PICK A SIDE: Is the war on Christmas real?

While some may believe the war on Christmas began with Starbucks’ use of red cups during the holiday season, it actually dates back much farther than that.

Nearly 100 years ago, in 1921, Henry Ford complained about the lack of Christmas cards that referenced Jesus’ birth.
Since then, many people have taken up the mantle of warrior for Christmas including the President of the United States himself–Donald Trump.

During his campaign, Trump was adamant that he would bring back the phrase “Merry Christmas,” as opposed to “happy holidays.”

But is this so-called war on Christmas real?

While many people accuse large corporations of being some of the biggest perpetrators of the war on Christmas, it certainly wouldn’t be in their best interest to do so financially; the Christmas season represents one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. This year, North Americans are projected to spend more than $465 billion on Christmas-related purchases–why would any corporation risk losing that?

Further, this year there were more than 12 Christmas tree lightings across Toronto, and several more throughout the GTA, there’s also the annual Santa Claus Parade, plus nearly every mall in the GTA sets up a Christmas display in the centre of the building where parents can bring their kids to tell Santa what they want in the way of presents this year.

However, last year people were up in arms about a graphic design company that released poll results which found that 18 per cent of respondents wanted Santa to be gender-neutral. While this was a fraction of an already small sample size, many media outlets were quick to run with this story as the latest ‘attack’ in the war on Christmas.

Then, this year, people were quick to accuse an MP from Hamilton of being anti-Christmas when he tweeted “Wishing everyone in Hamilton East – Stoney Creek a great month of December!” Many people angrily pointed out his omission of the phrase “Merry Christmas.”

And of course, there are still trolls on Twitter who go out of their way to mock people who feel strongly about Christmas.

Happy Hollidays!! Just posting this for whoever it pisses off, because I like to piss those people off. #WarOnChristmas #whocaresaboutthewarinafganastan

— murray valeriano (@murrayv) December 5, 2019

I’m heavily entrenched in the war on Christmas. I’m happy holidays ing everyone. And if they open with a “have a merry Christmas” I say “ have a lovely holiday season” It’s crazy out here

— Knightly News (@1lateknight) December 5, 2019

Where do I donate to the war on Christmas?

— Beggar (@DeclanSlattery1) December 5, 2019

So, Mississauga, what do you think? Is the war on Christmas real?

Cover photo courtesy of @ianbremmer ‘s Twitter