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December 15th, 2013
03:06 PM ET
La Jolla Christmas Parade
The La Jolla Christmas Parade has been a community tradition for more than 50 years. One group wants the name changed, though, saying the word "Christmas" gives the event a religious feel that the group doesn't like.
A parade organizer says the Christmas parade is inclusive of all people and religions - and that the community wants to keep the parade and its title just as they are.
What's your take on the debate?
Carl Azuz, Anchor
Please remember to include only your first name when commenting.
As much as religious groups need to loosen up and not get offended when someone wishes them a "Happy Holidays", so do non-religious groups need to give a break to the ones who want to keep the holiday name as Christmas. Its just common respect to one another saying that you are free to celebrate anyway you want. But the problem is that people focus too much on protecting their own rights that they forget they should fight to protect others' rights too.
i think that if there isn't a large amount of a religous groups are affended by it should stay the same
I get your point but people do have rights. I am meaning the 1st amendment here people are paying taxes to make this happen people who don't have a religion that deny s there right to a free religion since there money is being used for a religious thing like a parade.
I agree except that I think that there are some rude and mean people who hate the holidays. I think it should be called the holiday parade because I live in la jolla and I am Jewish. It's just that it offends people.
The parade should be kept no matter what religion they are
I am a Korean and Koreans hate Christianity, but they don't care about Christmas. In fact they like it. Also it was called as Christmas from a long time ago.
I totally believe that this is true.
Events that have a long history in a community should be left alone If you get offended by seeing a character like Santa, then do not attned the event.
Christmas is a national season as well. Let us enjoy our traditions without trying to be politically correct. We have become such crybabies!
I believe the Christmas should be kept. The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is the true meaning of Christmas. I believe people do not have the right to barge in and take away the true meaning of Christmas!
I think if calling this community event a "Christmas" parade makes people feel excluded, then the name should be changed. By simply changing the name to 'La Jolla holiday festival', the religious ties associated with it can be avoided.
I don't think it's that big of a deal like they said nobody has ever been excluded from the event so why try to change what is already fine.
you said jews and muslims join in the parade they don,t celeberate christmas so how did the reasoning givin to why it should remain as it is
They do celebrate quanza and or eid al fitter
As the woman interviewed said, it's been a national holiday since 1870. Leave it as it is!
I think that this parade should stay as the Christmas Parade. It can include some Hanukkah or Kwanza representations but the parade is all about spreading CHRISTMAS spirit. It's reminding people what the true meaning of Christmas is. There's nothing wrong with expressing your beliefs to the public.
I don't think they should! This is a symbol that has been recognized for so many years. You can't just change tradition.
Looking at this debate on both sides, The organizers could be in the right since the parade has been going on for fifty years and non-religious people could put the title aside and have fun just as much as the christians, but on the hand dissatisfying the non-religious can discourage them breaking a good tradition that has been going on for fifty years. My opinion is that they should keep the title the same and the non-religious should ignore the title and have fun regardless
I think the name of the should be changed because many events occur during this season, like Hanukkah. Yes the event includes everyone, but the Name doesn't
This has been a tradition for this community for hundreds of years. Some people who have faith in all types of religion still celebrate Christmas. We think it's wonderful that all religions are brought together during this parade. Keep it the way it is!
My middle school homeroom voted. 7 said yes the name should be changed and 4 said no. One suggestion said was to change the name to "The Holiday Parade" instead of "The Christmas Parade"
I don't think The parade should be changed because it's not like the people involved are forced to show their religious back ground it's their choice also it's been a tradition there for years . This is America and we should have some type of events where we can broadcast our religions with out people trying to change it. The parade shows the different religions and cultures that we have and I don't think it should be changed.
In today's society religion has very little effect on the term "Christmas" and more with the spirit which the holiday promotes, and seeing that it is the world's largest holiday it's rather ignorant to change something for the comfort of a few rather than the majority. Not everyone can always be pleased.
Religious undertones, the whole parade is based around the Christian holiday of Christmas. No one is having beliefs forced on them, the parade is not a mandatory event. All that is being displayed is a jolly fat man with a beard giving gifts to children. What is so horrible about that. Santa never said "ho ho ho, and by the way, worship Jesus". I am not Christian and I don't feel like people with francis firs in their homes covered in lights and ornaments are forcing their religion on me and neither should you.
I don't believe that having the word "Christmas" is exclusive. Christmas has been a government holiday for a long. If someone doesn't support the parade they don't have to attend the event.
Christmas is a standard holiday that has been here for many years. Those who are Christians and atheist celebrate the holiday so do many Muslims and Jews. Why change it if it's been there as a community holiday and national.
I don't feel that the committee doesn't need to change the name because unless you are actually Christian most other people celebrate it as commercialized holiday only for buying or recieving presents
I think it should NOT matter what religion you are, the prade is to have fun. Different religions have different versions of Christmas.
Different religions have different christmases? so (excuse my spelling if I get it wrong) honukuh is just a variation of christmas?
i think they should keep the name of the perade the same. because that would be like saying that younger people cant go to see movies.
Though I understand where the activist is coming from, the parade organizer stated that there are floats, dances, and other thing that include ALL holidays, and if the community believes that it's okay to have the word Christmas in the title, then there is no need to change it.
Yeah, keep it as is.
As an Atheist, I think the parade should keep the name. The parade was obviously founded to celebrate Christmas, but the community has included other faiths that have celebrations during the winter, which is as inclusive as it gets.
This is too politically correct don't change it, come on.
I agree 100 percent.
No I don't think they should change the name of the parade. Because Christmas is more than a religious holiday. It is about giving to others and being with family and friends. Plus, everyone knows it as CHRISTMAS!
So everyone in the world including the jewish, muslims, Buddhists, and many others know it as christmas or is it just your personal upbringing?
I hope that that group never changes the tradition. They can make there own parade, and if they think that them saying Christmas is offensive, or a "Religious undertone", Than too bad. We won't have to change everything for a few people, just because they don't like it.
I understand your point Curtis, but it is not meant to be a parade for Christians, but for the community, everyone. In that way naming it the "Christmas Parade" is excluding non-Christians. If there were a parade called the "Hanukkah Parade" wouldn't you be discouraged from coming?
Also, the parade is being funded by public funds, taxpayer money. This means that the local government is paying for a specified religious ceremony, that violates the First Amendment. Outside of political thinking though, it is using the money of other people which is meant to pay for education, highway repair etc. to pay for a ceremony that excludes people.
Honestly I believe that if you don't like what the parade represents in your eyes then don't attend the event. All humans have a right to their freedom of religion. You can't just take that right away because you don't agree with other peoples beliefs. Stay home. Sleep in. You don't have to participate in the event.
So all the people who don't want to go can just not pay part of their taxes. And the government is clearly favoring one religion in violation of the constitution in this case.
I totally agree with you. If other religions don't agree with it they can just stay home. People these days want to cause problems for other people like this Christmas parade, they want to take away what we believe in to make us miserable.
Cody, people don't want to make you miserable, or take away what you believe in. You are just oppressing your beliefs on us. why should WE stay home? Its a public, local-government sponsored event, so it legally can't give one faith, Christianity, more rights than any other.
If the group is already willing to let any religion join in the festival, why are they so hesitant to exclude other religions from the name? The title is supposed to represent the festival, and right now, it's not.
The parade should stay the same
He parade should stay the same because it has been going on sence 1872 .
My class agrees that the parade is not about the title of the parade, but more about the gathering of friends, family, and the community for an annual holiday. The title is not intended for religious purposes, but for holiday fun and entertainment.
I find it disturbing that people are continually trying to change tradition because it is too religious! Christmas is a religious holiday and should be celebrated, NOT downgraded by people that don't believe!
Christmas is a religious holiday that should be celebrated by people who want to celebrate it and your use of downgraded is offensive in my opinion.
The religious beliefs of people shouldn't have anything to do with the calling of a parade that has been going on for a long time. All religions are welcome and have the same opportunities as other religions. People now a days shouldn't take everything so seriously, and it's harmless.
So there would have to be parades for everyone by your reasoning so no religion was favored.
I believe that Christmas is completely fine, no matter what your religion is. Religion is a conception of beliefs and points the concept at a deity. I believe that Christmas has been around for a while ( 237 years) so why change it now? If you changed the parade, you would have to change everything in it.
I think that the name of the Christmas Parade is fine for the public to keep because no one is making people go to the parade and it's in December which makes sense for it to be Christmas.
I think so too
I agree it is just a name and Cristmas is a special holiday for most people
If the parade is already non-exclusive and everyone can already join in, it's unnecessary to change the name.
It's just a name, it really doesn't hurt anyone. If every religious culture is a part of the parade, than what is the harm? Just because it's a "Christmas parade" doesn't mean that the other religious holidays/festivals are segregated against. It just so happens that Christmas is the most commonly celebrated holiday in the area.
The name is no big deal. All are welcome, as an atheist, live and let live. If you want, a more fitting solution would be to make a Hanukkah parade or Winter Solstice, etc.
I think that they should not have to change the name because it is what they want to believe in. The people who don't want to hear about they don't have to worry about it. People can let people be who they want to be.
I think it should be a community parade because everybody believes in different things. More people may come and enjoy the party. My friends agree with me.
The name of the Christmas parade should be the same, Although the name the 'Christmas Parade', everyone is allowed anyway.
I feel that it is okay that these people want to keep the title as "Christmas" because that is an American tradition and we should keep things the same. Other traditions are always welcome and should be though
I honestly think that they should keep the name of "The Christmas Parade." The man is just overreacting. People have celebrated Christmas as Christmas for many years. I do not get offended when people say happy holidays or want to change that. Everyone has an opinion. Just because it says Christmas, that does not mean you have to take it religiously. Everyone should respect all of the beliefs and non-beliefs out there.
I think it should be called the christmas parody. Anyways more than 80% of the united states is a person who celabrates christmas so just let people think what they want stop trying to make everyone think the same thing because im pritty shoure that everyone else can say what they want so they should just call it the christmas porade
I think that as long as no one is truly upset witht his, it's fine to leave it as Christmas Parade. I mean, it's not like anyone is really being excluded. Christmas is Christmas, and it's for everyone to enjoy.
People are too sensitive.
i say its pointless for the guy to try and change the name if its already non-exclusive why even bother trying to change something just for oneself benefit
The community of La Jolla should keep the name going. Those who want it changed need to respect the tradition of the event and that all groups are allowed to participate.
I believe that Christmas is completely fine, no matter what your religion is. Religion is a conception of beliefs and points the concept at a deity. I believe that Christmas has been around for a while ( 237 years) so why change it now? If you changed the parade, you would have to change everything in it.
Our class thinks you should keep the name. It should be all inclusive but the name can remain.
i dont think that the name should not be changed i mean if the parade is for every one then there is no reson to change the name.
They should keep the name because it has always been the christmas parade. It has been a US holiday for a long time.
They should keep the parade as it is because it is already including of all religions. Therefore there is no reason to change the entire name for one person. For example, I am not a big fan of president Obama but they didn't remove him because of my wishes. In other words majority rules
They should keep the parade as it is because it is already including of all religions. Therefore there is no reason to change the entire name for one person. For example, I am not a big fan of president Obama but they didn't remove him because of my wishes. In other words majority rules.
If the group doesn't like it, they should start their own parade and call it whatever they want to call.
Why are they making a big deal about it now? It's been around since 1870.
i think the name should be kept. the parade is for CHRISTMAS. if its not your religion or if people don't like the "feel" of the name being on there, they obviously don't need to go to the parade. it would defeat the whole purpose of the parade by removing Christmas from the name of it.
The group should start their own parade and name it whatever they want. They should leave the La Jolla Christmas Parade alone.
The group should just leave the name as is. Why cause unnecessary problems?
In a country where the most popular holiday around this time is Christmas, I think it's fine that It's a Christmas parade, as long as they have diversity in the floats. Having different Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice floats would make the difference. A name is a name, it doesn't really matter. Christmas isn't really for certain religions for me. No one in my family is Christian but we celebrate Christmas. It's just about being together as a family for us.
i feel that its bad because u wouldn't be here with out CHRIST hes the whole point of CHRISTMAS is because he came and died for us and we only celebrate CHRISTMAS for him not the presents u can get those all year long we only have Christmas one time a year can u please give one day to celebrate his birthday
I do not think they should change the name of the parade. The town in La Jolla is a Spanish term meaning "The Jewel", should we change that because it is a Spanish named town? If everyone is represented then they should just leave the parade alone.
I think that you should keep the name !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We feel that the parades name should not be changed because people should be allowed to have and participate in their own traditions. We live in America!!!
I think tah since the parade is around Christmas time I think the name should stand.
i think that christmas is a time for celebration, if your going to change a parades name just because of peoples religion, that is a little unnecessary, people have been dealing with it for probably years and now they decide to do something about it now? whats the point then? they might as well say that christmas is canceled
I think that the Christmas Parade shouldn't be changed because if you know the name of the event and you're a different religion then you have the right not to attend the event.Its not like anyone is forcing you to go to this Parade so don't go if you know that it doesn't sponsor your religion.Its common sense people.
So we believe as a class that the parade name should remain as is. The community stated that it allows all religions to par take; thus it is not excluding anyone. Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!
A lot of religious groups seem to have problems with people celebrating religions other than the ones they celebrate. I think the people of La Jolla should learn to accept that they have the right to start their own parade for whatever holiday they want.
If the parade is government funded then it is illegal under separation of state and religion. Otherwise there's really nothing people can do but protest.
I know people think it's harmless, but what would they say if it was called atheist parade?
it should not be ither, because that is forcing a belief on people. if it is holiday, nobody gets offended
I think that People should just live with the fact that the name uses the word Christmas in it. They should learn that like isn't always going to work out for you and sometimes you just have to put up with it because i is easier in the long run.
I think they should not change the name because they never said that only people that celebrate Christmas can attended everyone,every kind can come.. yes we can put there felling I place but at the same time we can think on the other side 👍☺️
There are much more pressing issues that their time could be spent. Leave the name.
My class say they think it should not matter what the parade is named the people soukd still be able to have a fun !!
I think the name should be changed. the name doesn't matter if all religions are welcome
I think that the name should stay the same, it has been that way for a long time, and no one has made a big deal about it before, why should it be changed now?
It has been called the "Cristmas Parade" it is just a name and everyone is allowed to participate so the name shouldn't be a problem.
I think that havering a Christmas Parade is fine because Christmas is a federal holiday and attending is optional
They should not be able to change it because it has been going on for several years. So don't change it.
I think it should stay the same. Every can join but people say it's to religious.
I believe that the Christmas parade should be left the way it is no matter who has a problem
It doesn't matter what your religion is if you don't like them putting Christmas then so be it, if you have a problem with it then don't go to the parade.
The name should stay the same as it has been for many years. It isn't exclusive and if you think it is then don't go. This all goes from opinion and my opinion is that it should stay as is.
it is true to have all in festival because there are many people in the wold who have different races so they should do festivall
The First Amendment says that the government can't support one religion over another, so by having a government funded parade centered around a holiday of the Christian religion, the Constitution is not being followed.
Although Christmas does have its roots in Christianity, it has become incredibly secularized. A lot of people I know who aren't Christian celebrate Christmas anyway, simply by avoiding religious references and sticking to presents and Santa. This parade seems to emphasize the secular aspect of it, so what's the problem with leaving Christmas in the name? And the fact that people of many religions have been in it shows that there really aren't any particularly religious connotations involved.
We must make sure everyone feels welcomed. If that is not happening than we must make the necessary changes for everyone to feel included.
I think that they shouldn't change the name, because it has been like that for so many years and nobody was bothered by it then so why be bothered by it now.
I think that if someone does not agree with it they don't have to participate. This event has been around for many years and it hasn't been a problem so why is it such a big problem not.
I think people today want things changed just because they alone don't like it. If they have lived with it this long. They can live with it the rest of their life and survive.
I don't understand why its such a big old problem. I mean this parade business has been around for a long long time so has Christmas. What the big Idea. Christmas Is cool so is Parades.
I don't get this man, this town just needs to reason with the other people. I just don't understand why people fight? Peace, harmony, and love make this world a safer place.
I think that the name should be changed, because it will acknowledge that there are other religions participating. But seriously, does everything have to be connected to religion in this world? Why not call it the Winter Parade or something neutral like that. I think that it would be a bit more respectful to the other religions if they renamed it. (I myself am non-religious, and celebrate Christmas as a non-religious holiday with my family.) It would be more inclusive and give the parade more variety if they changed the name.
I think that they should keep the name the same, it's been that for a long time. Just like the Red Skin problem, it's not worth changing it.
It doesn't matter what the name of the parade is as long as the parade is the same. It should be a joyful time and everyone should have fun.
If Christmas is a national holiday why do they need to change the name?
I don't think the name should be changed because everybody celebrates Christmas – people who aren't religious and people who are religious.
I think they should change it because not everybody celebrates Christmas. Some people celebrate Hanukkah and other religions celebrate different things too.
America and her government were built on Christianity so no matter what, it should stay a Christmas Parade.
I think the Christmas parade is fine and why change this all of a sudden. It's jus t having fun and why wreck the fun.
I think he's just a grumpy old man that needs to get in the Christmas spirit! I happen to love the name now and it really gets me JAZZED up just thinking of it for the parade this time of year!
#stooge
Our middle school homeroom voted 100% to keep it Christmas. Our class discussion included how we think it is important to recognize other people's beliefs and opinions. However they do not have to attend the event just like we would not have to attend a pep rally supporting another school unless we wanted too.
They should not change the name because it is something for everyone to enjoy.
Even though my family is not religious, I think that the name should not be changed because the parade incorporates all faiths, and it's just a name. And it brings people together, so if all types of people are getting together and having fun there shouldn't be an issue with the name.
i dont really care about this parade. it has nothing to do with me or money so its nothing to me. And the guy trying to change the name of it should just stop trying if it has nothing to do with money then step off the scene.
If you don't like what the parade represents in your eyes then don't attend the event. All humans have a right to their freedom of religion. You can't just take that right away because you don't agree with other peoples beliefs.
if there non-exclusive, then why dose it really matter? there was no one of other races, or religions complaining. it was that man who was fighting over nothing basically.
I think it is pointless to change it. they've been doint the parade for years and no one has complained and if they changed it their floats and theme would still be mostly christmas themed. So with that said why waste your time struggling to do something thats not going to make a difference in the outcome.
I think they should leave it as it is. the parade it has been going on for 56 years now. i don't see why people are always complaining about things that they can't change or have any control over.
well, they can change it and they are complaining because it offends them, just like it offends me.
I think that it should stay the same.If you dont want to go then dont.Who cares about the name.
If the parade is not exclusive to Christians and is for the entire community of La Jolla, why call it the Christmas Parade? America is a country of immigrants who all bring in their own cultural backgrounds. It's incredibly ignorant to let an entire community be represented by only one religious group, and if there is other religious groups included, then there should be no problem in calling it the Holiday parade or Community Parade instead. They claim it to be non-exclusive, but the very name of the parade makes it so. I was raised Christian; I never saw the discrimination that people of other faiths saw growing up, but I know that tolerance is key for a thriving empire, country, state, etc, and minorities should not be ignored for the sake of the majority's comfort.
I don't see how its affecting other people's religion. Its not like they're being force to celebrate it. It has been called that for hundreds of years, therefore it should continue to be called that.
The parade is available to all religions. Like they said, they have many different representations of different religions so there is no need to change it.
then WHY shouldnt they just change the name to make it seem more inclusive
Christmas is tradition which has very long history and the origin is also from celebrating birth of Jesus Christ.
This is just one of the main public holidays and nobody bothers you about Christianity. It's just the DAY.
Enjoy it your own style.
First of all, I am a Christian. I'll admit that right out.
I think that they should keep the name. Christmas has been celebrated as Christmas for hundreds of years, and now, for most people, is not about Christ. I'm not saying that that should be the case, but it is the case. Christmas is as much a secular holiday as Halloween. I also agree with Liz, above, that non-religious groups and people need to not get offended when people use the term Christmas. Political correctness is starting to go a little far.
The other issue at hand is whether the town using the name Christmas violates the Constitution, based on the 1st Amendment. I would argue that it doesn't, because the freedom of religion clause was put in the Constitution by Christians to protect Christian denominations from a government set up "state religion." This parade is already non-exclusive, and is not setting up a government sponsored religion, therefore the name should be kept.
There is no racism or herecy expressed by the tradition of Santa Claus. IT should stay A Christmas parade.
i think the name should be kept the same if people dont like the religousness then they should man up christmas is about being thankful for jesus
so you don't care that people are offended by it, you just want to spread your religion and force it in everyone's face?
I think the group is crazy for thinking this. A tradition is a tradition and this parade has been around for years. They just now want it to be changed? They don't have to come to the parade if it effects their religion in any way. It doesn't seem to affect any other people or religions. Also, the name isn't the important, the content of the parade is.
a name is not a tradition. an action is. All that needs to change is the name
I agree, if you are calling it a "Christmas Parade" it makes it feel exclusive to people who don't celebrate the holiday. Calling it a "Holiday Parade" would be much more welcoming. If you are being non exclusive to other groups who don't associate with Christmas, then why make the name exclusive?
if you're not christan, don't go.make your own holiday parade
this takes time and money, as well as blocking up the roads. if there was 1, all-inclusive Holiday parade that nobody could be offended by, then it would be fine.
Exactly. Don't go if you don't like it, let others enjoy it though.
Christmas is supposed to be event that has been around for a long time. As the holiday has grown, more and more people of the world have grown to accept it. And who said Santa clause was offensive and Christian. he is just a man how gives out gifts to the little children. since when has that been cristian
If people don't like the idea or don't celebrate Christmas, don't go to the parade!
It a tradition and it hasn't been a huge deal before, why now?
I agree, if it' is called a "Christmas Parade" some people might feel excluded due to the fact they may not have any religions at all, and that might mean less people to attend the parade. And you might be thinking " The people who are not religious in any kind should not go", but how would you feel if there was a big celebration -open for everyone- and you could not go? So in conclusion, the name "Christmas Parade" is too religious and should "go"
They should keep the name because Christmas is a religious holiday, but that means you can choose to participate due to the freedom of religion. If you don't like it or aren't Christian, don't participate. You are perfectly free to do so.
It seems this sort of debate if fairly new age, the debate of "Holiday Parade" and "Christmas Parade" is the same as "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas." You see people don't want to say Christmas because the don't want to exclude people, they don't want anyone to feel left out. But is there really going to be a bigger turn-out at the parade by just changing the name? You need to call it for what it is, it is a parade around Christmas time and if there is Santa at the end you be sure it is for Christmas. Just because you don't believe in the origin of Christmas doesn't mean you are excluded from it. Calling it a Christmas parade wasn't even about a religion behind it, it is just something that everyone valued as a community that we all came together and celebrated some aspect of it whether it was family or the religious meaning. There is more than one holiday in November and we don't say "Happy Holidays" then. We call it what it is, Veterans Day and Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is related to the pilgrims who came to America for freedom of Christian faith. In that sense Thanksgiving has the same amount of "religious undertones" as Christmas. Christmas was recognized by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1870 as a Federal Holiday for D.C. employees and applied to all federal employees in 1968. I think we all know why people don't want to call it Christmas, it's because it has Christ in it whether you believe in his birth or not. But I've got a news flash for you: Christianity happens to be the religious heritage of our country whether you like it or not. Calling it anything but a Christmas parade just shows that you don't like the meaning behind it, not because it excludes anything or anybody because it doesn't. And if you have a problem with that you just need to get over it and enjoy the parade.
I think it’s a great idea to change the name of the Christmas Parade. Next, we can rewrite “T’was the Night Before Christmas” to something more politically correct, like “T’was the Night Before a Nonspecific, Nondenominational Winter Holiday”.
Some people who are not Christians may be offended by the "Christmas Parade" title. If the name is changed, it should be something along the lines of Winter or Holiday Parade.
Religion should be kept OUT of a public event like this. It wouldn't be at all hard to change the name to "holiday" the "christmas" is seen as offensive to Taoists, Buddhists, Atheists, Muslims, Pastafarians, and many others. i say to change the name.
I believe that the name should be changed, as many people could take offense from it and our country is a secular nation, with no state religion. People who don't celebrate christmas may feel excluded, and a simple name change such as the "La Jolla Holiday Parade" would be much more welcoming to outsiders.
I think the parade should stay named the Christmas Parade. For years it has been a nationally recognized holiday and shouldn't be dismissed because it bothers a few people. When the majority of people celebrate or at the very least tolerate Christmas there should be no reason why it can't remain the way its always been.
I think they can change the name. It would help the whole community. They can just call it the winter parade that way everybody wins.
I don't think that the whole community should have to suffer by not having it, just because a few don't like it. Don't attend if you do not like it. just like a football game, if you don't like the teams, then don't go, but let others enjoy it.
it blocks up the roads. Football games don't. It takes up local government time. football games don't.
If you don't like it being called a Christmas parade then they don't have to participate in it. Why should the La Jolla community change their beliefs to accommodate yours? And if you negatively toward Santa or merry CHRISTmas then i feel bad for you and the childhood you must've had.
I have had a nice childhood not believing in your god, thank you. God has never and will never exist.
This parade may be excluding other religions however as the first amendment says, we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion so this may be unethical but there is no legal reason why it should be changed,
I believe the parade should be kept a Christmas parade. The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe that people don't have the right to barge in and change the name nor the the true meaning of Christmas!
What about all of the other religions that have a Holiday around this time? Do they not have a right to have their holiday openly celebrated? They are changing it so that nobody is offended and everyone is happy. Jesus never existed.
Christmas is originally the birthday of jesus, and not a day for having a parade without noting it. If they throw away the word ﾞChristmas", what is the meaning of the parade?
the meaning of the parade is to be happy for everyone, that way people dont feel "pushed back" as it were.
Honestly as long as they include other religions It's okay because it is celebrating Christmas time traditions.
I think the name should remain the same. This has been a tradition for 50 years, and Christmas is an official American holiday that is celebrated yearly. Nobody should be offended by the simple name of a parade. Regardless, if the majority wants the name changed, we do live in a democracy.
my city I live in had the second your Christmas party and I don't think it changed anything
Well, it's like what the woman said, they don't deny anyone from being apart of the parade. And Christmas IS a national holiday, well we get off school don't we? Now if only Halloween becomes one.
its not a national holiday, its a religious one. we get that time off due to all of the holidays around then
I'm tired of everyone having to be politically correct all the time. The bottom line is that the majority of those who participate in the parade celebrate Christmas so it makes sense that it should be called a "Christmas parade. The parade is all inclusive of other religions anyways.
I'm tired of everyone having to be politically correct all the time. The bottom line is that the majority of those who participate in the parade celebrate Christmas so it makes sense that it should be called a "Christmas parade. The parade is all inclusive of other religions anyways so a title change reflecting something that already exists is somewhat superfluous and unnecessary.
I get this guys point of view. He wants to include his whole town, and not make anyone uncomfortable. And maybe "Holday Parade" would be nice instead of "Christmas."
The parade isn't saying that it is only about Christians but saying that it's Christmas holiday time of giving. There wasn't anything related to Christianity or anything straight forward. It was just a thought by one single person.
I think that the name should be changed to something like "The La Jolla Holiday Parade" because then people like Jews, Islams, Muslims, and people of any other religion can feel truly welcome unlike if it was kept as "La Jolla Christmas parade" zeroing in on mainly Christian people.
Honestly, though there is a word "Christ" in "Christmas", people who don't believe in Christianity would just ignore the true religious meaning of Christmas and they would just celebrate what people normally do such as having family Christmas dinner or handing (exchanging) presents to each other.
I think if this name has been that way for a long time and no one complained till now then it has no reason to change the name. I know that Christmas is a religious holiday but a lot of people how don't believe in Christianity still celebrate Christmas it is part of a lot of peoples life's even if not a Christian so I think that the name should be aloud to stay!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And santa isn't just a Christian thing every kid out there who believes in Santa isn't Christian some May be but not all and where in the bible is Santa mentioned yes Saint Nick is but not Santa
This parade has been going on for a long time, and people JUST decided to be offended! I'm sure people won't mind a celebration for Holidays of other religions.
Christmas is the name of a holiday. You can choose if you want it to have a religious meaning or not. Why do people have to turn a wonderful and fun holiday like Christmas into a big problem? Someone could get offended about taking Christmas out of it. It goes both ways.
I think that they should keep the name. O.K. I agree that the name has a religious feel to it but it's tradition. Arguing that the name should be changed is like saying that people shouldn't celebrate Christmas, or Kwanzaa, or Hannakuh because it is offensive to their beliefs. If it doesn't concern you just leave it alone.
I think the name "La Jolla Christmas Parade" is fine the way it is. Christmas is not just a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also a time of giving to others, showing your appreciation for others.
As children growing up in La Jolla we always looked forward to the Christmas Parade. We knew when it was, what groups were marching and secretly hoped to be lucky enough to get onto one of the ponies from Bucko's ranch and trot down the parade route. As local adults now with "parade age" children, we still take them to the Christmas Parade, that goes down the same route and has the same traditions that it did long ago. Why change a name that holds history, tradition and good warm cheesy fun for generations? Did they see all of the kids having a good time and neighbors greeting one another? Wait, I can hear Harry Rudolph laughing from the great coffee shop in the sky at this silly discussion.
I think the name should and shouldn't be changed you want to know why? because I like to argue.
The United States was found on the belief of freedom of religion. Yes, you can worship however you want, but how can there truly be freedom of religion when your constantly judged on who or how you worship. The parade being called a Christmas parade does seem to have a Christian undertone, but other religions, such as Scientology celebrate it. To change the name of a parade just so every religion would be included is wrong, morally it is right, but in all actuality it's wrong not every religion celebrates a holiday during December. I believe the name should stay the same. I do apologize if II offended anyone with my response.
They SHOULD NOT change the parade name because of it's meaning. Christmas is a bout the birth of Jesus and it's name remained the same for hundreds of years- CHRISTmas. So, I suggest that if people think it's a christian name and doesn't include other religions, you don't have to go. Besides, its not like its only for Christians, it's for everyone with a name that's been used for hundreds of years. You also don't have to take it like that being for Christians only.
They should keep the name of Christmas parade because it's a holiday in christianity in the religion so we have a right to practice free religion like it says in the Bill of Rights. If the town changed the name wouldn't that be violating that right to practice their religion.
I believe that they should keep it how it is. No matter how much they change it, someone is bound to be offended. For instance, if they used "holiday", someone who doesn't celebrate holidays will be offended and it'll just keep on going like that. They should just use Christmas because Christianity is the most common religion, so more people will relate to it.