You have probably already heard the whole Merry Christmas v. Happy Holidays contriversy. If you haven't noticed many national, chain stores are no longer advertising for Christmas but for the Holidays. They don't want to offend someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas. I have been thinking about this so much. At first I thought it wasn't a big deal. We live in the United States and the first amendment states the government should not establish a "national" religion. So, for the right to have my own religion I can deal with Happy Holidays. Not a big deal, right? Well, it really is so much more than just a little advertising. Christmas has been removed from most retail establishments. Christmas trees? No they are called Holiday Trees. Didn't you see the White House even has a Holiday Tree. What President Bush doesn't celebrate Christmas...I thought he was a Christian. He has a right to express his religion, right? So why did he cave? And these stores...what the heck? Target doesn't use the word Christmas for anything except on cards. They don't mind making money from a Christian holiday but they won't use the proper words? Did you know schools aren't allowed to say Christmas break? They have to say, Holiday break. Some schools have banned Christmas decorations but allow symbols that are traditionally Jewish in the schools. The fact is 90% of all American homes celebrate Christmas. Not all those families are Christian. Some families celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanza as well as Christmas. But there are a handful of people who complained and this is the result. These people are crazy. What would you say if someone came up to you and said Happy Hanukkah? I think I'd say it right back. I don't have to celebrate a holiday to share in the spirit of the occassion. I may even say Thank you and say Merry Christmas to them. Should you be offended if someone says Happy Hanukkah? Or even Happy Holidays? I don't think so, chances are they are just trying to cover all bases. If I say Merry Christmas does that mean I am trying to PUSH my religion on you? No. Don't be dumb or so sensitive. But these stores...something has to be done. Here are your options.
- Call & Complain.
- Write a letter.
- Shop at other stores.
- Do Nothing.
I think most people will do nothing. I bet there are people out there who complain about the issue, yet never do anything about it. If it is you...you should be ashamed. It only takes a few minutes to write a letter. There is an organization that typed up some form letters and provides address and all that for you. All you have to do is copy and sign the letter and mail it. Even if you aren't a Christian you should be offended that a retailer is trying to control our right to religious expression...it may be your religion next. And those of you that don't celebrate Christmas, why don't you write these stores and ask them why they aren't open on December 25th?
So, everyone please...Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanza and a Happy New Year. And, oh yeah, Have a Great Sacher Torte Day!
SACHER TORTE
Printed from COOKS.COM
This is probably the most high-toned chocolate cake in the world. It has character, a strong bitter chocolate flavor and slightly dry texture. 3/4 c. sugar 6 eggs, separated 6 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, melted 1 c. sifted flour 1/4 c. apricot jam
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter with 1/4 cup of the sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate. Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff meringue is formed. Fold the meringue into chocolate batter until no white shows. Fold in flour.
Pour into greased and floured 8 inch springform pan. Bake 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes and remove rim. Cool on base. Cut torte in half crosswise to make 2 layers. Spread apricot jam between layers. Replace top layer and frost with chocolate icing.
To serve, slice the torte into thin wedges and top with whipped cream.
CHOCOLATE ICING:
9 oz. milk chocolate3 tbsp. milk1/4 tsp. vanilla
Break chocolate into top part of double boiler. Place over simmering water and cook, covered, until chocolate is melted. Stir in milk and vanilla. Reheat. When smooth and shiny, remove from heat and spoon it, all at once, on top of torte. Smooth over top and sides of cake.
10 comments:
Wow-that is all so true it isn't even funny. I remember working retail and "catching myself" all the time before I would say, "Have a good Christmas!" We had a store filled with giftsets that had Santa all over, but still had to say,"Happy holidays." What is really funny is that at one point (short-lived) we were allowwed to say the "c" word. I said, "Are you ready for Christmas yet?" to someone that was jewish. He laughed and said, "I'll never be ready for Christmas!"
I'm totally with you!
Bravo! See also http://www.saychristmas.org
Aunt Nancy
Amen sister!!!
My principal at work is Jewish. Does he hate Christmas? Nope. He even said the "C" word!! Shock, shock!! He even "allowed" us to plan a Cookies With Santa for the kids. We also had a "Holidays Around the World" celebration. It was neat! The kids went around to 10 different 20 minute stations (we took 2 afternoons to do this) and learned about how people of other religions and in different parts of the world celebrate Christmas and other holidays. Our principal even did the Jewish station himself!
Why is National Sacher Torte Day been such a popular hit on google lately? Someone please tell me!
I want not approve on it. I think precise post. Specially the designation attracted me to read the intact story.
The Miller Way...: Happy Sacher Torte Day!!!!
Ever read George Orwell? The reason why we need to keep it neutral is to get back to the truth. Christmas trees were not originally "Christmas" trees. They were YULE trees. You think there's something wrong because we're "getting away from the original names"? Well, that's how those of us who are EDUCATED about the ORIGINS of ALL of these things you mention feel, because the ORIGINAL names were "gotten away from" WHEN CHRISTIANITY HIJACKED THEM.
I don't get offended when someone says Christmas. I get offended when people act as though there is something dishonest about saying "Happy Holidays". There is something VERY FRAUDULENT about calling a Yule tree a Christmas tree, and it started when the powers that be thousands of years ago wanted to force Christianity on everyone. Not you, not the people of today, but people thousands of years ago who hijacked Saturnalia and Yule and all of the other holidays that are celebrated this time of year.
Please do some research. Learn where the winter tree comes from (it's quite sinister, actually), learn where all of your so-called "Christmas" traditions come from... like mistletoe (not Christian), Yule logs (again, not Christian), giving gifts (not Christian)...
It's not Christmas that offends me, it's the idea that someone is taking something away from the Christians by getting back to the ORIGINAL names and origins of these holidays.
You are participating in re-writing history if you act as though it is YOUR holiday that is being diminished by being P.C. Saturnalia, Yule, and all of the holidays which Christianity has incorporated to make Christianity look more attractive to people are what have been diminished.
I challenge you to do some research here:
http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
Getting upset because people are not calling it "Christmas" would be like getting upset because someone made the sky blue again after artificially coloring it green for thousands of years.
The Miller Way...: Happy Sacher Torte Day!!!!
Ever read George Orwell? The reason why we need to keep it neutral is to get back to the truth. Christmas trees were not originally "Christmas" trees. They were YULE trees. You think there's something wrong because we're "getting away from the original names"? Well, that's how those of us who are EDUCATED about the ORIGINS of ALL of these things you mention feel, because the ORIGINAL names were "gotten away from" WHEN CHRISTIANITY HIJACKED THEM.
I don't get offended when someone says Christmas. I get offended when people act as though there is something dishonest about saying "Happy Holidays". There is something VERY FRAUDULENT about calling a Yule tree a Christmas tree, and it started when the powers that be thousands of years ago wanted to force Christianity on everyone. Not you, not the people of today, but people thousands of years ago who hijacked Saturnalia and Yule and all of the other holidays that are celebrated this time of year.
Please do some research. Learn where the winter tree comes from (it's quite sinister, actually), learn where all of your so-called "Christmas" traditions come from... like mistletoe (not Christian), Yule logs (again, not Christian), giving gifts (not Christian)...
It's not Christmas that offends me, it's the idea that someone is taking something away from the Christians by getting back to the ORIGINAL names and origins of these holidays.
You are participating in re-writing history if you act as though it is YOUR holiday that is being diminished by being P.C. Saturnalia, Yule, and all of the holidays which Christianity has incorporated to make Christianity look more attractive to people are what have been diminished.
I challenge you to do some research here:
http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
Getting upset because people are not calling it "Christmas" would be like getting upset because someone made the sky blue again after artificially coloring it green for thousands of years.
I like this!
I think that we can and will believe and celebrate whatever we want. I also think we can and will be tolerant of how and if others believe and celebrate. The diversity enriches us all!
It is very important to guard against doing otherwise.
It is even more important to guard against any force that would attempt to take away our right to believe, celebrate and worship. THESE FORCES CAN BE QUITE DECEPTIVE AND PERSISTENT! One of their favorite tools is to point out our differences and name each group for the purpose of causing us all to disagree and fight amongst ourselves. Divide and conquer. An oldie but a goodie!
Be well, people.
I like this!
I think that we can and will believe and celebrate whatever we want. I also think we can and will be tolerant of how and if others believe and celebrate. The diversity enriches us all!
It is very important to guard against doing otherwise.
It is even more important to guard against any force that would attempt to take away our right to believe, celebrate and worship. THESE FORCES CAN BE QUITE DECEPTIVE AND PERSISTENT! One of their favorite tools is to point out our differences and name each group for the purpose of causing us all to disagree and fight amongst ourselves. Divide and conquer. An oldie but a goodie!
Be well, people.
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