Last year, Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, the host of “The No-Spin Zone,” brought what he called, “The War on Christmas,” to national attention. He targeted Wal-Mart, Toys R’Us, and other large retail stores for changing their standard greeting from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” This galvanized Christians nationwide to voice their opposition to what some called “political correctness.”
Much of the attention and ire focused on Wal-Mart, the largest supermarket in America and the worldwide leader in retail. According to cnnmoney.com, The American Family Association and The Catholic League boycotted Wal-Mart for not including “Christmas” in relation with its products.
As a result of this, according to Indystar.com, Wal-Mart will have “Days ’til Christmas” countdown signs outside stores, gift cards that have “Merry Christmas” written on them, and a policy that store greeters may offer a “Merry Christmas” welcome. Furthermore, Wal-Mart told its 7,000 managers and associates during a conference in September that it is acceptable to spread “Christmas cheer.”
Wal-Mart employee Christina Corrigan felt that Wal-Mart was in the right for this new policy. “I think it’s awesome because they are acknowledging the fact that it’s a Christian holiday, and if they’re going to make a profit off this holiday, then they should at least keep the proper title.”
First year Melissa Silverberg felt differently, however. “I think [they should say] ‘Happy Holidays’ because not everybody celebrates Christmas and it excludes other people. [Furthermore], it might offend them if you tell them ‘Merry Christmas.”