Mother Protests Kids Singing Song With The Word "Christmas"
Mother Protests Kids Singing Song With The Word "Christmas"WITN Blog Listing
Mother Protests Kids Singing Song With The Word "Christmas"
Topic Author: Dave Jordan
Posted: 10:31 PM Dec 9, 2008
Replies Posted: 60 comments
Save Email Print
Recent Blog Topics

It's something school kids do just about everywhere this time of the year...hold a Christmas concert.  But one mother is protesting.

The unidentified mother didn't want kids at Murrayville School in New Hanover County to sing "Rudolph" because of concern the words "Christmas" and "Santa" hold religious meaning.

The Principal at the school decided to pull the song from the school's holiday concert.

New Hanover County school administration and lawyers later determined the song was secular, that Santa and his reindeer are non-religious figures.  So "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" was  put back in the holiday show.

The mother requested a Hanukkah song be added to the holiday show, but that was denied. Her daughter will not participate in the concert.

Such controversy is a big difference from the elementary school concerts I participated in...I remember singing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," with the Latin verse?

My the times have changed.

 

 

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Email (optional):
Location:
Enter Comments:  
   characters left
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Posted by: tina Let's all get together and do my favorite...Mohammad Carols! All ye christians can have your children subjected to this while they "learn" in school. Maybe they will grow up to be Muslims! The fact is that there are MANY cultures here in America and our school children PAY DEARLY for whatever type carol is being taught because from Nov. and Dec. they are just singing and NOT LEARNING in the schools. Caroling should be an AFTER SCHOOL OPTIONAL THING!!! Schools should be NEUTRAL in Religious promotion completely. That performance COST you TWO MONTHS of your childs' education!! They know more about Santa than Science! Our nation is scientifically illerate!

Posted by: God Location: heaven, NC
Dear God, Why won't you protect us from the violence in our schools? -concerned student Dear concerned student, I'm not allowed in schools. -God

Posted by: Holley Location: Wiliamston, NC
My daughter participted in a Chritmas program at her primary school and there were several songs about JESUS. I thought that was so wonderful. We are a Christian based country and we do have a freedom of religion here. I do agree if the mother has a problem with her child participating in Chritian based programs, then obviously she has the right to keep the child away. My problem is, we should not be made to change the way we celebrate Christmas in America. Don't force your beliefs on us. It's wrong!! I do hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas. May God Bless You!!

Posted by: Jenn Mother of three, preach on sister. You said it all. Great job!

Posted by: JT Location: eastern nc
Here is the way I see it. Christmas is no longer the time of year that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Most kids now days see Christmas as the time of year they get presents and lots of 'em. Every year the stores start placing things out earlier and earlier. This year in late July and early August, there were decorations out for sale already! I honestly think that we need to get back to the old ways of doing things. Lots of love, family, friends and Christmas carols for the holidays. Let the kids sing Christmas carols so they can enjoy their childhood.

Posted by: JEAN Location: NC
IT'S A SHAME THAT PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO TAKE OVER EVERYTHING .THEY ALREADY TOOK PRAYER OUT OF THE SCHOOLS AND NOW YOU WANT TO PROTECT A "SONG" ! WHAT IS COMING TO THIS WORLD? WHOEVER YOU ARE I ONLY PRAY THAT YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR WAY OF THINKING FOR THIS IS A TIME FOR LOVE ,JOY & PEACE. LET'S START WITH LETTING THE CHILDREN ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!!!

Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY
Mother of Three; Well said, you make excellent points, however.....the fruit cakes are taking over. They are not the majority but they do make the most noise. It is 'our fault' for allowing it to happen. The vast majority in the media are the fruit cakes that you refer to. That is why they get so much of a voice. If it weren't the absolute truth most of this junk would never see the light of day.

Posted by: Mother of three Location: V-town
First, God created this world so if you do not like it, you have all rights to leave it. Next, I did not learn Rudolph in church, but I did learn it in school and if you do not want your child raised by the American culture then please exit America. Finally, if you do not like what they are being taught in school then home school them, but this is America and we are not going to change to suit the fruitcakes. If more kids were taught by the Bible then this world would not be in the mess it is in today. God bless everyone and I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Ed Location: Greenville NC
as a Christian I have rights..I too pay taxes

Posted by: sa Location: nc
I have been highly offended by the Mac computer commercial where the overweight boy is mad fun of by the skinny boy. I think they should take it off the air. Seems like everything offends someone. Does the majority surender to the minority?

Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY
In the world I grew up in, this woman would not even have been given any press coverage. She would have been dismissed for the lunatic that she is and the issue would never have seen the light of day. That is how a huge percentage of these issues should be handled to begin with. Putting these morons in print is what gives them traction to begin with....but you media people already know that.

Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY
So here is the big question Dave....does it bother you? Or are you part of the problem and support this whole 'secular progressive' load of bovine feces?

Posted by: Ank Location: Greenville
Ateists gathering places are in the courts, protesting unconstitutionally allowing religion in government facilities and schools. Separation of church and state. And History guy is right, this country was founded on the opposite of being a christian country with christian values And I'm not an atheist, im agnostic.

Posted by: mandy Location: maryland
Try to understand. For someone who was raised as a non christian, christmas represents a foreign religion which one does not want ones kids subjected to. That may sound strange to you, but think of it this way: would want your kids subjected to religious holidays of other groups, where the main idea of the holiday, namely Jesus, is anathema to you? Dont force your ideas on the rest of us. That would just be a modern form of the Crusades...

Posted by: J Location: Gville
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Posted by: Fran Location: New Bern
That lady had better get her life in order because this world was based on a loving and forgiving Saviour who came to this world to save us ALL from our sins. I would rather be a wrong Christian than a wrong sinner because I know where I am going when I leave this world.......

Posted by: History guy Location: nyc
There is no larger misconception in America than that the founders of this country were "Christian" and this is a "Christian" country. Sorry folks, that's just not the case. Read the words of our founders and you will see a group of Enlightenment thinkers who wanted to remove organized religion from the public sphere. I don't really care if kids sing Christmas songs, though I was the only Jewish kid at my school and they let us do a couple Hannukah songs as well, which was great because I got to tell all my school friends about my holiday and how we celebrate it, etc. BUT, please everyone stop talking about how this is a "Christian country founded on Christian virtues" because, ironically, that is EXACTLY what the founders explicitly said they were NOT doing. If anything we are a country founded on Deist beliefs. Happy Holidays you crazies!

Posted by: J Location: Gville
I sure hope that she doesnt let her children celebrate Halloween, Easter, Valentines Day, St Patricks Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving....hmm what else can she take away from her children?

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Greenville
Unbelievable. Dont you DARE prevent other children from singing CHRISTMAS songs at CHRISTMAS. First of all, your child isnt REQUIRED to participate in singing. THey can close their mouth. But you cant take that away from the children who have a life and enjoy those songs. I grew up listening to those songs and I will continue to pass them on to future generations whether you like it or not. GOD bless AMERICA. If you dont like it..GET OUT. One less we will have to deal with. Plain and simple. Ank, take your kids to another school or another country. Or better yet, let them be KIDS. How ignorant of you to say that Christmas songs should only be sung in a church? SERIOUSLY? Sad person you are. AMEN Coach!

Posted by: Coach M Location: Rocky Mount
Ank: where is YOUR athiest gathering place? Obiwan: we see how religious you are. And, if I were to move to another country, I would expect to be caught up in whatever religion they practice. maybe people should do a little more research before moving to a country that observes Christian Holy days such as Christmas and Easter?????

Posted by: Ank Location: Greenville
You people need to realize that this is a school. There are probably a few children in this school who are not christians. They should not be subjected to christian beliefs in a place they are forced to go to. If christians want to sing christmas songs, let them all get together where it should be done...in church. If satanists want to sing satanist songs, let them do it in a satanic church. Religious bull should be kept out of schools.

Posted by: obiwan Location: cypress
Why was the mother unidentified? Bitch all you want but have the guts to say who you are.

Posted by: Me Location: Winterville
To Todd in Washington - You've obviously bumped your head. PLEASE see a doctor. Only people with head bumps would even come up with such bull.

Posted by: Music Teacher Location: Greenville
As a music teacher we are to teach music from all histories and cultures--but not necessarily all at the same time! There is no reason students cannot learn Christmass, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa songs, however they do not have to be all at the same concert--there are other Jewish holidays besides the Festival of Lights you know! Program music takes months to learn and I'm sure this mother made her complaint too late for there to be program changes, music ordered, instruction, etc. It is sad that the principal did not stand behind the music teacher. Students with conflicting religious beliefs are always excused from any songs in my concerts in which they are not comfortable singing. One parents should not make the entire group suffer. I'm sure she didn't take into account that her students' peer group probably made fun of the student for having the Grinch who stole Christmas for a mother!

Posted by: Bud Location: NC
I am a Christian and I will worship my God according to the Bible. I am tolerant of other religions but tell my kids that they cannot sing a Christmas at Christmas. If we are going to allow 5% of the population to dictate to the other 95% what we can do and cannot do then we are not a democracy. I think it's time for the majority who are Christian to stand up for what we believe.

Posted by: wr Location: nc
I thought "Deck The Halls" was the gay Christnas song.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Washington
Get over out self lady..and merry CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Posted by: P. Richard Location: Craven Co., NC
GeeWizz - What next to protests about ? Does she "protest" the word ~ Christmas ~ as in a Merry Christmas greeting ?? I for one will NOT use 'Happy Holidays" It is Xmas time and I Wish 1 & all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.... Remember - It takes > all kinds to make the world < turn.... some fruit cakes and/or nut cakes. The heck withit = Nuff said

Posted by: Bob Location: Las Vegas
Truly pathetic. Can't people just shut up and have some fun

Posted by: Todd Location: Washington DC
I for one agree that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is not proper for kids to sing but not because of "Christmas" but because the man who wrote it in the 1940s was gay and he made Rudolph a gay as a signal to all the other gays. Listen to the song carefully and you'll see what I'm talking about. Kids shouldn't have to sing about gays especially not during Christmas!

Posted by: Kay Robinson Location: Havelock NC
Remind this lady the bible was the first book used in schools.The first text book was the bible.

Posted by: stephen Location: Little Rock
"My the times have changed"? Sounds like they are exactly the same.

Posted by: RU KiddingMe Location: Winterville
To Jeremy from NY- we do have freedom of religion, so why is it that it only comes up when people think that we should learn about other religions or be involved in other religions other than christianity? Our country was based on christian beliefs. I wouldn't mind my daughter learning about other cultures and religions, as long as her culture and religion was respected and taught equally. This country has a serious problem with God, we need to be careful, as christians, how much we let these people push God out of our lives. As for the mother in this article, how is it that she wanted Rudolph taken out, which is not religious at all (look up the story of Santa Claus) and wanted a Hanukkah song added. Am I the only one who sees a problem here? Freedom of religion, lately, is only a freedom when it involves other religions besides christianity.

Posted by: although Location: California
Funny: I know a lot of devout Christians that reject "Santa Claus" and don't want their kids singing about Rudolph -- because it's NOT a religious song and they don't want their kids singing anything non-religious about a religious holiday. (They don't do the "Easter bunny" thing or participate in the pagan-derived Halloween traditions, either.)

Posted by: Jeremy Boxerbaum Location: New York, NY
Would you like your child to be forced to say a Jewish prayer or read a portion of the Koran? There is nothing wrong with this mother. Congratulations to her for standing up for herself. Some of y'all need to step outside yourselves and try to see the world through other people's eyes. There's nothing wrong with learning about other cultures and religions. But last I checked, we do have freedom of religion in this country. And no one has the right to compel another person to do something that violates his or her religious freedom. That includes the freedom to choose not to sing songs about Santa. P.S. -- Santa, last I checked, means saint. How is that not religious?

Posted by: Johnny Location: Heavan
The mother is a nutjob! Plain and simple. Using her kid to get her 15-minutes of fame. Take the child away from her as she is unfit!

Posted by: Shirley Location: Penna
This is very sad what is happening all across the U.S.A. not just in N.C. and the children are the ones suffering for the protests of a few people--what has happened to our BACKBONE we need to stand up for what we believe and want for our children and not cave in to a few who want their own way but it hurts our children in the end---Merry Christmas!!!

Posted by: God's Child Location: Plymouth
What happened to freedom of speech how can people rejoice in our God and later be told we can;t because it offends someone well if if offend you DONT listen or dont show up we as Americans have the right to rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ and if you dont' believe well DONT rejoice but dont try and change the world becaues of your beliefs! You have your and are allowed to demostrate your feelings now sit down and shut up while christians pray for your souls!! People we have sat quietly far to long if we reamin tight lipped we will find ourselves in hell on earth we have the right to belief what we want and celebrate waht we want agian this is AMERICA land of the free if you dont want your God to be heard in your schools cover your ears why should be close out our God while you throw your beliefs on us??!! If you dont believe cover your eyes and ears but most of all shut your mouth we as a nation are tired of hearing the whining!! Praise God and MERRY CHRISTMS!! Love to ALL

Posted by: Bella Location: nyc
This woman needs to get a freaking life!!! Seriously what a psycho, she should be put in a mental institution. i swear this whole nondemoninational crap is seriously getting out of control! I think it's sad that so many parents are ruining such a fun holiday for kids everywhere.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC
As an atheist, I could care less about religion in general. Once again, however, this is political correctness gone berserk. If a mom is going to protest a song depicting a religious holiday commemorating the birth of a person(note, I said person) that may or may not have existed, than what is next? Should the name of devil's food cake be changed? I'm sure that would make the bible thumpers happy.

Posted by: "T" Location: Washington
It is time that the majority takes back our country. I am so tried of one or two people not liking what is going when the majority are okay with it. It is time that our majority speak up for what we beleive in and what we want instead of one or two making our life miserable. If we don't do it we will be flushing our way of life down the drain. Lets get together and stand up for what we want.

Posted by: Rusty Location: Washington
Dave, you may know me as Obama Snake Oil Co as I am a frequent poster on the witn site. We have seen many stories on this over the past years and very saddened by how some of the few, want to dominate what is "America". We were founded on separation of church and state. We hear the "new interpretation" of this meaning no reference to god instead of a particular religion. Christmas is the celebration of birth of Christ. Chrismas has always been a gleam in the eye of a child at Christmas. You have seen it and experienced it as a child. A simple pop gun, a toy tractor, this was the intent. When parents take this away from their children something is very lost in the family. It is the selfishness of the parent to believe there is no god and now they take it out on their children. Now that is the reality of the situation. So, if one wonders why we have problems in our homes, communities, schools and cities, it is because of the few who would take it away.

Posted by: Educator Just look at the test scores and the conditions in the schools. This is after taking religion out of the schools. WE NEED IT BACK IN THE SCHOOLS.

Posted by: Rose Wright Location: Greenville
It is a sad time when the wishes of a few over rides the wishes of the majority.

Posted by: Chastity Location: Greenville
My god lady!!! If your such a greench take it back to your world! This is our holiday and if you don't like it, then i suggest you keep your child home. Although i feel sorry for your child because you are sheltering her from something that is wonderful!! Anyway, stop trying to change us, we are and believe what we want here (free country) get over it!!!! Have a Merry Christmas everyone. MAY GOD BLESS THIS CRAZY MOTHER...........

Posted by: T Location: Washington
If I make no mistake Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Does she have a problem with Christ? Does she know him as her Savior? Does she just want attention? A Christmas concert is always done by children and is enjoyed by the attendees. If she is that concerned then don't let her child sing. She will regret it though. Her child will miss out and the mother will miss a blessing. If she is bold enough to voice her concerns then she is bold enough to tell us who she is.

Posted by: jk If I'm not mistaken, this country was founded with religion in mind... What would the signers of the Declaration of Independence think about this 'great new country?' People came here for freedom of religion, wanting to be free to be a Christian. Now Christians are persecuted in this country. Talk about a sad day.

Posted by: Clifton Location: Washington
Here is my take on this. Me and my family have to hear about your religious holidays and traditions, the very least you can do is put up with ours as we celebrate. We don't go hounding you to stop your celebrations, stop using certain words or figures so GET OVER IT. You are now in the United States of America. That in itself says we have a right to what we do and don't believe in, not to mention that while you are here you believe as you want to. DON'T tell us to change because it is different from what you believe. If you don't like the way we believe, or worship, go back to your our little world.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Jacksonville nc
Now come on people im 16 years old get real I think that she is just doing it to get attention from people and Its really pathetic Grow up if they want to sing christmas Songs with The word "CHRISTMAS" then let them Its not even a bad thing and thats why the morther is Unidentified she has no life. what is this world coming to.

Posted by: Paula Location: Raleigh
When my children learned about Hanukkah in school no one protested. So what's wrong with Christmas and Santa if we we can learn about and say Happy Hanukka to our Jewish friends?

Posted by: mary Location: columbianc
Just remember that Jesus came as a babe on christmas his mother was mary Merry Christmas and if you don't like what the school is doing keep your child home. and with out a christian values kids and adults have no reaso to follow any laws.I am a big advocate for Merry Christmas now it is time for you to get thinking

Posted by: Jackie Location: jacksonville
Please someone tell me is this mother for real. What is this world really coming to when u try to tell kids that they can not sing CHRISTMAS songs. If you dont want them to sing Rudolph because its Religious but u want them to sing a Hanukkah song. You dont want my believes pushed on u and i sure dont want your believes pushed on me. if you dont like it then dont listen but don't make others suffer because you are crazy and want to make others try to be like you.

Posted by: jackie Location: jacksonville
what is this world really coming to that kids can not sing CHRISTMAS songs. if u don't like it then don't listen but dont make others suffer because of your believes. u don't want me to push my believe on u then dont try to push yours on mine. if Santa and Christmas are "religious" then what is a Hanakkah song. If u don't want religion in school then there is no Hanukkah songs allowed either

Posted by: Tina Location: Augusta,GA
I agree I think that if you don't like Christmas that is fine just keep it to yourself, however kids look forward to thesee kinds of celebrations all year long and to Santa Clause and the presents and all so if you don't want your kid involved then talk to the pricipal and see about keeping your kid home during the specific days of celebration.

Posted by: Just_Wendy Location: Minnesota
If anyone wants to send the mother a nice Christmas message, visit here: http://www.oktosaychristmastome.com . Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho!

Posted by: V Location: PA
I think that mother should get a life already! There is much bigger problems in this world that need to be addressed than poor Rudolph for God's sake!!!!

Posted by: jo Location: Edenton
i agree with coach m. dont try to change america with your ideas.we have relied on CHRIST AND GOD for thousands of years. bet this mother would not turn down a CHRISTmas gift or CHRISTmas bonus.MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL. this mom is in my PRAYERS.

Posted by: Margaret Location: Greenvile, NC
I wonder how the mother keeps her child protected from the stores,radio and TV during the weeks from Dec. through Jan. in America. Perhaps she felt that the schools would be an easy target for a law suit!

Posted by: John I wish everyone could just relax and stop getting offended at anything and everything.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville
Do it in Pitt County and we'll see you in court. Christmas is a religious holiday. There is no separation of church and school. There is the first amendment of which this "unidentified woman" wants to take away from others. I've never quite heard of the Santa religion.

Posted by: Chris Location: Japan
Next Jingle Bells will be on the chopping block....I swear....some people are just not happy unless they are causing trouble.

Posted by: Zeke Location: Trenton
She needs to move to Afghanistan! I have heard they don't like Christmas there either--except for our troops who are fighting to make it free--and the new converts to freedom who are more tolerant than this foolish mother. She should have kept her mouth shut. Merry CHRISTmas!

Posted by: Wood Location: Washington
A crying shame!! Mother evidently wants attention, wants to create shame on the community. Get an education.

Posted by: Liza Location: Kinston
It seems like the answer to this dilemma is really simple. If you do not agree, do not participate. There is too much pandering to individuals now. If you agree participate, if not just sit this one out and wait until something comes along you like. We will never all agree on everything. It is called being an adult( the mother is the one protesting) and waiting your turn. The majority should not have to do without due to complaints of a few!

Posted by: Coach M Location: Rocky MOunt
So, problem solved. You don't like what Christmas stands for, take your child out of the function. I'm so tired of people complaining about Christmas being a religous Holiday. Christmas is part of American culture. If you don't like American culture, don't move to America. Don't move here and want to change this country to "your" version of your old one. Ever hear of people tha don't celebrate Christmas refusing to accept a Christmas bonus check or deny pay for a Christmas Holiday??? Me neither.

Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.