Most Christians prefer shopping at stores that support their beliefs during the Christmas season — or at least don’t ignore them. Liberty Counsel tries to make that job easier.
The organization has compiled a naughty and nice list, cataloging some of the stores that are censoring Christmas and some that are publicly celebrating it. Its Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign educates, and if necessary, litigates, to make sure that Christmas and Christian themes are not censored. Liberty Counsel pledges to be a friend to those celebrating Christmas and a foe to those who try to censor it.
For the last 16 years, Liberty Counsel has been tracking retailers and how they are increasingly acknowledging Christmas again. Years ago, Walmart had banned its employees from even responding with the phrase “Merry Christmas.” Now the company has moved to the nice shopping list completely embracing the Christmas season. Fortunately, many other companies have followed suit.
- Belk, JCPenney, Walmart, Staples and Kohl’s are examples of stores on the nice list for acknowledging Christmas and offering Christmas gift options.
- Barnes and Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Gap and TJ Maxx are on the naughty list for censoring Christmas and offering nothing more than generic holiday decorations and gifts.
“It is encouraging to see a return to honesty in advertising and more retail stores embracing the Christmas season,” said Matt Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and president. “If stores are trying to sell items for this special season, then they should call it Christmas. As our nice list continues to expand, we are happy to report that retailers are recognizing that it is about the birth of Jesus, not a winter holiday. We encourage you to spend your dollars with those businesses that acknowledge Christmas rather than censor it.”
The entire list can be downloaded HERE.
Liberty Counsel is a nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.