Letters: Call it a Christmas tree

Regarding "Why no Hanukkah shows?" [Letters, Dec. 4], I understand completely where the writer is coming from. But our "Christmas shows" are heartbreaking. It breaks my heart to look around my neighborhood and see only gaudy Santas, reindeer, Frosty, etc. I think we have the only nativity scene. It's like having a party and forgetting to invite the guest of honor.

It's up to us to teach our kids and grandkids about these holy days and to transcend all the electronics and other distractions of this secularized age.

We are people of faith. We don't want our kids to have watered-down secular holiday specials. Believe me, the Hanukkah show they would come up with would likely offend you.

Rosemary Wolffe, Lake Grove
 

I writhe with indignation. This is a thinly veiled, anti-Christian diatribe. If the writer is intelligent enough to ask why there are so many Christmas-oriented shows and few Hanukkah productions, he should certainly understand that there are two reasons: These are feel-good shows, and these shows sell.

As to the question about why Barbra Streisand and other Jewish singers record Christmas albums -- they do it for the money! But I'm sure he knows that.

James A. Friel, Jericho
 

After reading "List of holiday tree, menorah lightings" [News, Dec. 2], I felt compelled to write. Since when is it called a "holiday tree," and to which holiday are your referring?

It's a celebration of Christmas and therefore called a Christmas tree. It's a symbol of Christmas, not any holiday.

I do not understand why this has become such an issue. It is not derogatory to any other religion, however it is offensive to Christians to call it a "holiday tree." Why is it all right to offend one group of people in order to be politically correct to another?

Carol Tannehill, Deer Park
 

I recently attended a very emotional meeting at the Mount Sinai Heritage Trust in which it was discussed whether to call the tree at our annual lighting ceremony a holiday tree or a Christmas tree. Some very eloquent speakers, both Christian and non-Christian, spoke in favor of calling it a Christmas tree.

As I listened to the debate, I recalled a few Jewish celebrities that I saw on TV a few years ago, speaking of their own experiences growing up and the meaning of Christmas. I saw Neil Diamond on TV talking about growing up in Brooklyn, and how he remembered the Christmas season as one of the happiest times of his childhood.

Both he and comedian Jackie Mason spoke of the meaning of Christmas as a time of peace on Earth and goodwill. This means all men and women, both Christians and non-Christians of all ethnicities, nationalities and religions.

So when I wish you a "Merry Christmas," I'm saying that I wish and pray for peace and for good health and happiness for you and your family.

Dick Coleman, Mount Sinai