The annual tradition of manufactured outrage surrounding Christmas has returned, echoing a familiar pattern observed in both Sweden and the United States. This tradition, born from a distorted narrative of a ”war on Christmas,” perpetuates the myth of a liberal conspiracy seeking to dismantle Christian traditions and values. The narrative, popularized by conservative media figures like Bill O’Reilly, positions Christmas as a besieged holiday, threatened by secular forces aiming to undermine its cultural significance. This narrative, originally an American import, has taken root in Sweden, manifesting as an annual cycle of contrived controversies surrounding seemingly innocuous holiday practices.
The current iteration of this manufactured outrage centers around a Swedish steel company, SSAB, which suggested its employees use the inclusive greeting ”Happy Holidays” alongside ”Merry Christmas” to ensure all employees, regardless of their religious beliefs, felt respected and included. This simple act of corporate sensitivity, a non-mandate merely suggesting inclusivity, was immediately seized upon by right-wing political actors as an assault on Swedish culture and tradition. This outcry mirrors a similar political tactic employed by Donald Trump during his 2015 presidential campaign, where he promised to enforce the use of ”Merry Christmas” over the more inclusive ”Happy Holidays.” This strategy of exploiting perceived cultural grievances for political gain is a recurring theme in both the American and Swedish contexts.
The underlying narrative driving these controversies is the manufactured fear of a progressive agenda eroding traditional values. This narrative often conflates issues such as drug legalization, assisted suicide, abortion rights, and same-sex marriage with the supposed ”war on Christmas,” creating a false dichotomy between progressive values and the celebration of the holiday. This tactic effectively frames any attempt at inclusivity or sensitivity as an attack on Christmas itself, fueling a sense of outrage and division amongst a segment of the population receptive to such narratives. The manipulation of cultural anxieties surrounding the holiday serves as a potent tool for political mobilization, rallying support around a shared perception of cultural threat.
The annual resurgence of these controversies reveals a deeper cultural anxiety surrounding change and the evolving nature of societal values. The framing of these incidents as attacks on tradition serves to reinforce a nostalgic vision of the past, where cultural homogeneity was perceived as the norm. This nostalgia overlooks the historical reality of diverse cultural expressions and traditions that have always existed within societies. The ”war on Christmas” narrative, therefore, becomes a proxy for broader anxieties surrounding societal shifts, serving as a symbolic battleground for those resistant to evolving cultural norms.
The irony of these manufactured controversies is that they often detract from the true spirit of Christmas, which emphasizes compassion, unity, and goodwill. The focus on perceived slights and manufactured outrage overshadows the core message of the holiday, replacing it with division and resentment. The annual cycle of these controversies ironically contributes to the very erosion of Christmas spirit that it purports to defend, creating a climate of negativity and conflict surrounding a holiday meant to celebrate peace and joy.
The recurring nature of these ”war on Christmas” controversies underlines the importance of critical media literacy and the need to recognize manipulative narratives. Understanding the underlying motivations and the historical context of these manufactured controversies is crucial to avoid being drawn into divisive rhetoric. The continued exploitation of cultural anxieties surrounding Christmas for political gain underscores the need to promote genuine inclusivity and understanding, embracing the true spirit of the holiday while respecting the diverse beliefs and traditions that enrich our societies. By recognizing and challenging these manufactured narratives, we can reclaim the spirit of Christmas and foster a more inclusive and harmonious holiday season.
