Comedian David Spade isn’t known for weighing in on cultural or religious debates, but during a recent episode of his Fly on the Wall podcast with fellow comedian Dana Carvey, the Grown Ups star expressed frustration over what he sees as a growing reluctance to say the word “Christmas.”

“I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately,” Spade said on Sunday’s episode. “It is December, and I saw the other day there was a tree-lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in some dopey mall, but it said tree-lighting ceremony, and they were careful not to say the word Christmas during the whole ceremony.”

When Carvey reacted in disbelief, Spade continued, “Why? So it’s just a tree? I would understand if you said, ‘They’re doing the tree lighting at [a certain mall].’ But to consciously avoid that—then what is the tree for? A December to Remember? Is it a Lexus dealership? Isn’t it for Christmas?”

Carvey, who has been open about his own Christian faith, agreed that avoiding the word seems unnecessary. “I’ve never met someone from another religious faith that was upset about a Christmas tree,” he said.

“I’d say stop that bulls—,” Spade replied. “They like all the things about it,” he added, referring to the holiday traditions that have long been embraced across cultures.

Carvey pointed out that while Christmas remains a sacred observance for Christians, it’s also widely celebrated as a joyful cultural holiday. “If you’re of faith, it’s about Christianity,” he said. “But I think at this point in America, it’s just Christmas. It’s a fun holiday.”

Both comedians agreed that the effort to scrub “Christmas” from public events feels like an overcorrection. “I don’t like the thought police,” Carvey said. “I don’t like to have words I can’t use.”

Spade added, “I don’t like the anti-Christian feel because Christmas to me wasn’t really about that because I am Christian.” Though Carvey jokingly described him as a “secular” or “lapsed” believer, Spade clarified that he considers himself “just more spiritual.”

The comedian then raised a broader point about how Christianity is often treated differently from other faiths. “Like, is this where we get the hammer? You can’t say that about anyone else,” he said. “We’re taking a beating down in Africa. It’s like this is not the year to be Christian. I will tell you that.”

His comments alluded to the real persecution Christians face around the world, particularly in parts of Africa. A June 2025 report by International Christian Concern documented a disturbing rise in violence against Christians across several countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. The report cited numerous killings, abductions, and church attacks. President Donald Trump even designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” joining global leaders and the Vatican in condemning the massacres.

After noting the seriousness of Christian persecution abroad, Spade circled back to what he sees as a cultural soft censorship of Christianity in the U.S. “We can call it a Christmas tree,” he said. “I still don’t want to offend people by saying it. But there are so many religions—you’re not allowed to slam someone else’s. Why are we afraid to just say Christmas?”

Spade’s remarks echoed a growing conversation around whether Christmas should be treated as a strictly religious holiday or a universal celebration. His comments come shortly after Portland, Oregon, drew criticism for hosting its annual “Tree Lighting Ceremony” without mentioning Christmas.

Though the event featured carolers, Santa Claus, and a 75-foot Douglas-fir adorned with more than 9,500 colorful lights, organizers avoided using the word “Christmas” on social media or promotional materials, referring to it only as “Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.”

Online, many residents noticed the omission. “In Portland, they’re trying to take the Christmas out of Christmas tree,” one user wrote on X. “It’s a Christmas tree, it’s always been a Christmas tree, and it will always be a Christmas tree.”

Even independent journalist David Medina weighed in, saying, “The City of Portland and local media outlets are calling this ‘The Tree’ because they despise Christians like me and many of you so much they can’t bring themselves to say the word ‘Christmas.'”

When contacted by Fox News Digital, the mayor’s office in Portland pushed back against the criticism, insisting that the event was indeed a “Christmas Tree Lighting.” “Mayor Wilson was delighted to join Portland’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting alongside Christmas carolers and holiday festivities,” a statement read. “Framing it otherwise feels like quite the reach.”

For Spade, though, the issue isn’t political—it’s about authenticity. “If you’re going to light a tree in December and decorate it with ornaments and a star,” he said on his podcast, “then it’s okay to call it what it is: a Christmas tree.”