Xmas Spirit Translates Better in Foreign Tongue: Keillor

Religious holiday's originis too wild to tame into commercialism

(NEWSER) - Christmas’ religious meaning is lost in a sea of advertising, parties, and major retail dollars, but Easter has resisted becoming a “consumerist nightmare”—and that’s because its Christian origins demand serious thought, writes James Martin in Slate. While “the Christmas story is easily reduced to pablum,” Easter’s story of crucifixion and resurrection is “relentlessly disconcerting,” Martin observes. More»

Carolers crash tree lighting as Catholics hold competing event

(NEWSER) - When Scott Walker rechristened Wisconsin’s Capitol "holiday tree" a "Christmas tree," the atheists revolted ; now, in Rhode Island, the opposite is happening. When the governor unveiled the Statehouse "holiday tree," angry carolers crashed last night's tree lighting, interrupting a children's chorus to sing "O Christmas Tree." Meanwhile, a block away, the local Catholic diocese held a competing Christmas tree lighting. More»

Fantasy gifts for 2011 unveiled in 'Christmas Book'

(NEWSER) - It’s that time of year again: time for Neiman Marcus to say, “Recession? What recession?” and urge you to purchase a $250,000 mahogany speedboat for your beloved this Christmas. Yes, the Christmas Book was unveiled yesterday. To really get into the holiday spirit, read on for the highlights, via AP :

• $1 million: A cool mil will get you a fountain, apparently with water that dances to music, installed in your home.
• $420,000: Private jet tour of European flower shows.

Baptist pastor won't tolerate 'minority voices'

(NEWSER) - A Dallas megachurch is getting downright Black Peter and landing like a ton of coal on stores that aren't celebrating Christmas. "Politically correct" establishments shying away from the Christian holiday get no peace and goodwill from the First Baptist Church . Instead, Pastor Robert Jeffress has launched a " Grinch Alert " website that alerts his followers to businesses that "don't show outward signs of supporting Christmas." One bank bowed to the pressure and ended up erecting a Christmas tree in its lobby. Jeffress said his church won't tolerate "voices of a minority who object to the holiday." As the Dallas Observer notes: "He's talking to you, Lone Star Judaica. " More»

Atheists battle Catholics in ad war

(NEWSER) - Just in time for Christmas ... a giant New Jersey billboard is challenging the existence of God. "You know it's a myth," says the atheist ad that appears over the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, featuring an image of the Magi traveling to a nativity scene. "This season, celebrate reason." The debate, of course, isn't ending there. A Catholic group has erected its own billboard on the Manhattan entrance to the tunnel reading: "You know it's real" over pictures of Mary and Joseph. More»