The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Christmas is a time to celebrate family. So I don’t understand the fuss. In today’s society, celebrating Christmas in any form in public schools or government buildings is often banned.

Whereas most non-Christians see Christmas as a holiday, there are those few Scrooges who want to take Christmas out of public life. Students are discouraged from saying “Merry Christmas” anymore for fear of offending someone.

I believe that the right to the free exercise of religion is being infringed upon, and also the right to freedom of speech. To be unable to say Merry Christmas is unjust.

Christmas has always been an American tradition, whether a person is Christian, Muslim or anything else. If it wasn’t the birth of Christ that was being celebrated, it was the gift of family that was. I don’t believe that anyone is offended by a Christmas tree in the park, or a Santa Claus at the town hall.

Let’s go back to the days when Christmas was a time to celebrate, not argue over who believes what. And if a person doesn’t believe in Christmas, he or she has the right to ignore it.

Jonathan Kuhl, Rumford