We are fortunate to live in a part of Virginia that still celebrates Christmas with Christmas Trees, Christmas Cards, Christmas Parades and other Christmas activities. That is not true in other parts of our country where, under the guise of political correctness, the word 'CHRISTMAS' has been replaced by the generic, non-controversial, "inoffensive," 'HOLIDAY.' The following poem, received anonymously, describes my sentiments well:

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

The "politically correct police" had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a "Holiday."

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to be sure to get it!
CD's from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it was started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

This year I say we bring back the reason
And say to all why we really celebrate this season,

So choose your words carefully, choose what you say
And shout "MERRY CHRISTMAS," not Happy Holiday!

Ken Rietz, a resident of Delaplane, is a former Deputy Chairman of the Republican National Committee.