Governor uses straight talk on Christmas

Thanksgiving is over and now the thoughts of many people are turning to Christmas, perhaps the biggest holiday of the year for many Americans.

It also means arguments are likely to begin over how to handle Christmas symbols and traditions, down to even how to issue Christmas greetings.

The trend in recent years has been to move away from the emphasis on Christmas as a Christian celebration, out of respect for the diversity of religions in our nation.

This is reflected in terminology such as "happy holidays" or having a "joyful season" instead of simply saying "merry Christmas." An effort has been made not to use the word Christmas when possible. Even secular symbols of the day like Santa Claus have been de-emphasized.

This trend has not happened without resistance. Some who value the traditions of Christmas, whether religious or secular, have rebelled against what they see as "political correctness."

In fact, we have seen this rebellion played out in the Arizona governor's office this  year.

Gov. Jan Brewer announced her office would now have a Christmas tree.

Actually, past years also had one, but former Gov. Janet Napolitano, now Homeland Security director, declined to call it that, according to a report from Capitol Media Services. She called it a "holiday tree."

Napolitano also authorized a traditional candle holder in the office, but refused to call it the menorah of Jewish tradition.

Enough, said Brewer.

"I think it is politically correct to call something what it is," she said. "It's a Christmas tree. And it's a menorah."

We agree.

Symbols remain what they are even if the name is changed. If you prefer  not to use the symbols, that is your choice and right. But simply calling it something else doesn't make it something else.

The governor's action is unlikely to change the views of those who prefer the more secular approach, but her honesty is refreshing.
  A rose is a rose... or in this case a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree.