deal with it. I don't like to hear words like "halloween" and "ramadan", but those are days (or month in the case of ramadan) find particularly important. I don't like them, but I deal with hearing them. I just don't celebrate them. I leave them alone to the people who do. Leave Christmas to the Christians, and just deal with it.

Posted by: pastor_matt023 at December 3, 2005 5:20 PM

How about renaming Christmas as "Dhimitime"

Posted by: THw6kds at December 3, 2005 5:42 PM

To all Muslims in Australia, if you dont like it just leave. Australia is a Christian country. We never invited your types in the first place. You crept in like thieves as immigrants, asylum seekers and illegal immigrants and now want to change what we call our festivals. Who the hell do you think you are?? Get the F**k out all of you followers of a terrorist pedophile and go back to the hell holes you originated from.

Posted by: faqi at December 3, 2005 5:46 PM

At present time, submission to islam is completely voluntary. Why the hell do civilized, western nations voluntarily submit to islam.

Why the western fashion of almost literally worshiping inferior, third world cultures? Post-modern cultural relativism is the fatal poison forced upon Australia and the rest of the culturally western world.

Posted by: THw6kds at December 3, 2005 5:52 PM

Everything Islamic is offensive to me.
Mohammedans are offensive.
Hijab, Jilbab, Bilbab, Burkha, headscarves and coffee-filters: All offensive.
Mosques: Offensive. Madrasshs: Offensive!

Agitated Mohammedans: Offensive!
Koran, Hadith, Sirah: Offensive!
Mohammedan infil-traitors: Offensive!
Da'wa doctors: Offensive!
Islam propaganda: Offensive!
Polit-props who cave in to Islamo-fascists: Worst offenders!
PC,-lies, religious 'vilification'-laws: Offensive!

Round 'em up and ship em out!

Posted by: sheik yer'mami at December 3, 2005 5:53 PM

One thing which gives me comfort is 'the stupidity of the enemy.' Must be something to do
with inbreeding : all this marrying of first cousins.
Before Muslims have attained that 20% [even if breeding faster than bunnies] they are arrogantly
declaring their aims,wants etc to angry Infidels.
Love it and I hope they will continue enraging the Non Muslim Majority - let this stone age Religion and its blind fanatical followers be deported from our lands. WE NEITHER WANT OR NEED MUSLIMS.

Posted by: Morgane at December 3, 2005 5:53 PM

"the word 'festive' as a possible replacement..."
--- from the article above

Sorry. No can do. "Festivus" is already taken. It appeared on a Seinfeld episode -- something George's father and Kramer concocted. As I recall, "Festivus" didn't work out on Seinfeld. And it won't work out in Australia, or anywhere else, as a substitute for "Christmas."

But about those Eids -- now those could stand some renaming. And as for slitting the throats of lambs and letting the blood run in the streets, as has been allowed to happen in some European cities, well that's all over with. A new ball game. Turns out its against Western laws, customs, manners, mores. Which are now going to be enforced, as are all sorts of laws against the barbarous and the alien invaders, who apparently never know when to stop.

And that turns out, grimly, to be for Infidels a good thing.

Posted by: Hugh at December 3, 2005 6:01 PM

The stupidity in this case is not limited to Muslims. Please note the equally asinine comments of a Jewish community leader.

Posted by: treehugger at December 3, 2005 6:02 PM

Treehugger,

Noted, but if this article is accurate, only the Muslim leader seems to be calling for Christmas to be renamed. The Jewish leader is just complaining about it.

Cordially
Robert Spencer

Oh -- and Merry Christmas!

Posted by: jihadwatch at December 3, 2005 6:08 PM

There is a U.S. Jewish group calling for the word of "Christmass" be kept on all things during the holidays. They understand the U.S. was created as a Christian country, and they beleive with Christian pressence in the country, they can enjoy being Jews!
And that a country practising Christanity is good for the people. mmm l dont think l hear any Muslim group dong the same???

Posted by: Lulu at December 3, 2005 6:09 PM

As far as "multiculturalism" goes, I'm done.

If you are Jewish, and you are offended by Christmas, move to Israel.
If you are Muslim and you are offended by Christmas, move to the Middle East.
If you are an aetheist or agnostic, and are offended by Christmas, move to Europe.

Just stay the h%#$# away from the US and leave our customs and traditions alone.

Posted by: treehugger at December 3, 2005 6:11 PM

Robert-

Thank you. I needed a dose of holiday sprirt after that article!

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Posted by: treehugger at December 3, 2005 6:17 PM

Hugh sez:

"... And as for slitting the throats of lambs and letting the blood run in the streets..."

This has been 'tolerated' for much too long. But I have seen them take the lambs into their houses where they slaughter them in the bathtub while the children look on.

Enough! Its time to make an end to it!

Posted by: sheik yer'mami at December 3, 2005 6:23 PM

Had the Labor Party won the last election down under, the PC brigade might just jump at this one.

Posted by: Cornelius at December 3, 2005 6:25 PM

My question is when will this PC madness come to the shores of America, they already make up 1% of the population and growing. When in Rome...

If anyone is a coast to coast am listener then I encourge you to email George Noorey or Art Bell to have Robert Spencer on as a guest. I have sent them both emails twice but now I need support for this.
Go to:
www.coasttocoastam.com and under contact
Send the email to the producer instead of Art of George, the email address is there.

Posted by: eaglecap at December 3, 2005 6:31 PM

"Peace on earth good will towards men"

And they want to Rename it or worse
Ban it...

WHY?

Because the religion of Pieces Islam
Says it is the religion of "peace"...

So then the question becomes
Who is doing all of the Terrorism? Mother theresa?
Who is doing all the be-headings? The Baptists?

Posted by: jingoist at December 3, 2005 6:46 PM

"There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say," returned the nephew. "Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!"

Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Posted by: treehugger at December 3, 2005 6:55 PM

I am sure most sensible people will ignore the PC belly aching sandal wearers and Islamists and just carry on with their festivities regardless.

Posted by: londongirl at December 3, 2005 7:01 PM

sheik yer'mami

Coffee filters are offensive to you?! Lol!

[wipes chicken parmigiano from computer screen]

Hugh

When do you ever have time to watch Seinfeld?

Posted by: Charles Martel at December 3, 2005 7:11 PM

*rimshot*

It's not April 1st. Hmmmm.

I'm offended by spinning rims on cars. They make me think I'm moving if I look at them the wrong way. The mullet haircut offends me. Oh, and blowing up Iraqi children, beheading schoolgirls, targeting civilians generally really.

Posted by: Beagle at December 3, 2005 7:46 PM

sheik yer'mami: darn right. Lulu, I posted the other day a link to the AFA's website, where they're dealing with the taking of Christmas away from Christmas. Their website is www.afa.net. They also had a link to an article at AgapePress' website that talked about that Jewish group who are against the defamation of Christianity in America. eaglecap, it already has. The liberals are trying as hard as they can to get rid of any mention of the word Christmas, Christianity, Christ, etc., out of Christmas. jingoist; I'm still waiting for the headline "Radical Baptists burn down Methodist Church, killing all inside." treehugger, I love that quote from Charles Dickens. Hugh, I've read somewhere that "Festivus" was an actually Roman holiday, but for the life of me I can't remember what for, or even where I've read it. It seems like I was doing some study on the Ante-Nicene church fathers when I seen it, but I can't be sure. And to Mr. Robert Spencer, and to the rest of you, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Posted by: pastor_matt023 at December 3, 2005 8:09 PM

First to Robert and Hugh: I absolutely love this site!! Now to unpleasant part, it doesn't seem like islamists have far to go in the U.S.regarding the removal of the word Christmas. A case in point - all of the major retailers will only use "Holiday" shopping or "Happy Holidays" in advertising or in their stores as not to offend anyone or potentially lose money from some phantom boycotters if they commit the sin of using the word Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, are you really out buying gifts? What customers are those stores really losing? Do the retailers really think these people won't continue to shop there? Where else are they going to shop if they are so offended that they plan to permanately boycott the stores? Does anyone open gifts on Holiday Eve or Holiday Day? Is the season not about Christ? Personnally, I have never "Holiday Shopped" in my entire life. I plan to continue Christmas shopping and expressing MY OFFENSE at the absence of the word Christmas and to try to exclusively patronize those retailers that are brave enough to use Christmas in any way.

Posted by: No_Mooselimbs at December 3, 2005 8:10 PM

Faqi, Pastor Matt, others:

It seems that the Queensland fellow Abdul Jalal was one who got things right when he said Muslims have no right to tell Christians what to call their holidays. And, as a Puritan with a take-or-leave (adiaphoric) view of Christmas, I appreciate such good sense.

Posted by: Kepha at December 3, 2005 8:28 PM

saying the season has been reduced to a "shopping festival"

"automatic imposition" of Christmas on the community

Posted by: Beagle at December 3, 2005 8:43 PM

This is simply ridiculous, it goes beyond anything imaginable. When I go to someone's house to eat, I eat what is on the table and I thank the hospitality, I don't tell the host to order a pizza because his food is disgusting. Don't like Christmas? Don't celebrate it. They can simply stay at home that day, can't they?

It all comes down to another saying that is more than two thousand years old: when in Rome, be a Roman. The ancients knew it, why don't we?

Posted by: cruzado at December 3, 2005 8:52 PM

Yes it is true that in Queensland at least, it is now more of a shopping frenzy that a time for goodwill to all men. But that is a matter for Christians themselves to address and not David Paratz's business.
THe utter commercialsation of Christmas is regretable as it diminishes the original meaning and places undue financial pressure on many low income families- pressures that have resulted in trauma and several suicides.

Posted by: chevalier de st george at December 3, 2005 9:10 PM

But about those Eids -- now those could stand some renaming. And as for slitting the throats of lambs and letting the blood run in the streets, as has been allowed to happen in some European cities,
Posted by Hugh

It's not just Europe; muslims have been in blatant violation of the health and sanitary codes in Dearborn, Michigan for years. They cruelly slaughter lambs in the most inhumane, barbaric manner and allow the blood to flow where it will; into streets, lawns, storm sewers. The health risks are irrelevant to them and the municipal authorities are overwhelmed by the staggering number of violations.

Speaking of no-go zones, I would say that the Dearborn area comes about as close to one as you will find anywhere. This information was passed along to me by a relative who lives in that area. She and her family were forced to sell their property and move because they could not tolerate the filth, stench, and unbearable living conditions created by hundreds of thousands of muslims.

Posted by: Susanp at December 3, 2005 9:22 PM

Gee, if Christmas offends the Muslims in Australia...maybe it's time for the Muslims to leave that country and move back to Arabia! They need to stop imposing their will upon the rest of the world.

Posted by: abad at December 3, 2005 9:24 PM

"A leading Islamic body says the use of the term "Christmas" is politically incorrect because it excludes too many people in multicultural Australia."

"politically incorrect"

"excludes"

"multicultural Australia"

The PC gang sure has done a bang up job of educating these guys on what's *really* important in Australia. They must be going ga ga over the above statement.

Posted by: spect8or at December 3, 2005 9:55 PM

Let the deportations begin.

Posted by: US_infidel at December 3, 2005 11:05 PM

How about "NO ISLAM HERE" holiday?

Posted by: rocky at December 3, 2005 11:19 PM

I went to the post office today to mail out a package of gifts. Waiting in line for my turn at the counter, I browsed the glass display case that doubles as a temporary stand for packages. The display case contains all the special issue first class stamps that can be purchased by the sheet. To my infinite joy (not!), they were selling Eid stamps! I might have somehow missed them, but I didn't see any Festivus stamps, and certainly no Christmas stamps.

Posted by: Stendec at December 3, 2005 11:48 PM

Good one Sheik. Now as for the moslems being offended by Christmas, tough as I am offended by moslems.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all

Posted by: learnmore at December 3, 2005 11:59 PM

If they ban Christmas I'll never get new socks, and then they'll be sorry.

Posted by: sonofwalker at December 4, 2005 12:16 AM

Tis the season to be jolly so to the politically correct, the liberals and them muslimeens...go fly a kite and leave my Christmas alone. If we don't take a stand now then soon there will be no more thanksgiving shopping, no more Christmas shopping no more nothing shopping. We'll just be "shopping" cuz its the end of Novmeber or because it's snowing outside.

I remember in the 80's a debate raged about the fact that Christmas was becoming so commercialised with all the cut throat sales. It was felt that the merchants should, in their haste to make a buck have some regard for the meaning behind Christmas and "chill" on the sales pitches. The furor wasn't sated by the sudden inlfux of the word "X-mas" to label the season. A label to which I took great offence by the way. I thought at the time that surely it meant "X" marks the spot or cowboy "X". It could not mean Christmas! I even went down to a huge landmark of a department store and complained to the store manager (who was not christian by the way) who politely told me I could always shop at "another" store!!

Well, fair is fair, I did just that and lo and behold from accross the street i saw in the store front of this "other" store large banners proclaiming "X-mas savings". I dutifully complained to the store manager and once again was told that if i did not like it I was free to shop elsewhere!!! Timbuktu was going to be my next stop.

Now, twenty odd years later we seem to be lost. We are so worried about pleasing everyone that we have begun to start offending everyone. What goes around comes around i suppose. Just look at the retard who brought the lawsuit about "in god we trust" being on money!!!

Nevertheless, labels are still popping up to describe this season as everything except what it is..."Christmas". As if there is a true to life conspiracy to erase Christ out of Christmas. We dont use Christmas anymore we don't even hear true Christmas carols anymore...just a lot of Jingle bells jingling and signs informing us that it is that non descript "holiday season" again. Alas, no Christmas.

Why can't merchants just recognise the season for what it is and call it CHRISTMAS!! If someone complains just tell them to shop elsewhere..the $200.00 we lose won't break us. I mean REALLY, why do they think the people are in their stores shopping in the first place? Are they buying gifts to celebrate the "Festivus for the Restovus"?

I call for a boycott of any store that does not start using the word "Christmas" at Chirstmas time. When it starts hurting the pocket of the merchants they will abide by the WILL OF HTE PEOPLE and the self centered self serving self righteous politicians...we will get what we want and the merchants will get what they want(money).

In the meantime Im going back to my "X-mas" carols...Come they told me pa rup pa pum pum...a new born King to see pa rup a pum pum...

Posted by: Shunkleash at December 4, 2005 12:23 AM

I would say that the Dearborn area comes about as close to one as you will find anywhere.

We sat way out in the bleachers, my request. I don't think he noticed the headgear as being anything but a fashion statement. At that point, I knew to associate Muslim style with explosions and gunfire. That was nearly the extent of my knowledge about Islam, excluding the Iranians kidnapping our embassy staff for 444 days, and Iranian pawns killing 200 of our Marines in Lebanon in 1983.

Amazing, how little I used to consider this an issue of importance. The "hope for the best" rule seemed to always work with other immigrant communities. I probably assumed they needed another generation.

Whoops!

Posted by: Beagle at December 4, 2005 12:45 AM

If the Moslems are offended by Christmas, I'm sure they are offended by Christmas lights, which I intend to put on every surface on the outside of my house tomorrow.

Right now "It's a Wonderful Life" is on the T.V. and it reminds me how one man made a difference in everybody's life. It will only take a few squeaky wheels to right this in Australia.

Besides, this is simply retaliation for the Australian official saying NO to Sharia law and telling those who don't like it to get the hell out.

Posted by: Isabellathecrusader at December 4, 2005 12:45 AM

I'd like to see some evidence that Western countries are going to limit the Eid slaughters of animals. That would mean that Brigitte Bardot has won a victory -- which I sincerely doubt.

Posted by: Dr. Pepper at December 4, 2005 1:17 AM

Let's put a few things together.

The majority of Australians are Christians.

Christmas is a Christian holiday in Australia.

Australian Christians have celebrated Christmas for over one century.

Australian Christians have called Christmas- Christmas for over one century.

What the hell is the Forum on Islamic Relations attempting to do by telling Australian Christians to call Christmas by another name?

Forget about appeasing the Muslims in Australia and elsewhere.

Appeasment is about empowering Muslims to lessen the influence of Christian culture.

This is exactly what the Australian Muslims hope to accomplish.

Don't give them the chance.

Read between the lines Austalia.

Posted by: Johnathan at December 4, 2005 2:25 AM

"Multicultural society" is a term Muslims here use as a stick to beat the rest of us with. If they do something we dislike, then they say: "it's a multicultural society, you have to put up with it". If we do something they dislike, then they say: "it's a multicultural society, you have to stop it".

Heads we lose
Tails they win

Posted by: Timbo at December 4, 2005 3:08 AM

I'm a religious Orthodox Holier-Than-The-Pope practicing Jew. I only want to comment about the Aussie Jewish community rep.

He's a buffoon.

From where I come from (US, originally), it's none of my business or interest in what Christians name their holdays or the customs they practice (barring pillages and such but that's pretty out of fashion lately).

There's a general rule of thumb that the more irreligious Jews become, the less tollerant they are, not only of their own religion but of everyone elses.

You see this sort of non-sensical attitude lately in the ADL's Abe Foxman, etc. These people don't speak neither to me or for me.

So, relax, Treehugger, and enjoy your holidays. ;)

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 4, 2005 3:15 AM

Sheik Yer'mami

Coffee filters?

Posted by: Stendec at December 4, 2005 6:54 AM

This is simple: when Muslims or others become the population majority, they can rename the season anything they want.

Posted by: epg at December 4, 2005 9:11 AM

Sheik Yer'mami

Coffee filters?

Posted by: Stendec at December 4, 2005 06:54 AM

Slang used for Islamic headgear.Skullcaps.

Posted by: AvrageJoe at December 4, 2005 9:12 AM

I forgot - Merry Christmas and peace to all men, women, and children of good will.

Posted by: epg at December 4, 2005 9:13 AM

It's time for a Ramadan story , you know, along the lines of T'was The Night Before Christmas. It can be read to our children before,/i> Ramadan every year -- about a guy up on the roof with a mask on and carrying a bag bearing ... well, not bearing gifts let's say. And the bag is empty because he's not bringing anything "for you." But he'll take something "from you." First he'll cut your tongue out -- that way when he cuts your head off no-one will hear you screaming. His clothes are red because they're soaked with the blood of the nice people who refused to speak up, out of fear they may "offend" who tried to be "nice" when he stole first your voice then your holy days. Christmas became a non-descript "festive" blur with Hanukah and Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, Easter, Passover. No religion had a holy day. Except for Islam's, celebrated day of fasting and killing for the especially pious. Except for Ramadan. Because this was what fair-minded people believed in.

Some people rejoiced. Some became confused and asked, "But I thought we were celebrating our differences?" How can we be multicultural when everyone is the same?

A barely visible shadow descended upon the land. Slowly it crept moved from the East and from the West and, creeping over the countryside. Everywhere it went darkness followed. Wine, dancing and music stopped. The chatter of life ended. People smiled and nodded in approval but their eyes were crying. Beauty was covered or destroyed as if it were an shameful embarrassment. And though no-one spoke everyone was afraid.

Posted by: Kemaste at December 4, 2005 12:20 PM

Too funny... some muslim watches an old episode of Seinfeld and gets an epiphany to rename Christmas "Festivus". How lame. I shudder at the thought of some muslim watching the new Arabic Simpsons and coming up with a new name for Easter.

Posted by: SexyKafira1 at December 4, 2005 12:55 PM

Wouldn't Easter be called Hare'am?

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 4, 2005 3:20 PM

Even if Christianity isn't the religion of the majority in Australia it wouldn't be a reason for Christmas to be renamed to please intolerant Muslims.

Posted by: Johnathan at December 4, 2005 4:18 PM

"A leading Islamic body says the use of the term "Christmas" is politically incorrect because it excludes too many people in multicultural Australia."

How can a term which denotes a specific day of the year in any sense "exclude..people"? The term doesn't even refer to people so how can it exclude anyone?

Most politically correct terms are, in fact, transformations of previous terms that described groups of people who might themselves have been offended by the terms used (terms such as "crippled" or "Oriental" or "fat" or "deaf and dumb"). But it makes no logical sense for human being to be offended by the name of something that doesn't even refer to them particularly, let alone, human beings.

Now if other days of the year (say March 3rd or September 19th) want to protest that December 25th gets an extra special name all to itself, well, then, I'll take those days' grievances into account. Otherwise, this is just ludicrous. This is like saying that I'm offended by the word "Superbowl" because I don't play football and so I feel excluded.

Posted by: Caroline at December 4, 2005 6:01 PM

Let me wish all of you (especially Down Under) a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and BLESSED NATIVITY in a way that maybe the Forum on Australia's Islamic Relations can understand (but won't like):

KU'L SAHNAH WA-INTUM SALMEEN!

KU'L A'AM WA-INTA BEKHAIR!

and finally....

EID AL-MILAD MUBARAK!

Posted by: Provoslavni at December 4, 2005 8:05 PM

Something I haven't seen here is the effect of renaming, and let's be honest, eventually eradicating Christmas from the face of the earth. The economic consequences would be something to behold.

If there's no more Christmas, there will be no more Christmas trees. How many tree farmers will that put out of business?

No trees, no lights. No tinsel, ribbons or ornaments. How many dated Christmas tree ornaments does Hallmark sell each year? Not to mention all the wrapping paper, tape, party invitations, Christmas cards, keepsake gifts, candles, paper products, etc. That will put a big dent in their profits for the year.

In America, we are told that the big malls and retail stores make most of their money in the fourth quarter of the year. Many of them operate in the red until that time. If no one is buying Christmas presents, will the retails stores be able to survive on what they make the rest of the year? If there is no Christmas, no need to buy party outfits, new shoes, etc.

How about the supermarkets? There is candied fruit and nuts of all kinds, everything needed to make cookies, turkeys overflowing from the freezer cases, eggnog, Panetone, marshmallow cream, sweet potatoes, Christmas candy, all manner of chatchka, hams and roasts and every conceivable product to make for special Christmas meals, parties and get togethers. Oh yeah, and what about the booze? Lots of wine, beer and champagne, not to mention Khaluha for Christmas morning coffee.

There are also the craft stores that offer everything imaginable to make every sort of holiday decoration. Not to mention the materials needed to make many of the gifts exchanged at this time of the year.

Fed Ex, the post office and UPS also do a booming business at this time of the year.

My point here of course is that the retail aspect of Christmas is VERY important to the economy of the U.S. and probably Australia. If we can't convince the whining Islamic appeasers that they will cause us harm if Christmas is cancelled, perhaps they will wake up, and maybe even congress would think twice if their precious constituents get their toes stepped on by loss of, how many jobs? Let's see them sell this in middle America.

Posted by: Isabellathecrusader at December 4, 2005 9:42 PM

I'm Jewish - and I love Christmas. I love the carols, and I love the food, and I love getting and sending cards, and I love how cheerful everyone is at this time of year. I attended an expensive private nondenominational christian girls school - and I loved every moment of it. Jews have lived in Australia for 200 years and we've managed to enjoy christmas's all that time. THe aussie jewish community loathes idiots like that queenslander. Why the heck would I, or any Jew for that matter, be offended at millions of people world wide celebrating the birth of a great Jewish man? I do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but, coming from a culture which values learning above all else, I appreciate Jesus as one of the great Rabbi's (rabbi meaning teacher), and one of the greatest Kabbalists of all time. I understand that Christmas and Easter were, for hundreds of years, times of great fear for Jews, as they were often accompanied by wholesale slaughter. Thankfully this is no longer the case!
I agree, that if you are offended by christmas, than either shut up about it or leave Australia!
Unfortunately, its difficult for Jews to go Israel as muslims, the left, etc, don;t think Jews should be allowed there either!
Merry christmas to all!

Posted by: Jewcy at December 5, 2005 12:26 AM

OK, I confess.

I'm all for the planet-wide eradication of candied fruit cakes.

Yuch!

To be morally equivalent, I'm also for the cessation of manufacturing those little bottles of sickeningly syrup-sweet kosher wine that get stuffed into Mishloach Manot gift baskets on Purim.

I'm sure many a Jew and Christian recycle these lucious items over to the next sucker.

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 5, 2005 1:21 AM

Haha! Just got this in my inbox:

>FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director >TO: All Employees >DATE: 4th November 2004 >RE: Holiday Party > >I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on >December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill >House. >There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band >playing >traditional carols...please feel free to sing along. > >And don't be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A >Christmas >tree will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done >at >that time, however, no gift should be over £10.00 to make the giving of >gifts >easy for everyone's pockets. > >This gathering is only for employees! The MD will make a special >announcement at >the Party. > >Merry Christmas to you and your Family. > >Pauline > > > >FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director >TO: All Employees >DATE: 5th November 2004 >RE: HolidayParty > >In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We >recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with >Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. > >However, from now on we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'.. The same >policy >applies to any other employees who are not Christians. > >There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have >other >types of music for your enjoyment. > >Happy now? >Happy Holidays to you and your family, > >Pauline. > > > >FROM; Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director >TO: All Employees >DATE: 6th November 2004 >RE: Holiday Party > >Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous >requesting a >non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate >this >request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't >be >anonymous anymore!!!! > >How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? > >Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the >Union >Officials feel that £10.00 is too much money and Management believe £10.00 >is a >little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED. > >Pauline. > > > >FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director >TO: All Employees >DATE: 7th November 2004 >RE: Holiday Party > >What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the >Muslim >holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight >hours. >There goes the party! > >Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not >accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold >off >on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package >everything up >for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. > >Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to >sit >farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table >closest >to the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not >have to >sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower >arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking permission >to >cross dress no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short >people. > >Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the >salt >used in the food we suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the >food >first.. > >There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot >supply "No Sugar" desserts. > >Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?! > >Pauline. > > > >FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director >TO: All F****** Employees >DATE: 8 November 2004 >RE: The ******** HolidayParty. > >Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people !!! We're going to keep this >party >at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at >the >table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it, you'll >get >your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, But you know tomatoes >have >feeling too, They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm >hearing them scream right NOW!! > >I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink drive and die. > >The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > > >FROM: Jack Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director >DATE: 9th November 2004 >RE: Pauline Lewis and HolidayParty > >I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery, >and >I'll continue to forward your cards to her. > >In the meantime, the Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and >instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full >pay... >go play have fun !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 5, 2005 2:49 AM

Let's reformat that for easy reading, shall we?!

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 4th November 2004 RE: Holiday Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...please feel free to sing along.

And don't be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time, however, no gift should be over £10.00 to make the giving of gifts
easy for everyone's pockets.

This gathering is only for employees! The MD will make a special announcement at the Party.

Merry Christmas to you and your Family.

Pauline

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 5th November 2004
RE: HolidayParty

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.
However, from now on we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'.. The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now? Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Pauline.

FROM; Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: 6th November 2004
RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't
be anonymous anymore!!!!

How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody?

Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that £10.00 is too much money and Management believe £10.00 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Pauline.

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employeesj
DATE: 7th November 2004
RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party!

Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag.

Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking permission to cross dress no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people.

Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first..

There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts.

Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?!

Pauline.

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F****** Employees
DATE: 8 November 2004
RE: The ******** HolidayParty.

Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people !!! We're going to keep this partyat the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it, you'll
get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, But you know tomatoes have feeling too, They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!!

I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink drive and die.

The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FROM: Jack Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: 9th November 2004
RE: Pauline Lewis and HolidayParty

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.

In the meantime, the Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay...

Go play have fun !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 5, 2005 2:59 AM

Hi Shy Guy
I got that one as well.
Now if you get given any rich fruit cake that you and Mrs Guy cannot handle, especially if it has a marzipan layer under a half inch of royale icing (not necessarily snow effect) then I am your woman!
Yum!

Posted by: Granny Weatherwax at December 5, 2005 4:59 AM

Granny, all I get here is the catalog from some US company, selling the cakes and hams and boxes of Texas prime steaks.

I wish they'd at least put the steaks on the front cover - not the cake!

Is it true that if you connect a candied fruit cake to an electric outlet, the candies light up? Now there's an idea!

Posted by: Shy Guy at December 5, 2005 6:11 AM

Shy Guy
I also saw an advert in an English newspaper for mail order cakes from Texas, as supplied to Dolly Parton and the White House and couldn't see the attraction. This recipe is the sort of thing I like, done well, and could be adapted to your personal taste. It also shows that in some areas the BBC is not beyond hope.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/christmascake_2359.shtml

Posted by: Granny Weatherwax at December 5, 2005 7:00 AM

Hi Jewcy,

I appreciate you position. We can keep the integrity of our own traditions and still be able to celebrate with friends even if we are of different religions. All this political correctness is not only silly but why would anyone wan't to suppress a good opportunity for celebration and friendship. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukhah, Hapy Diwali, and Happy anything else we can celebrate.

Posted by: Provoslavni at December 7, 2005 1:43 AM

Send all those unwanted Fruit Cakes to me!

I love 'em!

Merry Christmas to all!

*except those who may be offended by such a wish, in which case go suck a lemon!*

Posted by: benning at December 9, 2005 2:58 PM