A Massachusetts school system is embroiled in a war on Christmas debate after Santa Claus was initially banned from visiting elementary school children over “religious” concerns.
Since 1960 firefighters in the town of Saugus dressed up like Santa Claus and visited every elementary school handing out coloring books. But on Monday, the school superintendent told firefighters that they would not be welcomed into the classrooms.
“Certainly everyone acknowledges their holiday in a special way they want. But there is a conflict between the church and the state in that regard,” Superintendent Richard Langlois told MyFoxBoston.com.
However, Santa Claus is not a religious figure – and is not mentioned anywhere in the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus.
Regardless, the superintendent stood by his decision until word began to spread across the community. By late Monday, Santa had been given a temporary reprieve. The Saugus School Committee is expected to address the issue next month – meaning Santa’s days may be numbered.
“I couldn’t believe it,” firefighter Mark Gannon told MyFoxBoston.com. “There are so many things in the world going on – to see that all of a sudden Santa can’t go to the schools – what else are we going to give up?”
Gannon said he’s been participating in the Christmas tradition for the past 14 years – and said the children absolutely love to see Old Saint Nick.
“It’s a great thing,” he said.
Superintendent Langlois defended his Santa ban – saying he was simply enforcing the rules..
“I’m carrying out the orders of the school community,” he said. “I’m not overstepping my bounds.”
But the firefighters said there is absolutely nothing religious about what they are doing.
“There’s no religious content in the coloring books,” Gannon said, noting that the coloring books feature characters like Strawberry Shortcake.
At least one school committee member is supporting the firefighters, calling the Santa controversy a case of political correctness gone amuck.
I, too, am getting tired of all this political correctness CRAP. If you don't like it, don't look at it, read it, turn it on or listen to it. Simple as that. And I don't care if you don't like this: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
People are just nuts Santa is not religious and he is in different styles all over the world. Ariagne people not only Obama out but also a lot of local school officials and government officials. Every day you see more of this type nonesense.
Seriously! A conflict between church and state? Do you know how many "religious" / Christian folks PURPOSELY DON'T introduce Santa to their children to keep the celebration of Christmas more focused on Christ? I would think using such reasoning, Santa would be welcomed with open arms! Either way, the superintendent seriously misspoke.
This mystifys me just a little. These school people ban santa because of the "religious" connections and then, they willingly accept a paid day off to celebrate….drum roll please….CHRISTMAS.
If Christmas is so evil, then maybe these teachers and administrators would willing give up their paid christmas holiday? I used to live in Massachusetts and I can tell you that the people in that state are leftwing wackos. Totally nuts and a real nanny state.
They never said "Christmas was evil." That's your insinuation of what happened. The principal or whoever was just being over-sensitive. They let the Santa come in right? Story done. Go find some real news.
Your getting all these right wing loons worked into a frenzy! Hilarious. Right wing regressives are such suckers when in comes to CHRISTMAS and this stuff. lololol
Because Jesus has no place in a public school unless religion is being taught from a historical perspective and its impact on the world. Otherwise the key word is "public" school. Take Jesus into the private schools that are religiously focused.
Robin Gibson You said "Don't feel bad Santa. Jesus was banned from schools a long time ago." I then stated Jesus has no place in a public school. You said that's the point of the holiday. But Jesus really isn't. Christmas is commercial AND traditions were stolen from pagan beliefs. Santa probably has more to do with the tradition of giving gifts during this time than Jesus – since Jesus was born in the fall.
Kelly Calder What is your point? I made a tongue in cheek comment. You have some other agenda. I don't wish to engage in whatever it is you are trying to defend. You obviously don't know enough about Who Jesus is or what His nature is. He gave His LIFE. Not presents. I don't think this is the forum to discuss this Kelly. Again, have a Merry Christmas, or a happy holiday, or whatever you participate in this weekend. Enough.
Robin Gibson Didn't sound very tongue in cheek. I'm not trying to defend anything but clarifying what I stated. No one knows who Jesus really is by the way.
Robin Gibson Oh nice one. It's always "ignorance" from so-called Christians when someone disagrees. Do you know what Jesus really looked like? Let's say hypothetically there was a time machine and you could go back to the time of Jesus – would you be able to pick him out of a crowd? You do realize that at the time Jesus was a common name at the time. Also Jesus' life from age 12-30 is not in the BIble as we know it. So what happened during that time? Was he a good kid? Was he naughty sometimes? Did he talk back to his parents? I mean that's what I mean when I say no one TRULY knows who Jesus was as a person. No one knows his inner most thoughts and feelings. No one knows did he rebel against god. Did he ever say "I don't want to do these things." I mean if he got told as a child who he is, don't you think that's a lot for a child to comprehend? THAT Is my point. These are things that brainwashed indoctrinated Christians never think about. I do.
The real St Nicholas has many legends about him. Santa Claus is based upon this saint, and somewhere along the line, Santa Claus became a "secular" icon, thereby giving people who were not Christian, nor believed in any higher power, the opportunity to participate with the Christian children.
Santa Claus, for all intents and purposes, represents the materialistic part of Christmas. When people attack this part of Christmas, this is why Santa Claus is usually the icon for materialism. As for the school banning Santa Claus on "religious" reasons, it is quite possible that someone actually knows the legend of St Nicholas, but are confused between the two. Since modern times, Santa Claus is considered entirely secular, and therefore, religious connotation has been "erased" from the icon of Santa Claus, but others still believe there is one. The use of Santa Claus over the years has not, in any way, been used to promote any specific religion including Christianity. Christianity and Santa Claus are so far removed from each other that any connection between them is quite silly, and indeed, ignorant.
Santa brings Joy and Hope and Wonder to kids…And I think the left hates that…But it is for the kids and it makes them happy…and the left really hates that…
If Santa isn't a religious figure (which has been clearly stated in this article), then why are there so many posts on here about Christianity being attacked, and people being anti-Christian? Yes, Yes….pics of Santa and Santa Impersonators are common with the holiday…but Santa does not symbolize Christmas. Santa is not "the symbol" of Christmas….unless you actually worship him, which if that's the case then you have a serious problem.
This would be like if a Jew said Hanukkah is attacked because Latkes aren't being served in the school cafeteria. Latkes (a potato pancake fried in oil and eaten during Hanukkah) is NOT a religious figure or symbol…like the Prophets Moses or Elijah for example. Clearly, Hanukkah is not being attacked because of the lack of a deep fried wad of potatoes, and clearly Christmas is not attacked should there be a void of a secular and fictional character who enslaves elves in sweatshops in the North Pole.
Personally, I think the presence of firefighters giving coloring books to children is a great idea. Not only does it still exemplify the true meaning of Christmas (giving to others, thinking of others, good will to all), but the firefighters themselves are perfect role models for the children, no need to disguise true heroes for our children to look up to.
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These idiots have to be Democrats.
I, too, am getting tired of all this political correctness CRAP. If you don't like it, don't look at it, read it, turn it on or listen to it. Simple as that. And I don't care if you don't like this: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
Oh imagine that – who would've seen that happening. No harm, no foul. Now real news…
People are just nuts Santa is not religious and he is in different styles all over the world. Ariagne people not only Obama out but also a lot of local school officials and government officials. Every day you see more of this type nonesense.
Seriously! A conflict between church and state? Do you know how many "religious" / Christian folks PURPOSELY DON'T introduce Santa to their children to keep the celebration of Christmas more focused on Christ? I would think using such reasoning, Santa would be welcomed with open arms! Either way, the superintendent seriously misspoke.
Does the Principal work on Dec. 25th? If not, then he must do so from now on, along with every other half wit moron in the educational system.
That's what the Nazi's said "I'm just following the rules.
This mystifys me just a little. These school people ban santa because of the "religious" connections and then, they willingly accept a paid day off to celebrate….drum roll please….CHRISTMAS.
If Christmas is so evil, then maybe these teachers and administrators would willing give up their paid christmas holiday? I used to live in Massachusetts and I can tell you that the people in that state are leftwing wackos. Totally nuts and a real nanny state.
They never said "Christmas was evil." That's your insinuation of what happened. The principal or whoever was just being over-sensitive. They let the Santa come in right? Story done. Go find some real news.
Precisely why I home school my kids!
Comments please.
Your getting all these right wing loons worked into a frenzy! Hilarious. Right wing regressives are such suckers when in comes to CHRISTMAS and this stuff. lololol
Don't feel bad Santa. Jesus was banned from schools a long time ago.
Because Jesus has no place in a public school unless religion is being taught from a historical perspective and its impact on the world. Otherwise the key word is "public" school. Take Jesus into the private schools that are religiously focused.
The point is that the Holiday is about Jesus, Kelly. Not about schools.
Robin Gibson Not really. That's another topic. And what exactly does Santa have to do with Jesus?
Kelly Calder What exactly does Santa have to do with Christmas? That was my point. I'm not sure what your's is. Merry Christmas Kelly.
Robin Gibson You said "Don't feel bad Santa. Jesus was banned from schools a long time ago." I then stated Jesus has no place in a public school. You said that's the point of the holiday. But Jesus really isn't. Christmas is commercial AND traditions were stolen from pagan beliefs. Santa probably has more to do with the tradition of giving gifts during this time than Jesus – since Jesus was born in the fall.
Kelly Calder What is your point? I made a tongue in cheek comment. You have some other agenda. I don't wish to engage in whatever it is you are trying to defend. You obviously don't know enough about Who Jesus is or what His nature is. He gave His LIFE. Not presents. I don't think this is the forum to discuss this Kelly. Again, have a Merry Christmas, or a happy holiday, or whatever you participate in this weekend. Enough.
Robin Gibson Didn't sound very tongue in cheek. I'm not trying to defend anything but clarifying what I stated. No one knows who Jesus really is by the way.
Kelly Calder now that last statement proves your ignorance on the topic.
Robin Gibson Oh nice one. It's always "ignorance" from so-called Christians when someone disagrees. Do you know what Jesus really looked like? Let's say hypothetically there was a time machine and you could go back to the time of Jesus – would you be able to pick him out of a crowd? You do realize that at the time Jesus was a common name at the time. Also Jesus' life from age 12-30 is not in the BIble as we know it. So what happened during that time? Was he a good kid? Was he naughty sometimes? Did he talk back to his parents? I mean that's what I mean when I say no one TRULY knows who Jesus was as a person. No one knows his inner most thoughts and feelings. No one knows did he rebel against god. Did he ever say "I don't want to do these things." I mean if he got told as a child who he is, don't you think that's a lot for a child to comprehend? THAT Is my point. These are things that brainwashed indoctrinated Christians never think about. I do.
The real St Nicholas has many legends about him. Santa Claus is based upon this saint, and somewhere along the line, Santa Claus became a "secular" icon, thereby giving people who were not Christian, nor believed in any higher power, the opportunity to participate with the Christian children.
Santa Claus, for all intents and purposes, represents the materialistic part of Christmas. When people attack this part of Christmas, this is why Santa Claus is usually the icon for materialism. As for the school banning Santa Claus on "religious" reasons, it is quite possible that someone actually knows the legend of St Nicholas, but are confused between the two. Since modern times, Santa Claus is considered entirely secular, and therefore, religious connotation has been "erased" from the icon of Santa Claus, but others still believe there is one. The use of Santa Claus over the years has not, in any way, been used to promote any specific religion including Christianity. Christianity and Santa Claus are so far removed from each other that any connection between them is quite silly, and indeed, ignorant.
Santa brings Joy and Hope and Wonder to kids…And I think the left hates that…But it is for the kids and it makes them happy…and the left really hates that…
Don't these people realize how bad they make themselves look?
The article is entirely about Santa Claus without mention of JESUS CHRIST, the Reason for the Season!
If Santa isn't a religious figure (which has been clearly stated in this article), then why are there so many posts on here about Christianity being attacked, and people being anti-Christian? Yes, Yes….pics of Santa and Santa Impersonators are common with the holiday…but Santa does not symbolize Christmas. Santa is not "the symbol" of Christmas….unless you actually worship him, which if that's the case then you have a serious problem.
This would be like if a Jew said Hanukkah is attacked because Latkes aren't being served in the school cafeteria. Latkes (a potato pancake fried in oil and eaten during Hanukkah) is NOT a religious figure or symbol…like the Prophets Moses or Elijah for example. Clearly, Hanukkah is not being attacked because of the lack of a deep fried wad of potatoes, and clearly Christmas is not attacked should there be a void of a secular and fictional character who enslaves elves in sweatshops in the North Pole.
Personally, I think the presence of firefighters giving coloring books to children is a great idea. Not only does it still exemplify the true meaning of Christmas (giving to others, thinking of others, good will to all), but the firefighters themselves are perfect role models for the children, no need to disguise true heroes for our children to look up to.