So sorry our holiday spirit offends you!

[jimithing]

On rosanne? Really? That's funny because I've often told people I live in an never ending episode of it. Heh.

And no, no way will we not put up our christmas lights. And my tree is going front and center of the window, just like always.

Yay!!!! 

Evil jimithing suggests that you take neighbor some sugar cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees, candy canes, wreaths, and Santa.

[RegionMom]

I have never gotten around to putting up outdoor lights, but if I received a letter like that, I think I would run out to a local store and buy a big yard creche and a giant star, and then put a Santa and reindeer on the roof, like we had when I was a kid.  

Christmas trees were 1st a winter soltice celebration, and lights are just pretty and peaceful!

I know my neighborhood has gone a liitel bonkers with Halloween (giant inflatabile Frankensteins, 10 foot jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and spiderwebs engulfing trees) and no one got offended, even the Christians and the church that meets inside the elem. school nearby!!

just by saying "pretty please with sugar on top" does not make it going to happen.

There was a story of a Jewish family that had rocks thrwn thru their window when they placed a menorah in their window.  the whole town then decided that each store and home would place a menorah in their windows, to show community spirit and the true love of Christmas.

Maybe this neighborhood could do something similar-peaceful white lights for all, offenses for none!

[Mr. Fed]

It's ridiculous.

Don't assume it should be taken at face value, though.  It could be a prank.  It could also be religious-political dirty trickery (i.e. sent to stir up trouble and support some person's argument that the awful liberals and atheists are trying to steal everyone's Christmas).

[behindbj]

I love how the party is claiming freedom of religion in the guise of standing up for their rights, but apparently do not feel strongly enough to sign their names.

Hard to respect that.  Perhaps I have found myself in the rare neighborhood in which we actually go to talk to our neighbors or, if we cannot get a hold of them, leave SIGNED notes.  Could just be us.

As my mother used to tell a particularly nosey neighbor who didn't like the way I dressed (i.e., like a boy - Mom was a tomboy when she was a kid, too).  Mom told her that if she didn't like what she saw she shouldn't look - because nothing was changing for her.

Decorate away.

behindbj

[auntmeegs]

Oh, no, I don’t think so.  It’s one thing for a township to have limitations on what decorations they display at public locations throughout the town.  At your private residence, you can have whatever decorations you like (maybe except if you are part of a HOA where there are rules).  The letter-writer has some nerve to try to dictate how you celebrate the holiday. It’s very sad that so many people seem to forget that there is actual real, religious significance behind the it, it’s not just a holiday for the sake of a holiday.  
These are the kind of people who try to ban Santa Clause at holiday functions.  

[jimithing]

This family must have a really hard time grocery shopping during the holidays.  I wonder if all of the local stores got this letter as well?

[Pixie]

Receiving rude demands phrased as a request is against my religion and offends me.   Please never contact me again.




Evil pixie had an extra bowl of B1**h flakes this morning. Back in the box she goes.

[demarco]

I'd be tempted to round up some friends  and some sheep, cattle, and donkeys and create a LIVE nativity scene complete with carols on a loudspeaker on my front lawn....

[jimithing]

I'd be tempted to round up some friends  and some sheep, cattle, and donkeys and create a LIVE nativity scene complete with carols on a loudspeaker on my front lawn....

LOL!  I would totally pay to see that.

[cicero]

On rosanne? Really? That's funny because I've often told people I live in an never ending episode of it. Heh.

And no, no way will we not put up our christmas lights. And my tree is going front and center of the window, just like always.

yup, season six, and it was called "white trash christmas".

[lady_disdain]

[sarcasm]
I agree with neighbour. It is offensive. In fact, I think that all churches should remove any religious signs visible from outdoors.

I choose not to have children. Having to see children playing in the park offends me and my right not to bear children.

I also find laughing offensive and against my rights. In fact, I would prefer if all the rest of the world just stop breathing [/sarcasm]

However, her coworkers must love her. If she is so against the holiday, then I am sure she will be the one manning the boat on Christmas and Easter  

[FoxPaws]

After a couple more readings, this really does sound like a prank. Whoever sent it is looking for a reaction - it doesn't matter what kind.

(The neighbor I feel sorriest for is the one who wouldn't normally decorate, but now feels compelled to so people won't think they sent the stupid note.  )

[Twik]

So, in the interest of freedom of religion ... the writer wants to control other people's "religious" expression?  

(And pardon me if I feel an inflatable snowman and lights on the roof are rather remote as "religious symbols, anyway. Did s/he object to halloween pumpkins?)

I presume this person is a Snarkarian, in the offshoot sect called the House of the Entitled.

[jimithing]

(The neighbor I feel sorriest for is the one who wouldn't normally decorate, but now feels compelled to so people won't think they sent the stupid note.  )

LOL. 

It is pretty cowardly not to sign your name.  If you feel this way, shouldn't you be proud of that fact?  On the other hand, we are all making light of the situation, but I'm sure if the neighbor is found out, they will receive a lot of hate mail and other not so nice things.

[philote]

So, in the interest of freedom of religion ... the writer wants to control other people's "religious" expression? 

Exactly - the whole letter was so laughable as it was based on the grounds of religious freedom.  I think a block party is in order with a public reading of the letter...hopefully by someone with a natural comic flair.