Editor:

Many customs have become associated with Christmas since the reason for this great season was born more than 2,000 years ago. The birth of Christ changed the world and offered hope and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Today, however, some people don’t want to identify the greatest of all holidays by its name. Yes, retailers want Christmas gift-giving to keep growing, but some of them have reverted to referring to the Christmas season as “the holidays.” Of course, the true meaning of Christmas is not the gift-giving, decorations or parties. But activities in honor of the Christmas season should always be identified as such.

I plan to stop shopping in stores that do not clearly identify the Christmas season. In the United States, as many as 75 percent of the people identify themselves as Christians. This great season needs to be given the respect it is due.

There will be no “Happy Holidays” from me. My greetings and observances will always be identified with a big “Merry Christmas.”

John G. Kines Jr.

Disputanta