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Maverick's Morning Thoughts

The Real Reason There's a War on Christmas

Maverick Steffen  -  12/25/2023

The term "War on Christmas" has become a rallying cry for those sensing an erosion of traditional yuletide festivities.

When I was a young punk in Philadelphia carrying kegs of beer at my weekend job for $5 / hour, we said, "Merry Christmas." Today, it's "Happy Holidays." Let's find out why.

While some point fingers at atheist or left-wing groups advocating for secularism, a deeper look reveals a more complex array of forces at play, with the corporate world and global marketing at the forefront.

Companies, wielding vast advertising budgets and seeking global appeal to various cultures and traditions are central to the narrative shift.

Their role isn't malicious but strategic marketing, driven by the need to resonate with diverse, international markets.

As they adapt their holiday messaging, these corporations inadvertently dilute traditional Christmas imagery in favor of more inclusive, less religiously specific celebrations.

    1. Advertising Power: Billions of dollars in advertising influence the holiday zeitgeist, shaping public perception and celebration of the season. As companies promote a more secular holiday spirit, Christmas as a Christian holiday becomes one thread in a broader holiday tapestry.
    2. Market Expansion: As businesses expand globally, they encounter varied cultural landscapes. Celebrating Christmas exclusively becomes less viable when aiming to embrace and engage customers from different backgrounds and beliefs.

To me, it's almost like America is this small village with its own traditions.

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While some point fingers at atheist or left-wing groups advocating for secularism, a deeper look reveals... the corporate world and globalization at the forefront.

Eventually; however, our little village begins marketing and selling to other larger villages, and little by little our traditions appear less in market exchanges because these products and customer service reps are now interacting with other villages that lack these traditions.

And don't forget that these other villages have people that start living in our village and buying our products.

While corporations are significant players, they aren't acting in a vacuum.

There's a societal push towards inclusivity, driven by various groups advocating for recognition and respect of different beliefs and traditions.

    1. Secular and Atheist Advocacy: These groups promote a separation of church and state and often favor neutral, secular language in public and commercial spheres. While not directly "waging war," their advocacy reflects a broader cultural shift towards secularism.
    2. Liberal (meaning "openness and tolerance") and Progressive Movements: Often aligned with values of inclusivity and diversity, left-leaning groups might support the deemphasizing of Christmas to accommodate a wider range of traditions and beliefs.

Above all, global marketing emerges as the most potent force in reshaping the holiday landscape.

It's not a war waged with malice but a natural evolution of cultural exchange and commercial expansion. As companies navigate this global village, they adopt strategies that maximize appeal and profitability, often resulting in a more secular and inclusive holiday portrayal.

The so-called "War on Christmas" is less an outright battle and more a consequence of evolving societal and economic landscapes. Corporations, driven by economic imperatives, contribute significantly to the holiday's evolution, guided by the invisible hand of globalization.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of these changes allows for a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of the holiday season in a modern, interconnected world.

Merry Christmas!

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