UPDATE: Comedian David Spade has taken a firm stance against what he describes as a growing trend of avoiding the word “Christmas” in holiday celebrations. During a recent episode of his podcast, “Fly on the Wall,” with co-host Dana Carvey, Spade expressed outrage over a mall tree-lighting ceremony that completely omitted any mention of Christmas, calling it a significant cultural shift.
Spade’s comments, aired on December 3, 2023, have ignited immediate discussion across social media platforms. He stated, “I couldn’t believe the wording… It is December, and I saw the other day there was a tree-lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in some dopey mall, but it said tree-lighting ceremony.” His disbelief resonated with many listeners, as he questioned the intent behind the deliberate omission of the term “Christmas.”
The comedian went on to criticize this trend, suggesting that the holiday is facing undue criticism: “Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately,” he added. Spade and Carvey shared their disbelief that anyone would feel offended by the presence of a Christmas tree, with Spade urging listeners to “stop that bulls—.”
This conversation comes in the wake of similar controversies, particularly highlighted in Portland, where the city’s annual tree-lighting event drew criticism for not using the word “Christmas.” After public backlash, Portland’s Mayor Keith Wilson clarified that the event is officially a “Christmas Tree Lighting,” attempting to quell the discontent.
The comedians also touched upon a broader societal issue, with Spade lamenting what he perceives as an “anti-Christian feel” permeating the culture. He pointed out that while Christianity is often criticized, other religions do not face the same scrutiny. “Is this where we get the hammer? You can’t say that about anyone else,” he remarked.
In a stark turn, Spade referenced the plight of Christians facing persecution abroad, specifically mentioning Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He highlighted a report from International Christian Concern that documented rising violence against Christians in these regions, emphasizing that “this is not the year to be Christian.” His remarks reflect a growing concern over religious freedoms globally, particularly in areas marked by conflict and extremism.
As the conversation unfolded, Carvey noted how the holiday has evolved into a more secular celebration in the United States, yet he maintained that for many, Christmas still holds significant religious meaning. “If you’re of faith, it’s about Christianity,” he stated, underscoring the mixed feelings many have about the holiday’s representation.
Spade concluded their discussion by reiterating his initial frustration: “We can call it a Christmas tree… You’re not allowed to slam someone else’s religion.” His passionate plea reflects a larger cultural conversation about inclusivity versus tradition, making this a developing story that resonates with many Americans.
As these discussions continue to unfold, it remains crucial to watch how public events will adapt to cultural sensitivities in the lead-up to the holiday season. Spade’s candid remarks have struck a chord, prompting many to question the implications of language in holiday celebrations.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story, as the conversation about Christmas and its representation in public life is far from over.
