The latest debate...Christmas

There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding the holiday otherwise known as Christmas this year. More than ever, from what I can recall in my lifetime anyway. And it's starting to get on my nerves. It seems some people have become a little too sensitive about Christmas decorations, like Christmas trees for example, and also about greetings, such as "merry christmas," and "happy holidays."

At a recent tree-lighting ceremony in Manhasset, NY, the local reverend Nick Zientarski was giving a blessing in front of the gathered crowd. The North Hempstead town supervisor Jon Kaiman was heard angrily objecting behind him, "this is inappropriate." Then, Kaiman got up and told the crowd, "I just want to make it clear that this is in no way a religious ceremony."

This apparently pissed off many in the crowd, prompting some angry emails to the town supervisor.

A little uptight, are we supervisor?

Then in Huntington, a lawyer got his feelings hurt because the menorah was dwarfed by the Christmas tree at the village green display. He wants to put an end to this, and it's now in court.

This guy must have a lot of time on his hands. Business must be slow. Don't you have something more important to worry about? I understand the public town places should not be adorned with giant crosses and jewish stars, but I don't think some holiday decorations should be pissing people off. Lighten up a little. Pun intended.

I've also seen some angry letters written to newsday in response to a feature on how some people are now paying professionals to install their christmas lights on their houses. Here is one letter:

I was appalled by "Decking the halls ... for a price" [News, Dec. 6]. The displays pictured were beautiful, but the waste was sickening. The prices listed for just six displays totaled $23,000 to $24,000. What better uses could have been found for more than $20,000? More than 200 people could be given winter coats. Holiday meals could be served to hundreds of hungry families. If donated to animal shelters, that money could have given another precious week to hundreds of little lives. Long Islanders, even if not Christian, should ask: What would Jesus have wanted for his birthday? A pretty light show, or the hungry fed, the poor clothed, the homeless sheltered, the lonely cheered? Nicola PalumboHolbrook

My thought is that it's none of your business, Nicola Palumbo from Holbrook. If these people choose to spend inordinate amounts of money on christmas lights, that is their right. If you want to make donations, go right ahead. No one should tell someone else they need to make donations.

Imagine a holiday party with the town supervisor, the lawer, and Nicola from Holbrook. What a swell time that would be.

I think everyone needs to try and relax a little. The holidays are stressful enough without all of this controversy.