As the Christmas shopping season went into full swing in 2005, I sensed that journalists in general have a strong preference for using the term "holiday shopping" instead of "Christmas shopping" when covering business and commerce, but that when it came to people losing their jobs, they preferred to describe layoffs as relating to "Christmas."
My instincts have been proven correct, as you can see below from the results of three different sets of Google News searches in November and December in each of the last three years (links to last year's related posts are here, here, and here; 2006's are here, here, and here; 2005's are here, here, and here):
2005-2007 News stories have overwhelmingly preferred "holiday shopping" on the commerce side, but have used "Christmas" over twice as frequently in articles about layoffs.
I've decided to continue to track the same items this year to see if the trend continues or changes.
Based on the first set of Google News searches during this Christmas season (done tonight at roughly 9 PM ET), the early conclusion is "mostly, yes":
The continued upward creep in using "holiday shopping season" for commerce continues. Meanwhile, "Christmas" is still used with over two times as much frequency in stories about layoffs, in a year in which, thanks to the POR (Pelosi-Obama-Reid) Economy, there will probably be many more layoffs than in the past. The percentage usage for Christmas layoffs has dropped, and it will be interesting to see if that lower percentage holds.
But for now, what I concluded during the past three years is again proving to be true in 2008:
It seems beyond dispute that there is a strong bias against using the word "Christmas" to describe not only the shopping season, as noted above, but also events, parades, and festivals that happen during the Christmas season. There is, however, a bit of an exception -- "Christmas" is a word that is much more acceptable to use when "Scrooge" employers are letting people go.
Cross-posted at BizzyBlog.com.
—Tom Blumer is president of a training and development company in Mason, Ohio, and is a contributing editor to NewsBusters
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Well Tom
November 25, 2008 - 22:32 ET by shawn228Bottom line doesn't 58% more people use Holiday layoffs than Christmas layoffs in 08?
He had my vote
If treatment were consistent between shopping and layoffs ....
November 25, 2008 - 22:53 ET by Tom Blumer.... the percentages in the two tables would be the same. They're not, though they are (so far) closer than in previous years. So why refer to Christmas 2-3x more often in association with something negative?
Another point, only based on Round 1 from this and previous years: "Christmas shopping season" is a term that is declining so quickly in use that it might disappear completely in about 6 years. In three years it has declined from 15.2% to 10.1%. Six more years of similar percentage declines and it's gone.
Holiday vs. Christmas
November 25, 2008 - 22:52 ET by PopularTechPolitical Correctness will destroy us all (only if we let it). Use your freedom of speech.
Censored Global Warming Videos
Repeat a phrase or word
November 25, 2008 - 23:06 ET by bigtimerRepeat a phrase or word often enough...it becomes so.
Agenda.... agenda... agenda...
PC is the death of this county in the long run.
The lemmings will rule for the communist goals.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Holiday vs Christmas
November 25, 2008 - 23:36 ET by merlin61Using Christmas to define job losses and misery
evokes drama,gloom and doom. Holiday to
describe "Christmas or Easter" disses religion
and puffs up the "politically correct citizens"
egos. Yes, the agenda is down with religion of
any denomination and unity and compliance
with liberal b.s., right or wrong must be
adhered to. If you disagree with the politically
correct, you are beneath their self-designated
authority and intelligence. They command
it, you must respect it. No arguments allowed.
I Already Figured Out The "War On Christmas" Is A Scam...
November 25, 2008 - 23:38 ET by The7SticksIf there's one thing that irritates me more than anything in the world, it is con artists who are trying to trick you into believing there is a so-called "War on Christmas." It's simply not true because I have seen through the lies. These incidents, that groups like Liberty Counsel or Focus On The Family try to pull out of their hats, are isolated incidents as far as I can tell. I say Merry Christmas all the time during the Christmas season, which is especially noteworthy as I have written before I am an agnostic Jew. That means I am not prejudice against religion, I am prejudice against certain groups that try to use religion as a means to scam people. For example, did you know that Focus On The Family has made videos instructing children at how to throw away Christmas catalogues that don't mention the word "Christmas"? Or that Liberty Counsel tries to hawk shoddy wares claiming that you support "Christmas" even though, overwhelmingly, common sense says there is no war on Christmas. They're just trying to scam you out of the money you would have otherwise used to buy some Christmas presents for your loved ones. I know I'm not falling for it and I have a lot of gift giving to do for my family and friends. So for that, I say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God Bless Us, Everyone.
P.S.: I do apologize for some of the anti-Catholic Church comments I made even though I still don't like some of the Church's teachings, but I realize in retrospect I went over the line. I'm trying to learn to be a little more tolerant and it's kind of hard when you are lonely and have such bitter feelings
Dude!...
November 25, 2008 - 23:48 ET by MightyMouthYou can't both bash and then apologize to the Catholics in the same post! It's like saying: "you're an A$$Hole, and I am really sorry for saying that". Grow a pair!!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Isolated incidents
November 25, 2008 - 23:50 ET by bigtimerIsolated incidents 7sticks...
I think not, you may want to check into the ACLU along with some other groups including of course the NEA to see all the law-suits they have filed, let alone the intimidation of the schools of not beinng allowed to sing any carols that have the word Christmas in it...ect, another never ending bunch of BS.
This is something nobody should ever have to even think twice about, it used to be a given... it still should be.
Think of the bell-ringers for the Salvation Army...look what has happened to them with some businesses, the greatest giving organization that I give to yearly, it has been absolutely disgraceful, they hurt nobody, they give to all in need.
Merry Christmas to you too btw.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
7 sticks you are completely
November 25, 2008 - 23:50 ET by porpoiseboydelusional if you think there is not a concerted effort by the pc of this world ( mostly left ) to remove anything resembling christianity from the public square. i hear almost every day from some fvkng pundit on the left how the religious aspect of christmas is a personal and private matter and should be kept that way. your supposed personal feelings on this matter and your prejudice against christian organizations is quite obvious, despite your pleadings to the contrary. you ARE anti christian...and although i do appreciate your attempt to "learn to be more tolerant", uh....well, you have a ways to go.
cheers
"Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason" Ben Franklin
Ecclesiastes 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left
and not only that stick man...
November 26, 2008 - 00:01 ET by porpoiseboyhere is a little example of how bad it has gotten...a whole college banning all "holiday expressions". why? because they are afraid of the "christmas monster". period. btw, if anyone is or knows anyone paying to send their kids to this school...get your money back!!
http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7946917&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.1.1
"Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason" Ben Franklin
Ecclesiastes 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left
I've got to close out...but
November 26, 2008 - 00:10 ET by bigtimerI've got to close out...but I am also going to throw in the Manger /scenes/settings, or the Holiday Tree vs the Christmas Tree...on and on...(we could include being banned from saying a prayer before a football game) or the Pledge of Allegiance.
Th enemy within all want the same result for all mentioned.
This county has gone mad, insanity at it's best.
Good by freedom, hello Marxism..no other polite way to put it anymore...ship by ship, that is the agenda.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Poor Bitter 7sticks
November 26, 2008 - 10:37 ET by Mike76What irritates me are con-artists who are trying to trick you into believing that there isn't a war on Christmas. Your hatred of Christianity shines through every word of your post, "7sticks,"
If you're an "agnostic Jew," then why the user name, "7sticks," referring to the Menorah?? Could it be because you are a lying left wing Jewish liberal who hates Christianity? Could it be that you're not really an "agnostic," but hate Christianity as most left wingers do? Sure seems that way.
Be a good boy, and try not to spit on any Christians or Christian Churches this Christmas season, mkay, "7sticks?" TY.
Merry Christmas Y'all
November 26, 2008 - 00:37 ET by TN MomAs for me and my house....we will ALWAYS say 'Merry Christmas'! I think I'll step it up a notch this year; I'm going to change my voicemail message (cell phone & office phone) as well as my office & personal emails to add Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Christmas
November 26, 2008 - 02:43 ET by MichiganVetGood Lord - what is happening to the United States? The 10 Commandments cannot he shown in public, manger scenes cannot be on public property, remove GOD from our currency and now this "holiday" tripe?
I heard GWB welcome back the 101st from the middle east and he ended his speech asking God to Bless Our Troops and God Bless America. Has anyone ever heard the president-elect every say "God Bless America" .... or mention God at all?
Have America elected the Anti-Christ?
I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy
not one person i asked...
November 26, 2008 - 20:25 ET by clinging to my guns and my religion...can give me any example of a time they heard "o" profess his love for God or America! i asked a whole slew of folks, many of whom supported him! if anyone can refute this, i'd be thrilled to hear it!!
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Edmund Burke
His love is for BLT, not
November 26, 2008 - 20:33 ET by Clear thinkerHis love is for BLT, not God. However, I think he will say he loves his country once he has turned it into a communist state.
Time To Man-Up America
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
amen, c.t.!
November 26, 2008 - 21:06 ET by clinging to my guns and my religionenjoyed the post, "time to man-up america"; thanks. not to go off-thread, but in answer to the post's question, "Why do you think women are taking a more active roll in preserving a more Conservative country?", i say, "i'm a crack shot - literally and figuratively - because i want my children to be protected, and i cannot count on anyone else to do it but me!"
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Edmund Burke
Good evening CT and clinging
November 26, 2008 - 21:28 ET by cocodrieI also am clinging to mine.
If Hussein Obama ever calls on his god I don't think it will be the God I worship.
For 20 years he listened to Wright call on his god to damn America and whites. The god of this world (satan)is the one who wants to destroy America and us.
My God only wants the best for us and may He bless you and yours.
ditto...
November 26, 2008 - 21:39 ET by clinging to my guns and my religion...cocodrie! i was speaking with my mother the other night and expressing my dismay at the current state of affairs. upon my noting to her that, with the way America has turned away from Him, we don't deserve God's blessings, she reminded me that no one deserves God's blessings, but we have God's blessings through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. it was a powerful reminder that, no matter how we may be persecuted here on earth by the "pc police", we will ultimately prevail in Heaven!!
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle." Edmund Burke
It's really hilarious when
November 26, 2008 - 06:56 ET by motherbeltIt's really hilarious when you stop and think about it:
A whole "secular" story develops around Christmas so that people can celebrate it without all that pesky religion stuff, and then that also becomes taboo. DittoEaster...even the secular Easter Bunny is now taboo.
And I know we're realy talking about Christmas, but no one mentioned Thanksgiving, which is now often referred to as "Turkey Day"....an alien arriving from Mars would assume that it is a day in honor of food and football....
And if gratitude is ever mentioned, we are encouraged not to give thanks, (because that implies someone to give thanks TO) but the passive "be grateful."
The media is becoming the anti-christ.
November 26, 2008 - 07:14 ET by jackie3Sorry for the harsh title but that what appears to be happening. The attack on Christians in the name of "fairness" is out of hand. This is a country founded on religious values. Christian values. Not Jew, not Muslim, not atheist, not Buddhist, not Hindu. Christian values and the intolerance for the founding father's religion which still dominates society is growing more worrisome IMHO. And I say this as a “Christian-Buddhist“--I'm not even "Christian" as defined and I find it disturbing. I kind of mix two religions into one.
The reason I find it disturbing is because it shows a total lack of respect for another person's faith. It also shows the cracks in the foundation of morale values. The separation of state and church has a gray line because church or religion is the morale compass of a society.
I see two problems with the Christmas holiday. First it has been high jacked by retail and demoralized into a dreaded season of debt. Second...it's been demoralized even further by attacks on the holiday by non Christians and atheist. Removing the option of prayer in public schools. Removing the 10 commandments from public display. Retail's disguising of the only holiday that will make or break their year as a "holiday" instead of a religious holiday.
Christmas will eventually go back to it's value, its true meaning but only after retail is removed from the equation. 90 percent of all humans on the face of the planet believe in a high being. That faith will not fade with the economy or government laws. It will only grow stronger.
I would say ignore the atheist, the self pitiful and say "Merry Christmas." This is America and we have the right to worship in anyway we choose!
Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
It's really sad to see that Christmas has been compromised.
November 26, 2008 - 08:58 ET by c5thenIt's interesting historically to read that Christmas wasn't really publically celebrated until the late 1800's and early 1900's. It didn't really "kick in" until WW1 and then in WW2 with gusto. Ever since then it's been more about shopping and buying stuff than about celebrating the birth of our messiah. Now we are getting all wrapped around the axle because the secularists and atheists want to eliminate the "Christmas" word and replace it with "Holiday".
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
Good King Wenceslas 10th century celebration
November 26, 2008 - 10:36 ET by ledurchiDickens A Christmas Carol - written in 1842, clearly exposes the urban myth of Christmas as a modern day concoction designed to satiate the gluttony of capitalism. The early European settlers of the American colonies did not celebrate Christmas but as other immigrants, with centuries old traditions of Christmas celebration arrived, that changed. Washington Irving’s Old Christmas, written in 1850, describes the Christmases of years past. Both of these books submit that Christmas is a celebration grounded in the birth of Christ. The principle of Jesus being the “reason for the season” is what aggravates secularists so much and that is their motivation to redirect everyone else’s attention towards a godless holiday. Of course, “they are entitled to their own opinions, just not their own facts”. Their constant attack on principals such as this requires response or eventually they will remove the ability of free thinking people to publicly express religious views without the mockery and condensation which seem to be shaping the trend.
First Kwanzaa, and next...
November 26, 2008 - 09:25 ET by SickofLibs...stay tuned for the announcement of the new Gay Holiday...
"Happy Gaymas to you and yours."
Sickoflibs
November 26, 2008 - 09:54 ET by cocodrieI believe you're right. Christ has already been replaced with an "X". Gaymas would make it worth less than nothing and total destruction of Christianity is the left-wing extremist goal.
Is it just me?
November 26, 2008 - 09:43 ET by HockeyKidThe numbers in the tables seem to contradict the story. What gives?
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Contradict in what way?
November 26, 2008 - 10:37 ET by Tom Blumer- In round 1 comparisons, use of "holiday shopping season" vs. "Christmas shopping season" has switched by 5.1% in just three years.
- If "Christmas shopping season" usage continues to fall as it has in the past three years (15.2% to 10.1% in the Round 1's), it will zero out in six years.
- The relative use of Christmas with layoffs vs. holiday(s) with layoffs is down, but it's still twice as often as the usage associated with shopping. And it's only Round 1.
So where's the contradiction?
the anti-Festivus bias
November 26, 2008 - 09:44 ET by Roger the Shrubberthe anti-Festivus bias continues....