Last month we invited our readers to keep their eyes open for evidence that Christmas in Canada was an endangered species. We’ve been hearing for several years now that a combination of atheists, secularists and non-Christian religious minorities have been conspiring to rob decent, God-fearing Christians of their holiday. My suspicion has always been that this is nonsense, a product of the paranoid mindset that convinces certain folks that they’re an oppressed minority under siege. But we thought we should give those folks a chance to make their case. And I was honestly curious.

The result, after a month of scrutiny? TWO whole incidents, both of which, in fact, prove that Christmas is alive, well, and an integral part of our culture.

Exhibit A: (Courtesy of Kariba)

Justice Marion Cohen of Toronto ordered a decorated Christmas tree to be moved ofrom the lobby of the Ontario Court of Justice to an out-of-the-way administrative corridor on grounds it is a Christian symbol that alienates people of other creeds and traditions. But his decision was immediately protested…by Muslims and Jews.

“This is stupidity and takes political correctness to new heights,” said Farzana Hassan, president of the MCC. “We should ban political correctness, not the Christmas tree. The judge was creating an unnecessary issue and looking for problems where none exist.”

Hassan said the MCC has urged all Muslims to celebrate with their Christian cousins and light Christmas trees to send a message to the judge she is wrong on all counts.

“In Canada, we are taught to celebrate our differences and whenever possible to reasonably accommodate our neighbours. The vibrancy of our multicultural society depends on us being exposed in positive ways to each other’s religious practices,” said Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B’nai Brith. “Canadians should be welcome to celebrate the religious and cultural uniqueness of their holidays and that ought to include, for example, Christmas trees at this time of year in public places, or menorahs being displayed during the Hanukkah season.”

Exhibit B:

A professor at Carleton University concluded his examination with the words “Merry Christmas”. The words were removed by some overzealous clerk with excessive levels of political correctness in their bloodstream. Carleton University immediately announced that the decision had been inappropriate, and that the professor’s salutation had been perfectly acceptable.

So there you go. A grand total of two incidents, both of which end of vindicating the recognition and celebration of Christmas.

This will make not the the slightest bit of difference to the folks whose entire personal philosophy needs to be kept simmering in a marinade of rage and mock-martyrdom. But it’s reassuring to the rest of us to know that sanity still rules in Canada.

Whatever you believe, whatever holiday you’re celebrating - the Bunker hopes you’re enjoying your time off and your friends and family. All the best !