A Divided Nation Unites for Christmas

When was the last time you corresponded with your great aunt? Was it about this time last year when you sent her a Christmas card? It was for me.
I love our holidays. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, they bring out the irrational goodness in all of us. Perhaps this is why we get so much participation in them. Gallop says 93 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, despite the fact that only 81 percent describe themselves as Christians. Add some percentage points for our Jewish neighbors and you’re getting close to 100%. For some perspective, this year’s presidential election turnout was only 57.5 percent.

That’s a little sad, but it is also very telling in a wonderful way. You see, to maintain order in societies, governments have to create laws that we must follow. Obedience is gained through the threat of punishment. Some rules are followed more than others (mattress tag removers, I’m talking to you), yet when it comes to holidays, we need no laws forcing us to participate  – generally, we just buy in.

This is what America is truly about.

We may be more politically divided than ever, but go to any shopping mall and you’ll find nine out of every ten Americans feverishly searching for that perfect item to express their love for another. It’s quite refreshing.

This is how I know conservatism will always be in the majority. The left and the ACLU may be able to prevent Nativity scenes from being displayed, and Christmas parties may be forever renamed “Holiday Parties,” but the American spirit of doing something nice for someone en masse will not change.

So as we pop the bottle of champagne and welcome in 2013, try not to forget our conservative culture. Be irrationally good. Go give your loved one a Valentine. Dye eggs with you children. Become an amateur pyrotechtionist. Don’t forget to send that card to your great aunt.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.