Well, it’s official. Though the holiday season seems to have begun the day after Halloween, the December Dilemma’s time is just starting, hitting its peak as it always does, in that hectic period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What is the December Dilemma, you might ask? It’s the conundrum that retail stores, public parks, public schools, and political leaders–not to mention families–face each year when considering how to handle the confluence of the winter holidays, principally Hanukkah and Christmas. If we have one religious symbol up in the town square, do we have to have symbols representing all faiths? If we avoid all religious symbols this winter, will people of faith feel discriminated against? If we wish our customers “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas,” will a national boycott be launched against our store? Does our condo association allow us to put a creche on our lawn?

These and other questions are on many lips during these few weeks. And as we have the past three years, Beliefnet is watching. This blog will chronicle, observe, report, and give you a chance to talk about the melee that might (or might not) churn up in spots both predictable and surprising around the country. Because when we take the time to notice what happens when religious holidays meet a diverse, pluralistic culture, we always learn something about America.
Let the watch begin….