GB said:
I am sure you did not mean it this way, but I find this statement very insulting. A lot of people assume that everyone celebrates Christmas (I do know that is not what you said), but the fact is that a lot of people do not. Another fact is even when you tell people you are not Christian they still assume you at least celebrate Christmas. I can not tell you how many times I have told someone I was Jewish so I don't have a Christmas tree and they don't believe me. They flat out do not believe that anyone would not have a Christmas tree no matter what I say.
I do not think that every single holiday needs to be recognized. I think that would be impossible like you say. I do think, however, that it needs to be recognized that not everyone celebrates the most popular holiday and that the world does not need to stop because a majority of the people in the US do celebrate it. Why should people who don't celebrate it be forced to stay at home and not do the normal things they would like to do just because others feel no one should have to work on their holiday?
I am loathe to insult anyone but a few thoughts come to mind on this topic, aside from those I've already penned.
Typically, the word 'society' is what 3/4 of the people do 3/4 of the tiime. In the United States, society celebrates christmas, either as a religious holiday, as a secular holiday (like thanksgiving) or simply as a means to celebrate the winter solstice, which is where the entire celebration at December's end truly originated.
Some time ago, the federal government decided to make the celebration a national holiday. Society is used to this idea. Certain traditions, both religious and national, are followed. It's unfortunate that anyone feels insulted or neglected that they cannot do the things they normally do on a holiday they do not celebrate. In keeping with a spirit of respect and tolerance (and I have mountains to say on that particular word), some people simply have to go with the flow of society. It's part of living in a country where diversity is prevelant.
Several examples, if I may....I live in Bergen County, NJ. This is one of the few remaining counties in the country that keep blue laws on the books. With the exception of supermarkets, theatres and restaurants, nothing is open in this county on Sunday. No shopping for any of us. Now I could move to another county, or shop in another county. I could even vote my disapproval. I knew the gig when I moved here. I deal with it, enjoying the lack of heavy traffic one day every week.
I live near Teaneck, NJ. Teaneck has a large jewish population. Most of the shops on Cedar Lane cater to hebrew diets, jewish faith customs. There is a hat store I like to frequent. However, they close every Friday afternoon and don't reopen till Monday because of their faith and that of most of their customers. Unfortunate for me, but again, I adapt. I do this out of respect for my fellow countrymen who simply do things a different way.
I don't see the opening of shops on christmas as an answer to people who feel they have a right to do whatever they want on a day most people would like nothing better than to be home. I see it as another loss for the people of this country. I see it as a further gap in the lives of people who live shoulder to shoulder with each other, never even getting the name of a neighbour. I see it as another tradition gone the way of block parties and welcome wagons. I see it as dollars having more weight than the needs and desire of society. I understand progress and I can easily accept change when I see it benefits society. I just don't see this as being the case here.
Finally, for anyone who truly feels put upon by not being able to live life as you normally would on December 25, please consider this. It is just one day out of 365. It's a very small inconvenience to endure when you consider how happy it makes so many other people. I believe that if more people would consider that, and not just in regards to christmas, but anything that others do that you do not...I believe more people would truly feel more peace in their lives, overall.
please pardon my political incorrectness....
I apologize to anyone who feels that way because of what I posted. 
