Changes

In the United States, during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. Meanwhile, the relatively unimportant Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which falls at about the same time, evolved to become a sort of Jewish counterpart to Christmas. In workplaces and public dialog, the two celebrations were referred to as "the holiday season."  

In the United States, during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. Meanwhile, the relatively unimportant Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which falls at about the same time, evolved to become a sort of Jewish counterpart to Christmas. In workplaces and public dialog, the two celebrations were referred to as "the holiday season."  

The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned over the years. Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic, initially refused to sing ''White Christmas'' because of its having been written by a Jew and containing no explicitly religious content; he changed his mind; the song become his greatest hit.

The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned periodically over the years. Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic, initially refused to sing ''White Christmas'' because of its having been written by a Jew and containing no explicitly religious content; he changed his mind; the song become his greatest hit.

Fox News pundits John Gibson and Bill O'Reilly claim that Christmas has come under attack by "liberals."

Fox News pundits John Gibson and Bill O'Reilly claim that Christmas has come under attack by "liberals."