No offense, but ‘Merry Christmas'

To the editor: An observation on the upcoming holiday season: Granted, there are several festivals celebrated during the winter but as far as I know, only Christmas is associated with a decorated evergreen tree. Last week, the paper advertised that the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony would be held in the village. Ironically, the reason there will be a tree-lighting was found on the same page below that article, in an ad for a musical entitled “Two From Galilee.” Have we politically corrected ourselves to such an extent that we cannot say Christmas tree, carol, pageant or, heaven forbid, Merry Christmas, without offending someone? When we have the Menorah lighting, will it be a winter-lighting ceremony? One other note: the word “holiday” is derived from the Old English word for “holy day.” The Thought Police better watch out! Miriam Muse Warwick