The year is 2559. People say, "Merry Christmas." No one gets offended. If they do, no one gives a shit. Are we living in the future? No, we're just living in Thailand - present day.
Not just one kid answered like this. THEY ALL DID.
Over 200 students and no one answered #2 with "Santa."
If I gave this worksheet out in America A) I'd get fired for offending someone and B) the majority of the kids would say it's about "Santa Claus and presents." Don't get me wrong, Thai kids know there's a big red guy, and he's important. But, they also know that Christmas is about Jesus Christ's birthday... WAIT. Did I really just say Christmas is about JC? Is that politically incorrect? Did I offend you? Should I say "sorry"?
No, because I don't actually care about your hyper-sensitive attitude. I stated a fact about Christmas. A FACT. Whether you believe in JC or not is irrelevant because he is the reason for the holiday. Christmas = Jesus Christ. Plain and simple.
Anyone see a "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays"?
I haven't seen one sign in Thailand that says, "Happy Holidays."
If Thais in a third-world, remote village can understand this concept, you'd think Americans could grasp it. It's simple in their minds. JC was born. There's a holiday. People say "Merry Christmas." They wouldn't understand why someone would be offended nor would they cater to it.
If you wanted to celebrate something other than Christmas, no problem. Hanukkah? You bet. Kwanzaa? Sure. Nothing? Absolutely. Thais are the most racist people I know, but they do not discriminate. As long as you don't insult Buddha or Buddhism in any way, everything else is fair game.
Nativity scene play at school, Thai style.
Plus, Thais would never miss the chance to play dress-up. No matter who's celebrating what, if they can wear some type of costume and cake on their make-up, they're going to participate.
Costumes? Check.
Make-up? Check.
And they're going to force the "falangs" to participate.
White teachers = Santa Claus.
Personally, I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. I love Christmas songs, Christmas traditions, Christmas family time, Christmas weather, Christmas food, Christmas drinks, and everything else Christmas related.
My roommate knows how much I love Christmas and surprised me by decorating my bike.
This is the second year in a row I'll be away from my family for Christmas, and it SUCKS. Thailand offers me none of my favorite things. They try and celebrate their version, but it's not the same. It's too hot. There's no family arguments to laugh at, no hot toddies to drink, no turkey, no puppies sneaking food off the counter, no nephews for me to hold, no dogs for me to play with, no nothin'.
Their attempt at a Christmas tree.
Their version of Christmas food is a Santa ice cream cake.
Their gifts are packaged western food.
But, there is one silver lining. I can go all out celebrating for Christmas, and there's not a chance I will offend anyone. If I do, NO ONE WILL CARE. Thai culture doesn't shy away from Christmas for fear of people's fragile attitudes, so I can say "Merry Christmas" to anyone and everyone. I can blast Christmas music for as long as my roommates will tolerate it. I can watch Christmas movies in class. I can do anything Christmas related without worrying about what's politically correct.
So, America, take a cue from Thailand. Acknowledge the real reason for the holiday on December 25th - whether you believe in it or not. And, in the words of St. Nicholas, "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!"