I do not agree. I think it even borders on anti-semitism. Since it is an INTERNATIONAL Airport, why not add a Menora and something from all countries and how they celebrate this magical season. Kinda like the ride at Disneyland "It's a small world" I think it would be beautiful to see the different ways of celebrating reflected at an international airport.

I would like to expess my opinion on Christmas.
I would like to know why we have to change our traditions that have been around for years just because a few want to change them.This is our country and if a few of the people don't like it I would expect them to leave and stay in there own country,or go back to there own country.
It is the same with english when in America everyone should speak English. Thats what Teddy Roosvelt said. I don't think the media should give them one minute of air time and let us have our customs and traditions as we know them.

thank You

Bill

I would like to expess my opinion on Christmas.
I would like to know why we have to change our traditions that have been around for years just because a few want to change them.This is our country and if a few of the people don't like it I would expect them to leave and stay in there own country,or go back to there own country.
It is the same with english when in America everyone should speak English. Thats what Teddy Roosvelt said. I don't think the media should give them one minute of air time and let us have our customs and traditions as we know them.

thank You

Bill

The decision is better than being christian only, though i'd prefer to let all cultures and religions express their faith and have decorations for the holidays displayed at the airport. Doing so would allow everyone to see and learn more about other cultures and holidays and thus remove some of the ignorance towards other belief systems.

Why should we have to accomadate people coming into this coountry. If they want to be part of this country they should change their ways to suit us. My parents came from Europe years ago and noone gave hem a break on their language or anything else. They had to change on their own or be left behind. No free programs or free rides. Ann

Let's remember that Christmas trees are, for the most part, a 19th century addition to the Christmas celebration coming to us from ancient pagan religious practices in Germany. The tree has no historical or traditional meaning in Christian theology. So let's allow the Christmas tree to continue as a joyful, universal and non-religious symbol of a season shared by almost everyone.

Let's remember that Christmas trees are, for the most part, a 19th century addition to the Christmas celebration coming to us from ancient pagan religious practices in Germany. The tree has no historical or traditional meaning in Christian theology. So let's allow the Christmas tree to continue as a joyful, universal and non-religious symbol of a season shared by almost everyone.

Christmas us such a Beautiful time of the year. Why do so many have to give it up for so few? Everytime I turn around someone wants to change something in the United States. I don't care if you are a citizen or not. If people want to have Christmas decorations--Why Not? You want to decorate in Jewish tradition also? Go for it. Want to decorate in pink flamingos? Okay. I wonder what new design they will want for the American Flag next? Maybe we need to make it look more like Iraqs flag or a South American flag or maybe?????????? You want to eliminate God--Christmas--prayers--pretty soon we will need a passport to live in the United States. Well for me---GOD BLESS AMERICA and lets continue to use his name reverently where ever we can and celebrate Christmas where ever we can

regardless of whether a christmas tree is predominantly christian or a pagan hand me down, it is not a symbol that everyone in the USA uses for their winter holiday, there are many more joyous symbols for the joyous holidays of winter.

Those of us wanting representation of other faiths as well are not at all wanting to get rid of any God, prayers, change the flag, or anything else, merely allow other cultures to be free enough to show their faith as well. That IS what this country was all about. Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, etc. Nowadays, folks like to say this is a Christian land with Christian values and non christians arent really citizens and shouldnt have the same rights. Now THAT is malarky.

how bout a xmas totem pole? it could be a traditional pole with lights etc or how bout a totem pole with an indian at the top then each race as they came to this country weather they voluntairily came here or not.

If it is an INTERNATIONAL airport, why not just have decorations from all religons...or is that much too difficult? Christmas is a time for joy, and i'm sure those trees helped someone get through the day/or night. Just as a menora would...i just don't understand this country.Wasn't this country based on freedom of religon? I'm confused.

What happened to freedom of speech and religion? Are we now not allowed to show our own religious beliefs that this country was founded on because a man thought it wasn't diverse enough? Add to it, don't take it away.

This just like Seattle no one has the old fashioned guts to take a stand, a Christmas tree is not an overtly religious image but a minora would be, it is a shame that in a democracy one Jewish man can change the fun of the majority, this is not democratic and is not representative of Seattle again we will be the laughing stock on world news

This just like Seattle no one has the old fashioned guts to take a stand, a Christmas tree is not an overtly religious image but a minora would be, it is a shame that in a democracy one Jewish man can change the fun of the majority, this is not democratic and is not representative of Seattle again we will be the laughing stock on world news

I would like to see many wonderful, beautiful Christmas decorations at the airport in several displays each of which could accentuate one particular cultural tradition. I think putting the Christian, Islamic, Jewish, African-American, etc... displays together may cause confusion. Perhaps a map to the airport with a short explanation of the particular displays would be fun to read and explore throughout the airport. There definately needs to be Christmas decorations!!! Do not play into the wants of the few, because the needs of the many are pure and so meaningful to many of us.

If we put a minora or any other religios image in the airport or one from each religion it would be against the law and the lawyers would have a great time, the talking heads at the airport did this to avoid lawsuits, as a peaceful Muslim I wish you people of the book would for once stand up for what you believe

I cannot believe this is even an issue. Would people just get over themselves and the threat of being "over-run" by Christians. If you choose not to believe then don't BUT if for no other reason, this country was founded on the belief in God and for this reason alone, we fought so people could have the freedom to worship or not. It's a Christmas tree for God's sake! This is the most un-religious, most commercial form of Christmas anyway. I agree with Gordon, why can one man's complaint cause such an uprising for change over the preferences of the majority? Funny, we don't see people boycotting making or spening money in this country, "in God we trust"...(maybe I shouldn't say that for fear of someone getting offended and trying to change that too!)

If we put a minora or any other religios image in the airport or one from each religion it would be against the law and the lawyers would have a great time, the talking heads at the airport did this to avoid lawsuits, as a peaceful Muslim I wish you people of the book would for once stand up for what you believe

I beleive even though this holiday issue is highly controversial you can't just not be festive. Who ever heard of traveling in the holidays and not seeing a single evergreen or holiday lights. Its completely the opposite of festive to not celebrate the holidays.Examples being: depressed, dreary, gloomy, somber, antisocial, dull, grim, sober, sad, unhappy, lifeless, general, ordinary and the list goes on and on. Do we as citizens of the Pacific NorthWest actually want travelers coming through our international airports in the holidays and seeing a very "ordinary" place.No!, but the question is what to do rather cower and do nothing at all. I say stick your neck out and put up some "northwestern" evergreens(excluding tinsel and ordaments). That way the local atheists(or whatever/whoever else) can't bellyache about it being too "christmasy". Just go with a festive Pacific NorthWest feeling, some "northwestern" snowy evergreen dioramas should keep it real while keeping the rabbis from going into a tizzy.If one person of another religion exclaims,"hey, this is feeling a little to christmasy up in here, take those decorations down or i'll sue." Just reply with "Nonsense, thats just the culture of the NorthWest.Our culture consists of Skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, camping, boating and water sports are all popular outdoor activities which is represented by the snow.And the evergreens,boy I don't even have to explain that.Walk outside and look everyway except for the parking garage."But remember snow,evergreens, but don't include colorful lights. A nativity scene would make athiests and rabbis every where roll over in there graves.

Thankyou,Ted

Airline Travel has become a depressing process of long lines, constant waiting, unhappy flight crews, non communicative travelers, and eternally slow Baggage Claim. Yet during the Holidays (no longer called "Christmas Vacation") the beautiful Seattle International Airport can dress up and create a festive atmosphere of hospitality and anticipation. After all, holiday travelers generate a huge volume of business and economic profitability for the Airlines, Airport and Port of Seattle. Christmas trees are only a secular symbol of a Season celebrated not only by Jews and Christians, but by people of many faiths all over the world. I have friends in Japan who are Buddhist and they always buy "Christmas presents" and "Christmas trees"!
I find it very disturbing that this Committee has decided to forego a 10 year tradition and prededent of decorating with Christmas trees around the Airport. Of even greater concern is the shocking statement that "it's time to buy new decorations anyway". If they have a budget surplus, then why don't they terminate the passenger airport tax on every ticket?

Airline Travel has become a depressing process of long lines, constant waiting, unhappy flight crews, non communicative travelers, and eternally slow Baggage Claim. Yet during the Holidays (no longer called "Christmas Vacation") the beautiful Seattle International Airport can dress up and create a festive atmosphere of hospitality and anticipation. After all, holiday travelers generate a huge volume of business and economic profitability for the Airlines, Airport and Port of Seattle. Christmas trees are only a secular symbol of a Season celebrated not only by Jews and Christians, but by people of many faiths all over the world. I have friends in Japan who are Buddhist and they always buy "Christmas presents" and "Christmas trees"!
I find it very disturbing that this Committee has decided to forego a 10 year tradition and prededent of decorating with Christmas trees around the Airport. Of even greater concern is the shocking statement that "it's time to buy new decorations anyway". If they have a budget surplus, then why don't they terminate the passenger airport tax on every ticket?

this is one more thing i am as sick of like paris hilton. throw all the decorations in the trash and forget it.

When did a Christmas tree become a religious symbol?

First, I am Jewish, and I do not support what the rabbi did as far as threatening to sue; he is not a person who speaks for the majority of the Jewish community in Seattle by ANY stretch of the imagination. I personally do not care to have the symbols of my faith on display to potentially be treated with disrespect.

However, if you're going to report the story again and stir the ashes, then report ALL of it, including the fact that he offered to pay for the decorations, and that he had tried on several prior occasions to get the airport to display the menorahs a number of times before resorting to the threat of a lawsuit. This didn't happen out of the blue, so please don't report the incident as though it DID.

I think being aware of others traditions and beliefs is a step in the right direction. Not only for people traveling into our country but for the many people who share a different perspective right here in this very city. If any sense of a holiday season is being recognized, then I feel all the religions should be represented if possible. I've had enough of tunnel vision people who feel Christmas is American. America is a melting pot for many different people, cultures and beliefs and Sea-Tac has the opportunity and awareness to represent the diversity that is our world, our country, and our city and its airport.

Why do airports need Christmas decorations anyway? It's not the decorations that bring us to airports. they're there to get us where we want to go more quickly and safely. Spend the money and wasted energy used on this topic for something more sensible and useful to the traveling public.

J. Campbell

I am fed up with the pious semitic anti-Caucasoids
that already dominate so much of Americana while fleecing us of around $300,000,000 that is annually sent to Israel

Warren Pugh

My family is not Christian. We do celebrate Christmas, but as a secular holiday. We use a tree, ornaments, lights, and Father Christmas for decorations. We have always enjoyed the displays set out for the enjoyment of the public.

It is my personal belief that this country has bent over backwards to prevent offending anyone. That just makes us the laughingstock of the world. I don't remember that freedom of religion meant freedom FROM religion. This rabbi must have felt excluded at the airport. Well, boo-hoo. None of the decorations from my religion have ever been included in any holiday display. I am mature enough to understand that I am of a minority and the majority does not have to bend to my will. I am also mature enough not to destroy the enjoyment of the many over a decoration display. If the airport wants to put up lights and trees, there shouldn't be any problem. However, if they put up a nativity scene, then they should include holiday displays from a number of other religions. But trees and lights aren't the sole property of Christians, so those who feel excluded just need to grow up. Those who have foisted 'political correctness' upon us should have to spend the rest of their natural lives mediating these idiotic disputes so that the courts can actually work on real lawsuits instead of these idiotic suits by immature people.

I believe that a winter wonderland theme, complete with lights and decorations, is fully acceptable. Nothing against Christianity, nothing against Judaism, but getting into the winter spirit is what it should be about. If the decorations were specific to the Christmas holiday, per se, I don't think that it's acceptable. After all, this country was founded on religious freedom, and favoring one religious holiday over another seems to be hypocritical.
We should all respect one another's beliefs, leave religious icons out of the picture, and still be able to create an artful installation that's exciting for traveling residents and our visitors from all over the world without such controversy.

First, get a backbone Seattle and keep Christ in Christmas! If we are decorating the airport at Christmas time it should be with traditional Christmas decor, how simple is that? Christmas is not Hanukah, if the rabbi wants a menorah in the airport at Hanukah let him stick one in the airport at Hanukah- who really cares. One other thing, threatening a lawsuit is spineless.

The Christmas tree is one of many traditional symbols for celebrating the winter holidays. It has been associated with the birth of Christ but it does not have direct correlation to it. We seem to be confusing the Christmas tree with that concept.I agree with the majority of comments in favor of keeping the Christmas tree at SEA-TAC and showing the world that Seattle doesindeed have a spine.

what i find interesting is this decorations issue got nearly as many comments in one day as bush letting libby off the hook did in 10.

if it hadnt been for this rabbi it would have been somebody else pushing it to this decision. id rather see the management spend thier on airline safety than dealing with some whiney rabbi.

Obviously too many people are forgetting what Christmas is about. Christ, remember Him? It is because of His death, by being nailed to a cross, which the Christmas 'tree' represents, that we even have a Christmas celebration.
I can't imagine why any religious group, who do NOT believe in Christ or His mission, would want to celebrate Christmas or place a symbol of their religious/non religious belief among those of a Christian.
Christian America should continue to celebrate just as we always have, Yes, Christmas trees, yes, manger scenes. What is it that so many non Christians are afraid of?
A Menorah placed beside a Christmas tree is a contradiction. Put it elsewhare and the same goes for any other non Christian symbol.

First, for those of you who can't seem to figure out why Jewish people would like to put up a Menorah during Christmas time needs to pay better attention to when the festival of light occurs. Ummmm, how about RIGHT BEFORE Christmas!!

Second, it is completely reasonable for the Rabbi to request to have a Menorah up during the Holidays. Considering that they want to pay for the decorations themselves, what's the problem?

Finally, the real reason that Sea-Tac decided against having ANY decorations is not because they feared backlash from Jewish people for NOT allowing the Menorah. It is because if they DID allow the Menorah, some Christians would pitch a fit about someone trying to take "their" holiday tradition away. For Christ's sake(pun intended), Christmas decorations now start going up in mid-November!!!!! Why is it that Christians can begin placing their holiday decorations EVERYWHERE a month or so before the ONE DAY that matters, yet everyone is in an uproar when a Rabbi wants to foot the bill for a symbol of their Holiday celebration that lasts for far longer than one day? I fully understand the "Holiday Season" sentiment and can appreciate that. However, I can't figure out why so many question how a Christmas tree is looked at as a symbol of a religious holiday. I mean, please!!! I was born and raised in America and have celebrated Christmas for all 35 of my years. To think that a Christmas tree is not associated with a religious holiday is just plain dumb (sorry, couldn't think of a more appropriate word. Don't want to offend anyone out there.)

I would invite people who have an "issue" with Christmas symbology to go deeper and find out WHY they have an issue with it and generally all other CHRISTIAN symbology.

It is worth noting that both Jews and Christians offend so many with little rationale, while radical Islam (generating terrorism worldwide for years) gets little more than a collective yawn from most.

I don't buy the "I am offended" line. As a Christian, I am "offended" by many people's uninhibited sexual desires, lying, stealing, adultery, hatred, unforgiveness, etc. I recommend one get used to being "offended" on this earth.

here is an idea. these religions have collected billions over the years and have built huge churches so why dont they put thier decorations there along with the ATM machines they have for donations.
i wish religion would stay out of the public. last year i saw the most pathetic add for donations, it said none of your donations will go to settle the sex abuse claims.

This is What Christmas is folks. Celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why do we need to accomodate everyone else? I am tired of "The Christians" always being the ones forced to change and have things taken away! If it offends someone, Well then go back to thier country and do what they want, but as for America, This is how we do it! Please keep the Trees!

First off, the Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol. Trees were used to teach the trinity because of their triangular shape, but nowhere in the bible does it mention the Christmas tree. Second of all, wasn't Jesus Jewish?
And third, I work with many people from many different beliefs -- Muslim, Buddist, Atheist, Jewish who celebrate the "giving season" with a tree, decorations and everything -- except a nativity. So the tree, the time, the season is what you choose to make of it. Good will toward ALL men.

For the rabbi to get nitpicky over a Christmas tree just shows how closed off and intolerant he really is. Which goes against the basic principles of our nation.

Because Christianity is in the majority Christians are the only ones that are required to be tolerant of the minority, but the minority is never required to be tolerant of the majority. There is a fundamental flaw in this thinking.

First off, the Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol. Trees were used to teach the trinity because of their triangular shape, but nowhere in the bible does it mention the Christmas tree. Second of all, wasn't Jesus Jewish?
And third, I work with many people from many different beliefs -- Muslim, Buddist, Atheist, Jewish who celebrate the "giving season" with a tree, decorations and everything -- except a nativity. So the tree, the time, the season is what you choose to make of it. Good will toward ALL men.

For the rabbi to get nitpicky over a Christmas tree just shows how closed off and intolerant he really is. Which goes against the basic principles of our nation.

Because Christianity is in the majority Christians are the only ones that are required to be tolerant of the minority, but the minority is never required to be tolerant of the majority. There is a fundamental flaw in this thinking.

I think everyone needs to understand that a "Christmas Tree" is not necessarily a "Christian" symbol. Decorating a tree with candles goes back to a lot of non-religious rituals in Germany and Scandinavia. In Scandinavia, it was the "Festival of Lights" to celebrate the Winter Solstice time of year. Fortunately, we do not use candles anymore, but rather electrical strings of lights which is a much safer practice. Unless you put a Nativity scene under the tree, it is not a symbol of Christianity. Even then, it still isn't - rather the Nativity scene itself is. Here in the Northwest, a green tree is a symbol of our land and nature. And if we are going to get rid of it because of "religious implications", then the White House should get rid of it too.

Christmas has also been exploited in this country (and worldwide), waaaaay beyond any Christian values. If we get rid of the Christmas tree - then lets get rid of Christmas presents/gifts, company Christmas parties (LOTS of alcohol and drunkeness folks!), Christmas dinners, Christmas cards, the National holiday of Christmas, etc .... a Christmas tree is just another one of those pieces included with the U.S. celebration of "Christmas". It is more a symbol of Capitalism than it is of Christianity!

what ever the origin of the christmas tree, is it some kind of coincidence that it comes into play at christmas? it all focuses on that one day. if there is no connection to the tree and christmas why would the church make an issue about it. also are there other religious holidays where the churches put up some kind of decorations and dont put them up at the airport? everything focuses on that one day, shopping days left the tree and paid holidays off. nobody is going to convince me they arent related.
as a kid i remember what a wonderful time of the year it was and now i wish the churches would keep it out of public view and quit draggin everyone through thier fighting.

We're the only country in the world that debates this crap. Public places in Europe are secular, and we should do the same.

i see this fall wall mart is going to start selling the jesus action figure. sort of the holy version of GI joe. suppose they will allow those in airports or on the planes?

This country was founded on the ideas of freedom of religion and speech. If the airport chooses to decorate at all, I feel that a celebration of the many cultures from which Americans have descended would be the most respectful way to go. Decorating specifically for Christmas is still decorating for Christmas, regardless of what materials are used.

P.S. Response To Bill:

Perhaps if you are so concerned about the integrity of the English language, you should learn to spell, capitalize and puntuate correctly. At least people who come here from other countries have a good excuse for not being able to spell properly!

I have to agree entirely with the wise people that have posted supporting Christmas trees in the airport - or anywhere & everywhere they are placed. It literally makes me ill thinking of all of the fun and magic that has been stripped away from the American children because of immature and small minded adults that aren't happy unless they can find something to complain about.

I am a Christian and have known since a child that the nativity is our primary symbol of celebrating our Lord's birth, NOT the Christmas tree. However, the Christmas tree has been adopted over the years by AMERICANS as a decoration to celebrate the holiday. And guess what??? I'm not offended at all by that!

Isn't it ironic that the very same people that are offended by any "display" of traditional Christmas decorations don't have any problem at all of buying and receiving CHRISTMAS gifts or participating in any of the obviously enjoyable activities of the season (especially a paid holiday from work). If they consider this such a religious holiday, then why on earth do they participate at all????? They are MORE than welcome to opt out...that is what is so great about being an American! We have the RIGHT to choose what we believe and how we choose to express it.

We (American's) have historically enjoyed traditions that cross our many diverse cultural and religious lines from the time we each arrived here. I think it is appalling that others think they can now come here and think they have a right to change that.

I realize that this argument has strayed WAY beyond the original issue brought up here...the displaying of the Menorah at SeaTac Airport. For the record; I don't have a problem with it at all...I don't feel "threatened" or feel any pressure in the slightest to adopt their religious beliefs and traditions as my own.

This has just given me a much needed forum, or soap box if you will, to finally say what is so unpopular to say in our politically correct climate. Thanks for listening...

p.s. since spelling is obviously an issue to one of the previous posters, I thought it was important to point out that punctuate has a "c" just before the "t".

I am saddened by Seatac removing Christmas Trees from their decorations at Christmas. For many generations this great nation "under God" has celebrated Christmas with "Christmas Vacation", nativity scenes and trees without any problems. Long gone are the "Christmas Vacations" they are now "winter break". Nativity scenes are not allowed on government property and the 10 commandments are no longer posted in schools yet it was required by law for them to be posted in every classroom?Is our country better since their removal? A recent poll stated 85% of americans claim "christianity" as their religion yet we aren't allowed our traditions and freedoms anymore. Our founding fathers fought for those freedoms. They tried to protect our religious freedom from government control in our constitution but liberal courts have turned around the meaning to assume the government needs protection from religion...Why have we lost our freedoms and traditions? because of a few... What has happened to us as a democratic nation? Even though the strong "majority" wants our long standing traditions to continue... the few, the simple minority always win because the majority remain silent... Christmas happens to be a christian holiday celebrated by most americans even if they are not practicing christians. No one is forced to believe in Jesus Christ because a tree is displayed at the airport. There was nothing offensive in the trees. A Christmas tree at the airport with all of its decorations and lights are a joy to most and can bring a little cheer to the weary stranded traveler. We have adopted the Christmas Tree as a secular symbol of Christmas but it originated in Germany. I feel the airport is wrong in doing away with an American Tradition that has been diplayed in our country for many generations! It's time the majority of Americans speak up before we continue to lose ALL of our countries traditions. If we don't we will become a society run by a minority of vocal people and courtrooms that will continue to cause us to lose more of our values and traditions that have made this country great. We welcome people and their religions from all over the world but please don't come here and try to change our tradtions or heritage.
I appreciated those of you from other religions who posted comments in support of keeping the decorations at Seatac. This country has been great because you and I both have the "freedom" to worship as we desire and celebrate our holidays and traditions in harmony."Christmas" trees in the airport do not symbolize my religion or the real meaning of Christmas..Therefore there should be no conflict involving them and they should remain as they have for years. I also agree that a designated area of "International Airport" would be wonderful place to display Christmas symbols from around the world. The display should include a nativity, menorah, Kwanza symbols and others from around the world. Merry Christmas everyone!Bah humbug airport authority!

Christmas is a special time of year. It reminds us all of the spirit of giving. If it becomes a political statement. Will our belief also have to become a national political correctness statement.

To Chris:

I'm aware of how to spell "punctuate"--that was an unfortunate typographical error; sometimes my keyboard is touchy.

Also, an apostrophe before an "s" indicates a possessive, not a plural, so it's incorrect to write "American's" when intending it to mean a plural noun.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE NOT A RELIGIOUS SYMBOL. WE ARE NOT PRAYING TO A TREE OR THE LIGHTS. I DO NOT THINK THAT THE RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS SHOULD BE PUT UP FOR CHRISTMAS. THIS IS AMERICA. IF OTHER CULTURES DON'T LIKE OUR DECORATIONS THEN THEY CAN LEAVE OUR COUNTRY. WHY DO WE HAVE TO CHANGE OUR WAYS HERE IN MY HOME COUNTRY, WHYS THAT HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR GENERATIONS, FOR IDIOTS THAT HAVE MIGRATED HERE. IF YOU MOVE TO ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD YOU ARE EXPECTED TO CONFORM TO THEIR WAYS. IF NOT YOU CAN LEAVE.