The local TV news has been following this story the last couple days. I'm curious to see what you 'Catters think about it.

In Kensington, Maryland, Santa Claus has traditionally flicked the switch at the tree-lighting ceremony for years. But this year, the town council had voted to drop Santa from the the event after some families complained Saint Nick's involvement made them feel excluded. However, after announcing this decision, they were absolutely swamped by public reaction. So the council has changed their tune about the ban.

Santa Claus is coming to town, after all, but there's one stipulation. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will now be welcome, as long as he stays away from the light switch.

Kensington's fire chief says the Christmas tree lighting usually draws 50 or 60 people. But with all the national attention to the story, he's expecting thousands this year, including a crowd of biker Santas. They ought to have a Million Santa March through town.

I suspect that the persons objecting to Santa's participation are not of the Christian faith. Not that Santa, Christmas trees, yule logs, and such are religious symbols. But they are nonetheless symbols of Christmas, which IS religious (or is supposed to be.) Next thing you know, we're going to get people demanding that we stop calling it a Christmas tree. To them I say, who do you think you are, expecting Americans to stop doing something they have done all their lives, just so you won't feel excluded? The intention is not to exclude. Anyone is welcome at tree-lighting ceremonies. Christmas is the most significant holiday in these United States (and quite likely on the entire planet). Santa Claus is inextricably part of the holiday. Here, people are free to follow their own beliefs and faith without fear of restriction or recrimination. ALL people. So, if some people don't like Father Christmas lighting the tree, they should stay home. Why would they want to observe the event in the first place? After all, it isn't a Muhammadmas tree, a Buddhamas tree, or Krishnamas tree that's being illuminated. It's a CHRISTmas tree.