Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Well, if some have their way, the only Christmas decorations you will see this year are decorated trees, Frosty the Snowman, giant candy canes and Happy Holiday signs. Although, much success was achieved in having major retailers bring back their "Merry Christmas" signs last year, the war wages on.

The Catholic News Agency reports: A citizens' petition drive to re-establish a Christmas tradition has begun in Berkley, Michigan. Under pressure from the American Civil Liberties' Union, the Berkley City Council voted to remove a decades-old nativity display.

Berkley resident Georgia Halloran launched a successful petition drive to place a Charter Amendment on the November ballot. The amendment would overturn the city council's decision and would model the Nativity scene on a holiday display ruled constitutional by the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal court that governs Michigan.
Ms. Halloran described her efforts: “Christmas is a national holiday. And we’re not going to let ACLU threats dictate how we publicly celebrate it.”

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided legal assistance to Halloran’s group. It also offered to represent the city without charge should it be sued by the ACLU.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented: “Despite all of their public rationalizations of why the Nativity should be removed from city property, it is clear the city council acted out of fear of an ACLU lawsuit. The council made the wrong decision, and Berkley citizens are working within the political system to correct that wrong.”

Remember, you can make a difference. Here are some helpful hints in keeping Christ in Christmas:

• Celebrate Advent with a family Advent Wreath. Enhance the lighting ceremony with a weekly scriptural reading. Most religious bookstores sell small prayer booklets for this purpose.
• Buy only Religious Christmas Cards.
• Don't overspend on Christmas gifts, such practices de-emphasize the true meaning of Christmas.
• Remember those less fortunate right in your own neighborhood or parish.
• Get your children involved in shopping for your parish's giving tree.
• Shop only in stores that are not afraid to recognize Christmas.
• Enjoy simple, yet festive Christmas parties, add Christmas carols for enjoyment and entertainment.
• Attend religious services as a family. A family tradition we enjoy is a Traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. After dinner the entire family and guests attends our Caroling concert and Midnight Mass.
• Advent/Christmas season is a good time setting things straight with the Lord. Invite a friend or family member to church. For yourself, make it a point to go to Confession and spend more time in prayer.
• Display a Nativity in a prominent place in your home.


• Last year, I found these "Just Say Merry Christmas" bracelets. You can purchase them at this site: Operation: Just say Merry Christmas.