Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Today
Hi: 73
Lo: 56
Sun
Hi: 75
Lo: 54
Mon
Hi: 65
Lo: 49
Section Sponsor
Article Tools
Print this Article
Make text larger
In Holiday Guide Briefs
Sunday Sound-off #2: "Holiday tree" or "Christmas tree?"
 
By Molly Snyder Edler RSS Feed
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

E-mail author | Author bio
More articles by Molly Snyder Edler

Published Dec. 2, 2007 at 11:47 a.m.
Tags: sunday sound-off, christmas tree, holiday tree, capitol building

Since 1985, the festive tree that stands in the State Capitol building in Madison has been called a "holiday tree." However, if a proposed resolution passes this week, the tree will officially return to being dubbed a "Christmas tree."

Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation said lawmakers shouldn't waste their time on such a trivial issue and that the name should stay as it is. However, Democratic Rep. Marlin Schneider asked to rename the tree the Wisconsin State Christmas Tree since it was called a Christmas tree until state officials changed its name 22 years ago.

What do you think about this? Should it be called a "Christmas tree" or "holiday tree?"

Holiday tree.
This is a classic example of the lack of separation of church and state. Christmas symbolism already takes precedent in most parts of this country, but it should not in government buildings. Plus, plenty of Jews and other non-Christian religions have trees now, too, so a decorated tree should not automatically be associated with Christmas.

"Christmas tree."
Call it what you want, a massive tree festooned with lights and ornaments is a symbol of Christmas. It is a tradition practiced by people who celebrate Christmas, so why do we have to ignore this? For the sake of political correctness? There are already religious displays in the Capitol, so what's the big deal if there's a "Christmas tree," too? From Dec. 4-13 there will be a menorah on display; from Dec. 4-13 there will be a tribute to the Baptist Church and an "interfaith display" runs from Dec. 10-14.

15 comments about this article.
Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by Preview
Jeff On a related note, why doesn't Milwaukee, with its rich German history, have ...
brunocarlson mjonthemove, you think that people do not die for their beliefs? What about ...
Skeffert Folks need to think about what it is we're doing with a "Christmas tree," anyway. ...
mjonthemove T15 - If you are hoping to compare modern American Christians with Roman Christians, ...
mjonthemove Christmas Tree. It is what it is. It's lame to call it something else. Should ...


Show me the other 10 Talkbacks

Recent blogs/briefs by Molly Snyder Edler
What is a blog?  For OMC, it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. What's the cut-off age for facial piercings?
Thursday
Is it time to ditch the nose ring, or should I keep rocking it?

What is a blog?  For OMC, it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. First "cougar," now "MILF"
Tuesday
Like "cougar," I found the term "MILF" to be somewhat derogatory. And then last week, ...

What is a blog?  For OMC, it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. Nicknames for Milwaukee and Wisconsin
Aug. 30, 2008
Milwaukee and Wisconsin have a lot of nicknames -- some more flattering than others.

What is a blog?  For OMC, it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. Does the Bluetooth look stupid?
Aug. 28, 2008
Perhaps it's passé of me to still have a problem with the look of a hands-free device, ...

What is a blog?  For OMC, it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. All-girl bike gang remakes "Beat It" video
Aug. 26, 2008
The Pedal Pusher Society made another '80s tribute video. This time, they're beating it.



Reader Poll
What will happen first this fall?
The Brewers will secure a spot in the playoffs.
60 (31.6%)
Aaron Rodgers will get injured.
38 (20.0%)
Gov. Sarah Palin will be removed from the Republican ticket.
13 (6.8%)
Sen. Joe Biden will make another off-the-cuff, embarassing remark.
30 (15.8%)
Midwest Airlines will file for bankruptcy.
20 (10.5%)
Gas prices will drop below $3 a gallon.
1 (0.0%)
The first frost warning.
28 (14.7%)

Total Votes: 190
Archived polls
Post your comment!