Some Colleges and Universities Have a ‘Holiday Tree’ for Christmas

Some Colleges and Universities Have a ‘Holiday Tree’ for Christmas

This is so dumb. Who is hurt by using the word Christmas?

The College Fix reports:

Move over Christmas tree: Some campuses opt for term ‘holiday tree’ instead

From New York to Alaska, some universities chose to use the neutral holiday tree term rather than Christmas tree, a practice that illustrates a broader secularization trend surrounding the holiday season.

At Marist University in Poughkeepsie, New York, the annual Holiday Tree Lighting took place on Nov. 18. Marist incorporates displays for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, framing the tree as a unifying symbol for diverse celebrations.

Similarly, Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore., hosted its 58th annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 5. The event centered on a giant sequoia planted in 1887, with activities including a merry market, hot cocoa, a parade featuring local mayors, and photos with Santa. Despite the presence of Santa, the university consistently uses the term holiday tree in official promotions.

Likewise, Idaho State University offered its campus community a Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 with “hot chocolate, crafts, and visit with Santa indoors.”

The University of Alaska, Fairbanks, touts its holiday tree, located in the campus museum and decorated with polar bears. In a Dec. 2 article on tree selection and maintenance by West Virginia University, it uses the term holiday tree.

Meanwhile, Wright State University hosted a “Holiday Tree and Hot Cocoa” social and William Peace University had a “Holiday Tree Lighting” ceremony.

Media relations officials from the universities did not respond to The College Fix’s request for comment regarding the terminology.

Opting for “holiday” over “Christmas” is nothing new for higher education.

In 2023, an sent to the Wake Forest University campus community announcing its annual Lovefeast, a service to mark Christmas, did not include the actual word “Christmas,” The College Fix reported at the time.

In 2017, University of Minnesota community members were warned against imagery such as Santa, Christmas trees, wrapped gifts and the colors “red and green,” calling them “not appropriate.”

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