Long Time Shopper Dissappointed...

Ha, you're probably better off not shopping at Kohl's this season. I
went in and picked out the one thing I needed (took 10 minutes)then
proceeded to the checkout. What a joke! There are two cashiers on each
side of the store with lines running all around the store. I looked
down at my $20.00 item and decided that my time was worth more than
that, so I left! No problem, didn't need to spend the money anyway.

Look.. Happy Stinking Holidays...Bah Humbug. Who cares if they say
Merry Christmas or not? Christians are not the only ones spending
money in thier store. People will sue over any thing. So hence the
reason for the generic greeting. Get over it and thank our Politicaly
Correct Nation.

If you're done thumping your bible now, please come down off of your
soap box and go back to swiping your credit card. Christmas has
nothing to do with Jesus or your god. Most of the things associated
with Christmas were derived from the Pagan's, the Christian's stole it
and tried to put their own spin on it.

Stores saying CHRISTmas offends me and MY freedom of religion :) I
prefer Xmas. CHRISTians aren't the only people on the planet with
money to spend

Jesus wasn't born December 25. Furthermore, Xmas is a pagan holiday
called Saturnalia given a Christian name.

Know what Christ-mass really means? "Death of Christ."

Jesus is not the reason for the season, Santa is!

dont matter cause you are shopping...right?

Ugh. What a stupid letter!

I am not Christian and I agree with you whole heartedly. People are
trying so hard to include every religion, (which is great) yet they
fail to see that they are starting do discriminate against the
christian religion. If people truly want to include EVERY religion,
then they must not forget about christianity.

First of all, why is it a big deal whether someone says Christmas on
their ads? Who cares where you shop, how long you drive, or how much
money you spend, that's totally on you!
The fact is that retailers are trying to include EVERYONE during the
holiday season...not just the ones that celebrate Christmas. I
personally prefer when someone says "Happy Holidays" because I don't
want anyone assuming whether I celebrate Christmas or not. Christmas
is a holiday, so why not say happy holidays? If all retailers are
doing it, and you decide that you won't shop at any of them that don't
use the word Christmas, I am afraid soon enough you won't have
anywhere to shop. And how does it offend you, that Christmas isn't
used in ads? Why do you take it so personal? You don't need Kohl's or
JC Penney's or Target to mention Christmas for you to believe in
Christmas or whatever you believe in. But I think this is just another
reason why I don't feel compassionate for people like you, and it's
because you complain about retailers who try to include everyone
during the season...rather than just YOU!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

If I were non Christian I'd be more offended that people think I'm
such a whiny little twit that being wished a Merry Christmas would
offend me.

In fact my sister in law is jewish and she is 10 times more offended
that people think it would bother her so much.

Anyone that would be offended by being wished a merry christmas is
lower than dirt. It's two words.

But we have to kowtow to the whiners.

I feel the people that would complain about being wished a merry
christmas are the true whiners.

THOSE ARE WHO NEED TO GET A LIFE!

I myself choose to say Happy Holidays and have for a very long time
because I have friends and relatives of various religions and beliefs.

It does not diminish in any way my Christian belief nor of my love for
HIM.
However I get weary of hearing how some seem not to be able to enjoy
this time of the year because their religion is not singled out and
put first above all others.
What is wrong with including ALL in wishing happiness, health and
peace during this wonderful season no matter what their beliefs may
be?

If you choose not to shop at a store because they have not recognized
your personal relgious belief then shop somewhere else.
Stop making such a big deal of this and get on with your life already.

I don't think the term "Jesus Saves" has to do with finding good
Christmas deals.

"...the real reason that we celebrate this time of the year, THE BIRTH
OF OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST..."

Exactly. And you apparently can't see the hypocrisy of your own
reasoning here, huh?

"This is a huge violation of my freedom of religion. "
Really??? Who violated your freedom? Please quote the section or
article in the Constitution that deals with retail stores and
religion. Or what local or state ordinance the store is violating?
If you can find such a statute then bring it to Kohl's attention if
you can't then keep you bible beating right wing opinions to
yourself.

By the way, during your research look up the bible passages that tells
people how to celebrate Christmas.

...a polite e-mail conversation with the OP.

It's clear to me, from her follow-up posts here and her comments to me
(which I will not quote here) that she's just plain confused. Someone
apparently e-mailed her that Kohl's hates Christians, she went to the
AFA web site (a known hate group) and she believed that somehow
Christianity was under attack.

Not once did she stop to use her brain to think. And when confronted
with a dose of "sense," instead of learning from it, she decided that
we're too opinionated.

The sad part is that I think she really thinks that she's made a sane
argument. And given that she's left, I'm sure she'll just go
somewhere else and spread the misinformation that she's
unwilling/unable to determine is such.

It's people like this that are (in part) the reason why there's so
much backlash against Christians. Someone along the time, a subset of
this population was taught that you're supposed to be stupid.

To those Christians that came out against what the OP is saying: you
are what's right and positive, in my opinion, with Christianity.
Thanks for showing that Christians aren't all as backwards as the OP
and the AFA.

"This is a huge violation of my freedom of religion"

How is this a violation of your freedom of religion? They have every
right to take "CHRIST out of Christmas" as you have every right to put
Christ at the forefront of Christmas. And, if you stop shopping there
because they're taking "CHRIST out of Christmas", then more power to
you. But I love your last line "not going to be shopping there very
much". If you really have a spine you won't be shopping there at all.

Okay folks this is real simple.

1. I really only wanted to come to planetfeedback to voice my opinion
to Kohls. I, just as you, are entitled to an opinion. This is mine.

2. I don't think anyone has the right to make assumptions about me.
Each person has their own "PERSONAL" relationship with the "FATHER"
they chose to follow, but ultimately their is only one FATHER, it's
just who we chose to believe or not believe, for that matter, who HE
is.

3. I do understand where most of you are coming from after reading
through these posts. Honestly, if Kohls was having a Kwanza Sale or
Hanukkah Sale, I don't think it'd discourage me from shopping a sale
if I could save a little bit of money, which I may in turn donate to a
needy family. Will this truly discourage me from shopping Kohls,
probably not. After receiving an email that led me to this
http://www.afa.net/kohls2007.asp, I was just a little disappointed in
them. Perhaps, I should've waited until I wasn't as upset to write
the email and check the share letter box. I don't understand, why for
years retailers called it Christmas and never even thought of
offending anyone. Why now? I guess it's just a sign of the change in
times.

With that said, please celebrate the upcoming days however you chose
to do so. I know what and how I'll be celebrating. To each their
own.

Jesus said:
"I am the door, if anyone enters by me, he will be saved..." John
10:9.

I didn't realize that the door was to Kohl's.

Jesus wouldn't shop at Kohl's anyway.

Jesus was not born on Christmas eve. Also the history of Christianity
is evil and malicious.

Janean,

As a Christian, NOBODY can keep you from celebrating the blessed event
of the day we use to celebrate the birth of our king.

There is the secular Christmas, as well. The one you point out as
starting on Black Friday.
As a Christian, you should be offended that Christ is being taken out
of Christmas.
As an American, you should be offended that retailers are retarded,
and trying to take your job away.

I dont expect the secular world to accept the Christian Christmas. I
wish they would. However, they won't. We're told people will be
offended by Christ. Perhaps much of it is our own fault. Afterall, the
gospel is the message of GOOD news; not pompous religiousities.

I would, however, expect the world to accept the secular Christmas,
which brings in about 50-65% of a retailers annual income. Retailers
need to be reminded that 85-95% of Americans celebrate Christmas.

I always remind retailers that if it were a secular Buddah Day that
represented 75% of the income in the final 25% of the year, I'd wish
someone a Happy Buddah Day; even tho I myself dont celebrate Buddah.

do Christians keep INSISTING that Christ be kept at the center of it
even for those who dont believe that way.

Retailers are, in fact, making sure that they make MORE money by
trying to appeal to everyone by including ALL the holidays. By
focusing on just Christmas they exclude large parts of the population,
contrary to what you might assume.

I live in the south. Just about everyone around here is southern
baptist. So imainge my suprise when I found out, while working in a
party store, that we have a VERY large Jewish population! And let me
tell you, they were a lot more forgiving for having to see and hear
Merry Christmas all the time. There was a very small quantity of
decorations and supplies for THEIR holiday and while shopping for it
they had to listen to Christmas music. But they didnt complain!

I think more "Christians" should pay more attention to other
religions. Learn a little tollerance, acceptance.

There is more than one holiday celebrated at this time of year.

I have nothing against presents at Christmas. I think it's a nice
custom, and I enjoy giving gifts to the people I love. But I don't
fool myself. As a Christian, this is time for me to celebrate Christ's
birth, which I do in ways that don't have anything to do with
shopping. In fact, I'd kinda rather stores adopt the "Happy Holidays"
and include everyone in their well-wishing than a hollow "Merry
Christmas", because Christmas itself should not be a reason to be
shopping in the first place anyway. I think that separating Christmas
from credit card debt is actually one of the biggest things Christians
can do to try to reverse some of the negatvity the rest of the world
associates with us. Give gifts. Receive gifts. Shop til you drop. It's
fun. But don't hassle a cashier or a company or other shoppers for not
joining in with your delusion that any of that has anything to do with
Jesus. It doesn't.

"Taking CHRIST out of CHRISTmas offends me. This is a huge violation
of my freedom of religion."

Did you stop to think that Kohl's is not appealing to just one set of
religion beliefs this HOLIDAY SEASON? What about all those shoppers
that celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Would you like it if all the
retailers this season had "Happy Hanukkah" ads isntead of "Merry
Christmas".

If you are so religious show me in the Bible where Christmas is all
about shopping and exchanging gifts.

Religion is a personal relationship with "God", let's keep it that
way.

This Weekend!
Only At Kohls!

Accept Christ as your personal Saviour at the register and recieve a
FREE gift!!

** while supplies last**

I know I am probably going to catch a LOT of flack for this (please be
gentle, I'm having a rough month), but here is the thing about
Christmas.
No one knows for sure when Jesus was born. It is very unlikely that
Jesus was born in December, since the bible records shepherds tending
their sheep in the fields on that night. This is quite unlikely to
have happened during a cold Judean winter.
I asked my bosses youngest daughter the other day (she goes to a
parochial school) what Christmas was about and she said it was about
giving and helping those that can't help themselves. At this Catholic
school, there is no mention of it being Jesus's birthday (for the
above noted reason) and as such they are taught about the good things
this time of year represents.
Just as every person has the right to believe in a holiday/religious
ceremony so does every store. If you don't like it, then take your
money elsewhere.

Okay I'm no longer Christian but I did learn something in all those
years of Sunday school.

Here it is:
CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT SHOPPING

What?!!? I know, hard to believe isn't it!?!

I am sick to death of all you whiny Christians complaining about how
you can't shop somewhere because the won't plaster everything in
"Merry Christmas"

Your Bible does not tell you to put up a Pagan tree and spend a years
salary on presents. If you were a real Christian you'd know that
Christmas isn't about presents and Jesus preached TOLERANCE and
understanding.

Since you obviously believe YOUR holiday is the only one that matters
I would be remiss not to educate you about the dozen or so other
holidays which also fall in December.

DECEMBER 2007

* 2,9,16,23
o Sundays of Advent - Christian
* 5-12
o Hanukkah * - Jewish
* 6
o Saint Nicholas Day - Christian
* 8
o Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) ** - Buddhist
o Immaculate Conception - Catholic
* 12
o Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic
* 16
o Posadas Navidenas begins - Christian
* 18
o Hajj begins * - Islam
* 20
o Eid al Adha * - Islam
* 21
o St. Thomas Day - Christian
* 22 Winter Solstice
o Yule -
o Yule * - Wicca/Neo Pagan northern hemisphere
o Litha * - Wicca/Neo Pagan southern hemisphere
* 25
o Christmas * - Christian
o Feast of the Nativity ** - Orthodox Christian
* 26
o Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra)
Zoroastrian
o St Stephen's Day - Christian
* 28
o Holy Innocents - Christian
* 30
o Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian
* 31
o Watch Night - Christian

* 1 Jan. Kwanza

So get over yourself and your Pagan inspired holiday.

Shut up.

Shut up.

Shut up.

Why do the most uneducated feel the need to preach and be preached to
the most?

I sincerely hope this is the last of the pathetic attemps SATisfy
ANgry Christians.

"Until Kohls does I'm not going to be shopping there very much this
CHRISTMAS."

*VERY MUCH*? Well then it sounds like you'll still be going there
regardless, so either grow a set and actually "boycott" them because
you have such "strong beliefs" or shut up.

That's okay, Janean, I'm greatly offended by christians who want to
make sure they are the only holiday acknowledged at this time of year.
Personally speaking, I like the fact that it is becoming more
acceptable to have non-Christman celebrations this time of year.

I remember when I was a little bit, the small number of jews in the
area had to celebrate hanuakah on the QT because the local christians
- the ones that are all about peace, love and acceptance - made it
very clear that even discreet menorahs would result in their homes
being egged and TP'd. Now, there is a menorah, a Star of David and
other objects that are 'not christian' in the city sponsored light
show down in the park. Not everyone approves, but most people don't
even notice any longer it's become such a familiar and accepted
addition. I say that's a sign of progress.

Not to mention my own preference for Solstice celebrations. I give out
candles and plants (mostly fake, but some real to close friends and
family) to the secretaries at the schools where I substitute. I
recieve mostly a positive response, with many questions - both from
the other teachers and the students - of the significance of the
gifts. I say that is another sign of progress. Sorry to hear that you
disagree.

I think Jesus would forgive Kohls. Not that *I* have the gall to speak
on his behalf, but from the life he lead it just seems like a silly
thing to complain about.

It's NOT just a "Christian" holiday season, Jesus himself was Jewish
and probably would frown on this commercial holiday. He probably
celebrated Channukah, according to the Hebrew Calendar anyway.

As a "Christian", you have the right to shop where you wish. Perhaps
your Church could lead you to "Christian Owned and Operated" gift
shops, so you know for certain, the pockets you line with profits are
going exactly where you want them.

It's not a violation of your freedom of religion. Just because you go
there doesn't mean the store has to have the same views as you do.
Celebrate Christmas at home and don't worry about what the stores do.
Also, why do you say Christmas is the real reason we celebrate this
time of year? I'm sure Jewish people would think that Hanukkah is a
real reason too. Try to be more tolerant.
Sorry, I don't mean to lecture, but it's a sore spot with me.

Ah, Tis the Season of shoving one Religion down every one's throats.
You don't see the Jewish or Buddhist getting ticked that every thing
says "Merry Christmas" (And YES! "Merry Christmas" is EVERYWHERE!).
Look, do your self a favor and DON'T buy ANYTHING for ANYONE in your
family. Give to the poor and homeless instead. I will admit I have
NEVER read the Bible. But even I know that Jesus is about Love and
Understanding. And that he would rather you GIVE to the Poor/homeless
than gripe about whether or not something says "Merry Christmas" or
"Happy Holidays". From what I do know, (Please, nicely, correct me if
I am wrong) Jesus was AGAINST Big Religion and more for helping
others.


Um... Now that I think about it, it sounds a lot like the Dali Lama.

I used to think like you and get mad when retailers did this.


Then I had an epiphany CHRISTMAS is not about presents, it is about
family and faith.

To retailers, is is all about their God. The almighty greenback, and
the faith they have in you spending it at their store.

I am not huge into gifts on the Holidays, I used to be all about
giving the biggest and the best, now I am all about spending it with
family, that is why I usually give my children a couple small things,
then take them on a lavish vacation.

You are still free to celebrate any holiday, practice any religion and
worship any god all you want, as little as you want and how you want.
Kohls did not violate you in anyway and they have not prevented you in
celebrating Christ on CHRISTmas.

If you do change your mind and actually shop at Kohls for CHRISTmas
here are a few things you might want to purchase:
~Red "Merry CHRISTmas" Rug
~Jolly Friends "Merry CHRISTmas" Placemat
~Holiday Memories White CHRISTmas 22-oz. Jar Candle
~Merry CHRISTmas Print
~Carter's® "Baby's 1st CHRISTmas" Reindeer Sleep Bag

Well I hope you work a few things out with yourself and enjoy the
wonderful HOLIDAY Season.

Get a life and go with it!

This is the 2nd or 3rd year with this now, I don't know why everyone
isn't used to it yet. Times are changing.

This is something I don't get... There's lots of holidays in this
season, Christmas is one of the many. "Happy Holidays" includes
Christmas. Why go out of your way to tick people off by excluding
everyone else?

If you were at a double wedding, would you only wish happiness to one
couple and blow off the other one?

Kohl's has a right to use whatever holiday greeting they want. You
can walk around saying "Merry Christmas" to anyone you like. Nobody
is stopping you. They are not going to throw you out if you say it in
their store. What are you upset about?

You want to put the christ back in christmas? Great! You can start in
your home!

First, take out your yule tree (known as a christmas tree to those who
dont know history) because it has pagan roots. Jesus was not pagan (at
least... according to the bible) and i thought christmas was about
celebrating the birth of christ.

Secondly, forgo gift giving all together and you and your family
should volunteer at a shelter for orphans. As I say that, it saddens
me to think that there are so many children out there who dont even
get to celebrate the holidays, because they have no one. I would think
the last thing on their minds is what stupid holiday greeting a store
chooses to use.

Also, just answer me this, why is it so offense to you that a store
chooses to wish EVERYONE of ALL FAITHS (since you so kindly pointed
out that in the US we have freedom of religion) to have a happy
holiday season? So many holidays are around this time, so why should
Christians be the ONLY ones to have a happy one?

And lastly, this is in NO WAY infringing on your freedom of religion.
You aren't being punished for believing. No one is telling you what
you should or should not believe in (i wish the same courtesy was
extended to non-believers...) No laws are being made based on a
religion that you don't even believe in (i wish I could say the same
about the way some of our lawmakers think... hmm)

So, on that note, since I respect your choices in faith, whether or
not they are the same as mine, I hop e you have a very happy holiday
season, and safe travels if you live in an area that has crappy
weather :)

I guess to you Jesus Christ is all about spending money and
presents....And not saying Christmas is not a huge violation of your
freedom of religion. By you saying that Christ is OUR savior is
violating my freedom of religion...think about it.

I'm really tired of you holier than thou people that think if people
don't believe as you do we're not as good as you. If you were a true
Christian, you'd understand what Christmas is about.

I'm of the opinion that those who protest the loudest about this
issue, such as Janean, usually know very little about the history of
their religion, and they cling very tightly to what little they do
know.

Either way they cannot win! If they don't post CHRIST in the ad, you
will complain. If the do post CHRIST in the ad, someone else will
complain. Are you any better then the other whiner? Don't get me
wrong, I'm all for saying merry CHRISTMAS, but I really do not think
it's worth getting all worked up over!

I was wondering when this type of letter was going to rack the Top 25.
I mean, really, it's December 2 and nobody has decided to jump on
their soapbox? I'm disappointed! (Not really)

If you're so offended if a retailer does not use "Christmas", then you
really ought to give Penney's another shot. Every year they send out
the "Christmas Wish Book" in the beginning of October.

BTW, "freedom of religion" means that you can worship whatever or
whomever you choose with no hinderance from the government. Get over
yourself and realize that if Kohls decided to use the word "Christmas"
then some devout Athiest would be writing your letter for you. You
can't please everyone all the time. Deal with it.

I fail to understand how you can call yourself a "loyal shopper" when
you would stop shopping there over this. That is not loyalty, it's
fickleness because they aren't bending to your preferences.

And the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for YOUR season. Not the
Jewish who celebrate Hanukkah or Africans who celebrate Kwanzaa or
anyone else that doesn't observe Christmas. Kohl's is trying not to
insult or alienate any of their customers, so they are keeping neutral
about it.

And you saying that Kohl's not saying "Christmas" is a "huge violation
of my religious freedom." Do you really not see how asinine it is to
equate YOUR religious freedom with Kohl's decision not to say Merry
Christmas? YOU can do whatever you like, but you have no right to
dictate what Kohl's marketing decides to say. As I said earlier,
that's not loyalty, that's self-absorption and ignorance.

I honestly don't understand this. I am a Christian and I love
Christmas. For me, it's a time to get together with family and
celebrate the true meaning. However, stores and such - that's just the
commercial side. Actually, I would prefer them not to be trying to
make a profit by using Christ. Let the stores do what they want, it
doesn't change Christmas for me.

Early Merry Christmas!

This isn't a reason to stop shopping at Kohl's. If you want
Christmas, put up a frigging tree and dot some decorations around.
Send some cards. Make a gingerbread house. While you are at it, why
don't you go to church and share your thoughts with fellow
parishoners. Spend some quality time with your family. Visit a
relative's grave.

Christ is in your heart, not the Kohl's sale circular.

First, freedom of religion is something that the government can't
infringe on. Not having the word "Christ" in ads paid for by
corporations could not possibly be a violation of your freedom of
religion.

Second, if in fact you had the right to have your religion referenced
in advertising, so would other people. I imagine that you wouldn't
mind too much when it comes to Passover and Ramadan -- those come from
religions with a lot in common with Christianity -- but do you really
think you'd be more comfortable with Christ popping up in ads at this
time of year and then, say, Satan showing up in the advertising a few
months later? Christians do not have the special right to suppress
the expression of other religions; freedom from oppression is not the
same as freedom to oppress.

Third, there are at least two kinds of Christmas celebrations in the
US these days: religious and materialistic. The facts that they have
the same name, that they occur at the same time, and that they both
incorporate aspects of earlier religions in their celebrations does
not make them the same. While I understand that the distinctions may
not be all that apparent to people who celebrate neither holiday, I
would expect you, as a Christian and a shopper, to be able to tell the
difference between celebrating the entry of Christ into this world and
celebrating $49.99 iPods in stores that open at 2 am.

I would also expect you to recognize that there are some people who
take the religious celebration of Christmas seriously and therefore
don't want blasphemous references to Jesus Christ in circulars trying
to get us to buy Uggs. In fact, if I recall correctly, Jesus was not
especially pleased to discover that the Temple had become a
marketplace; I don't think we should dismiss out of hand the
possibility that He would be displeased to discover that we have made
temples out of our marketplaces and are now debating the appropriate
liturgies of advertising.

And don't those Christians, the ones to whom maxing out their credit
cards does not count as a sacrament, also deserve to have their
religion respected?

In the spirit of ecumenicalism, I would just like to say hi to anyone
who may be reading and who is a follower of the god Pan. Have fun
this winter, y'all! (To those people whose gods did not show up in
this post at all, I'm sorry: I did not mean to oppress you.)

Oh Please! Freedom of religion means you are free to worship as you
want and has nothing to do with retail advertising.

Yet another person who is insecure in their religion...

This one should shoot up the Top 25.

Jesus may have died for you sins, but right now, He doesn't like you
very much.

Are you really saying that you equate Christ with buying stuff at
unbelievable bargains?

Does Jesus equal clothes shopping, to you?

I cannot possible believe that you are a real Christian, since anyone
who really loved Jesus Christ would NEVER demand that a store invoke
his name to sell bras and panties.

Sorry, Janean, but I'm not buying that you really care one bit about
Christ.

Oh, and by the way, how in the world does NOT putting "Christ" in an
advertisement violate your freedom of religion? It doesn't. The mere
fact that you make this statement indicates that you haven't bothered
to actually put any brain power to this.

Sheesh.

Get over yourself. It is not all about you.

There is also NO violation of freedom of religion. Freedom of
religion means that YOU can worship whatever religion YOU want, not
that everyone has to cater to your religion.