Orson Wells, War of the Worlds and the "War on Christmas"

In 1938 Orson Wells and the Mercury Theatre of the Air threw the American public into panic with the broadcast of an adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. Presented as a news broadcast, the radio drama "reported" on an invasion of the world by martians. Those who had not heard the beginning of the program actually believed a real threat was posed by martians. People panicked, packed churches, evacuated towns, picked up arms and even committed suicide all because of an imaginary threat.
So, what does this have to do with Christmas? Well, in 2005 we have another imaginary war being reported, and as in 1938, the media is at the center of this tempest in a teapot.

Perhaps no single event emphasizes the silliness of the culture war more than the "attack" on Christmas being reported by Christian activists and even the mainstream media. To listen to some in the media, you would believe that the celebration of Christmas is threatened by governmental and corporate efforts.

Of course, a drive through any town or a stroll through any department store will belie the idea that Christmas as a celebration is in any real danger. At the intersection of the two busiest streets in my small town is a 30 foot Christmas tree. Looking out my window I see an inflated Santa on the lawn across the street from my house. I'm listening to the traditional Christmas music channel on MusicMatch radio, specifically "Joy to the World." A couple of mornings ago, I heard the high school marching band practicing "Silent Night" and "Angels We have heard on High."

So, why are the reports of the death of Christmas circulating on cable news shows and through the various Christian media? Is this totally made up? Where did it come from?

Well, there is not a simple answer. But much of it comes from two Fox News commentators John Gibson who wrote the book The War on Christmas: How the liberal plot to ban the Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse than you Thought. I must have missed the newscast where anyone proposed banning Christmas. I'm sure the corporate interests alone would squash that one.

But hold on, according to some these corporate interests are in on the plot. They point out that many retail outlets do not use the phrase "Merry Christmas" in their advertising. This is true enough. Many do use Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings. Isn't that an attack on Christmas?

Well, take a stroll down their aisles. We see Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, Christmas wrapping paper, Christmas Cards, Santa Clauses, and even nativity scenes for sale. The last I heard none of these were used in the celebration of Hannuka or Kwanza. In fact, you would be hard put to find a Mennorah or Star of David in any one of them.

But what about that "Happy Holidays" policy? Well, it's an attempt to appear to be inclusive of all the holidays when in reality the only holiday actually represented in the decorations is Christmas.

Besides you can put up the signs before Thanksgiving and not take them down until after New Years. And, in spite of reports to the contrary, there are no official punishments for clerks saying "Merry Christmas."

Companies are out to make money. By including Hannuka and Kwanza (even with using Happy Holidays) they hope to increase the bottom line. That is something that pro-business conservatives should understand.

So, what is really up? Just my take on it. I think some Christian activists are afraid that people will stop being angry for a few minutes over the holidays. Activism of any sort requires anger and a type of us-vs-them attitude. Christmas, by it's nature, inspires unity, setting aside differences, and extending love and tolerance (not acceptance or agreement, but tolerance) of others.


So, they begin to stir up some sort of false controversy. However, unlike Orson Wells' broadcast, where the panic was unintentional, the outrage is intended. They actually hope that people will believe that there is some sort of attack on our most beloved holiday. That way, they can promote other aspects of their agenda. Now, some parts of that agenda I agree with, but it is disingenuous to try to create a "war" where none exists.

This is the ultimate silliness.