The "War on Christmas": Fear, Power, and the Myth of Persecution

 

The Origins of the "War on Christmas"

The so-called "War on Christmas" is a recurring trope in cultural and political discourse, fueled by claims that secular society is erasing the holiday’s Christian roots. While this narrative may seem innocuous on the surface, its origins and persistence are deeply tied to fears of eroding white Christian dominance, underpinned by racism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism. At its core, the "War on Christmas" is less about defending a holiday and more about safeguarding a specific cultural identity that feels threatened by societal changes.

Fear of Power Erosion and the Rise of Multiculturalism

The "War on Christmas" narrative gained prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, as the country became more diverse due to immigration and civil rights advancements. White Christians, who historically held unchallenged social, political, and economic power, began to perceive multiculturalism as a threat to their dominance. This fear often manifested in anxieties about immigrants who did not share their Christian faith or cultural practices.

The push for inclusive language, such as the use of "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," became a flashpoint. Advocates for inclusivity sought to acknowledge the diverse celebrations that occur during December, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Winter Solstice. However, many white Christians interpreted this shift as an attack on their traditions, framing it as evidence of a broader effort to marginalize Christianity.

White Supremacy and Christian Nationalism

At the heart of the "War on Christmas" is a worldview rooted in white supremacy and Christian nationalism. These ideologies position Christianity—and specifically the white, Western interpretation of it—as central to national identity and moral authority. The blending of whiteness, patriarchy, beliefs that discriminate against 2SLGBTQIA+ peope, and Christianity has long been used to justify exclusionary policies and social hierarchies, from colonialism to immigration restrictions. 

The backlash against inclusive holiday greetings is not just about preserving tradition but about maintaining cultural dominance. The insistence on "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays" becomes a symbolic stand against perceived encroachments by non-Christian and non-white groups. Ironically, this resistance often overlooks the fact that the word "holiday" itself derives from "holy day," emphasizing its religious origins. This linguistic irony highlights the fragility of the argument that inclusive language is inherently anti-Christian.

Declining Church Attendance and Identity Crisis

Another factor fueling the "War on Christmas" is the decline in church attendance and the waning influence of organized religion among Christians in North America. Studies show that fewer people identify as religiously affiliated, and even among those who do, regular church attendance has decreased. For many Christians, this decline feels like a loss of identity and community, exacerbating fears that their faith is under siege.

The "War on Christmas" thus becomes a convenient scapegoat for deeper societal shifts. Rather than grappling with the reasons behind declining church attendance—such as growing secularism, scandals within religious institutions, or changing social values—some white Christians channel their anxieties into cultural grievances. The imagined prohibition of "Merry Christmas" becomes a symbol of a larger narrative: that their way of life is being systematically erased.

Fearmongering and Manufactured Outrage

The eruption of fearmongering around the "War on Christmas" has been amplified by political and media figures who exploit these anxieties for their own gain. Right-wing commentators and politicians have perpetuated the myth that saying "Merry Christmas" is no longer allowed, despite abundant evidence to the contrary. Department store greeters, coffee cup designs, and municipal holiday displays have all become battlegrounds in this manufactured culture war. 

This outrage often ignores the reality that Christmas remains overwhelmingly dominant in Western society. Public spaces are filled with Christmas decorations, music, and traditions for months leading up to December 25. The suggestion that Christmas is "under attack" is absurd when compared to the marginalization faced by other religious or cultural traditions. Yet, the myth persists because it taps into deeper fears of losing cultural and racial dominance.

A recent example of this fearmongering occurred in Kelowna, where an MLA posted on social media about an "attack on Christianity" after the City of Kelowna removed a "Keep Christ in Christmas" sign from a nativity display. This sparked backlash from the public and prompted the BC Conservatives to launch a petition to "save Christmas" from what they described as "dim looks and grumpy people." This manufactured outrage over a relatively minor event exemplifies how the "War on Christmas" narrative is leveraged to stoke division and rally support among those who feel their cultural identity is under threat.

A Personal Perspective on Christmas

Growing up in a high-control Christian sect, I was denied the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. The teachings of this group emphasized that Christmas was a heathen tradition with no true connection to Christ. Instead of engaging in what was seen as a corrupted practice, we were taught to reject the holiday altogether. This experience underscores the complexity of the Christmas tradition and highlights how even within Christianity, there is a long history of debate over its legitimacy and meaning. For many, this debate is less about faith and more about cultural and personal identity. Today, I happily celebrate the season with festive decorations, gift exchanges, and get-togethers with family and friends. After years of being denied greeting people with "Merry Christmas" due to childhood beliefs I now joyfully use it.

A Manufactured War with Real Consequences

The "War on Christmas" is not a genuine battle over holiday traditions but a manufactured conflict rooted in fears of changing demographics, declining religious influence, and the erosion of white Christian hegemony. It capitalizes on a nostalgia for an imagined past where white Christians held unchallenged power, ignoring the harm this dominance caused to marginalized groups.

Ironically, the inclusivity that the "War on Christmas" decries is an extension of the very values of compassion and love that Christianity claims to uphold. Recognizing and respecting diverse celebrations does not diminish Christmas; it enriches the holiday season by fostering a spirit of mutual understanding. Perhaps it’s time to stop fighting an imaginary war and embrace the true meaning of the holidays: connection, generosity, and goodwill.