If you are interested in shopping at a Christmas safe retailer this season check out these lists of Christmas friendly or foe retailers.
Focus on the Family Action’s2008 Christmas-Friendly Shopping Guide-
"Christmas-negligent" retailers — marginalized use of "Christmas"
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Dick's Sporting Goods
GAP
KB Toys
Kmart
"Christmas-offensive" retailers — apparent abandonment of "Christmas"
American Eagle
Banana Republic
Bloomingdale's
Lane Bryant
Old Navy"-Click on link for Christmas friendly retailers.
Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign "Naughty & Nice List-From the Naughty list
~ A.C. Moore – Web site: “Holiday Wishes From Us to You.” Report: 3 types of “Holiday” gift cards – when “Christmas” gift cards requested, store representative replied “We have to be politically correct.”~ Albertsons - Web site: “Holiday Solutions" without mention of “Christmas.”
~ American Eagle - Web site: no mention of “Christmas.”
~ Banana Republic – Web site: “Banana Republic Holiday 2008,” “Most Wanted for the Holiday,” “Holiday Gift Guide” and “Holiday 2008 Fashion Show.” No mention of “Christmas.” ~ Bloomingdale's – Web site: “Oh What Fun... Holiday Experience,” “Happy Holidays” e-gift card and “Shop Our Holiday Catalog.”
~ Circuit City – Web site: winter snow scene on home page and “Beat the Holiday Rush.” No mention of “Christmas.”
~ Costco – Report: Costco staff manager says Costco will not use the term “Christmas” in advertising to its members.
~ Comp USA – Web site: “Tech Toyland.” No mention of “Christmas” except items named by manufacturers.
~ CVS – Web site: no mention of “Christmas” except for items named by manufacturers.~ Dick’s Sporting Goods – Web site: “The Gift Center.” No mention of “Christmas.”
~ Disney – Shopping site: “Holiday Shop” but no mention of “Christmas. ”
~ Gap – Web site: “Holiday Gifts Are Here.” No mention of “Christmas.”
~ Giant Eagle Pharmacy – Web site: “Holiday Gift Giving Guide,” “Holiday Delicious” and “Holiday” everywhere.
~ J. Crew Outfitters – Web site: “Very Merry Gift Guide” but no other mention of “Christmas.”
~ KB Toys - Web site: “To Receive by Dec. 25 ....” but no mention of “Christmas” in their “Holiday Toy Guide” other than manufacturers’ products.
~ Lane Bryant – “Holiday Wishes.” No other mention of “Christmas.”
~ Old Navy – Web site: “Home for the Holidays,” “Deal Reveal: ... Super Secret Holiday Deals,” “All I Want ....” and “Holiday 2008 Gift Guide” sections. No mention of Christmas.
~ Office Depot – Web site: “Christmas” search only produced “Holiday” items such as “Holiday Cards.”
~ Roaman’s – Web site: “Give, Get, Gifted.” No mention of Christmas.
~ Sprint – Web site: “Tis the season to have it all.” No mention of Christmas.
~ Staples – Web site: “Gift It For Free.” “Christmas” search found a few items named only by manufacturers.
~ World Market – Web site: “Holiday Headquarters” and “Holiday Shop.” No mention of “Christmas.”-Click on link for the Nice list.
Utah
Good News: Utah Senator Sponsors Christmas Legislation-"Utah Sen. Chris Buttars is drafting a resolution to encourage retailers to include the word "Christmas" in their advertisements.
Buttars said he decided on the resolution after he was contacted by several employees of retailers who told them they couldn't say "Merry Christmas" to customers.
"It would encourage the use of 'Merry Christmas,' " he said in a statement. "I'm sick of the Christmas wars — we're a Christian nation and ought to use the word."
Stuart Shepard, director of digital media at Focus on the Family Action, also wants to see "Merry Christmas" make a comeback.
Last year, he introduced "Merry Tossmas," a video commentary calling on retailers to acknowledge Christmas. The sequel — "Merry Tossmas 2008" — has earned more than 97,000 views, as well as a nod from talk-show host Bill O'Reilly.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONCheck out Focus Action's Christmas-Friendly Shopping Guide, and don't forget to sign the "I Stand for Christmas" petition."
Recognition of Christmas Suppressed by Some Governments, Businesses-"Advocates for religious liberty are dismayed that, once again, recognition of the upcoming Christmas holiday is being discouraged and even banned by some government officials and employers.
Pacific Justice Institute has received several first-hand reports of suppression. In one instance, a school cafeteria worker was told she could not wish schoolchildren "Merry Christmas." In another, a class of fifth-graders was asked to select a song for a holiday school program - but was then told the song could not mention Christmas, due to "separation of church and state." PJI attorneys are following up on these and similar stories to remedy potential First Amendment violations. Meanwhile, dozens of retailers are seeking to attract Christmas shoppers while avoiding all mention of Christmas, and some local and state Christmas trees have been renamed "holiday trees." PJI President Brad Dacus commented, "The ever-increasing notion that Christmas cannot be mentioned in schools, government offices or other businesses is absurd. The courts have clearly stated that Christmas can, in fact, be celebrated unapologetically in schools and by the government, and so-called 'separation of church and state' does not even apply to businesses. Now more than ever, we need to be reminded that it is better to give than to receive, and that our greatest blessings cannot be bought or sold." Karen Milam, the director of PJI's Southern California office, stated, "The Pacific Justice Institute refuses to allow Christmas to fall victim to political correctness. We've received reports that children of extremely tender years are being criticized by school officials for wishing one another a "Merry Christmas." PJI will be closely monitoring this Christmas season to ensure that free speech and freedom of religious expression are not suppressed by government or any other grinches."If you or someone you know has encountered suppression of speech or expression related to the Christmas season, please contact the Pacific Justice Institute at (916) 857-6900 for free legal advice."
