Christmas In School

I have refrained from commenting over the last few days on my usual subjects of politics, religion, and war. But, instead, I have made a number of posts concerning Christmas. Today I am reminded of my school days. Back then it was common practice for every class to form a choir and to sing a carol during the school Christmas assembly. The auditorium or gym would be filled with parents and fellow students, and each class would perform their chosen song. I attended grade school long before the presence of God in school was open to debate. In fact it was during the years that I went to grade school that "In God We Trust" was added to the dollar bill, and "Under God" was added to the pledge of allegiance. In 1956 the words "In God We Trust" was adopted as the national motto and first appeared on paper money in 1957. "Under God" was added to the pledge of allegiance by President Eisenhower in 1954. These additions to the national identity were more a response to the immenent threat of global conflict with "Godless" Communism than a forcing of christianity upon the people of the United States.

So children all across America, no matter their faith or lack thereof, would sing and praise the birth of the Christ. No such assemblies were called to honor any other deity, nor would it have ever been considered by the powers that be. I am sure we wouldn't have minded too much if the schools had been closed for Bhudda's birthday, or Abraham's, or Zeus for that matter. And if there were feasts and gifts to be endured..all the better.

As kids we weren't too concerned with the correctness of the carol singing or the theological and legal aspects of the public display of religion in school. Christmas was about something more important and universal than mere ideology. It was all about having fun.

Oh Holy Night: Choir Practice