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A Brighter Downtown The Amherst Business Improvement District can't take credit for today's first snowfall, but it provided the perfect backdrop for all the new Christmas, err, HOLIDAY Stars adorning light pole all over the downtown that the BID can take credit for.

Better yet, I'm told the Merry Maple -- in a joint production between the BID and Amherst Chamber of Commerce -- will get a 400% increase in the number of lights, so photographers will no longer have to use their low light setting.

Come watch the lighting ceremony this Friday at 4:15 in front of venerable Town Hall.  (It may now even be visible from outer space).
Posted by Larry Kelley at 11/27/2012 06:50:00 PM Labels: Downtown Amherst Tom McBride said...

There's a problem with calling them holiday decorations?

November 27, 2012 at 7:18 PM 
No, there's a problem with calling them Christmas decorations.

November 27, 2012 at 7:28 PM 
"Merry Christmas to All, and to All, a Good Night!"

November 28, 2012 at 3:34 AM 
That's because there are multiple holidays to celebrate you Scrooges. Happy Hanukah and Kawanza to you all.

November 28, 2012 at 8:05 AM 
Don't forget Festivus! Happy Festivus to everyone.

November 28, 2012 at 8:30 AM 
When will people just leave it alone and just enjoy the season of good will to each other.

November 28, 2012 at 8:49 AM 

November 28, 2012 at 8:59 AM 
Please do not forget that December 4 is Wear Brown Shoes Day. For real!

November 28, 2012 at 9:17 AM 
Cool! Can't wait to see how they look lit up at night.

November 28, 2012 at 9:40 AM 
December 14 is National Bouillabaisse Day. Yum!

November 28, 2012 at 12:13 PM 
Do these lights conflict with National Flashlight Day on the 21st?

November 28, 2012 at 4:38 PM 
"No, there's a problem with calling them Christmas decorations."

Yes, how dare they want their traditions to be included in a public celebration of the winter holiday. Why can't they just enjoy their winter season by celebrating Christmas?

If this sort of non-denominational celebration continues it could end up bringing the community closer together with a shared celebration! The Horror! /sarcasm

They are called holiday decorations because they are designed to celebrate any holiday. If the state begins decorating for Christmas then it is an endorsement of Christianity and violates the separation of church and state. Now, it would be alright if they also put up decorations for all of the other denominational holidays or allowed anyone to have decorations put up for a holiday. However, as this would not be feasible economically or practically, they put up decorations for all of the various winter holidays at the same time.

It has always been disturbing to me that many Christians seem horribly offended at the idea that other people have different traditions and ideas which may deserve equal respect.

November 29, 2012 at 8:28 AM 
What are you talking about? We put up a menorah every year but Christians can't have a nativity scene. Funny, it was okay when I was a kid in this town but not now.

November 29, 2012 at 9:18 AM 
Well, there IS a problem calling them "holiday decorations." Exactly what other upcoming holiday(s) celebrate(s) with gold and red stars or with the decorating of a tree? Neither Chanukah nor Kwanzaa involve the decorating of trees nor the use of stars as a symbol.

I'm Jewish and I don't want to see Chanukah made into some sort of jewish Christmas, complete with usurped Christmas symbolism.


November 29, 2012 at 12:42 PM 
@Anonymous 8:28 AM ...

Not only that but the town allows a gigantic public menorah on the Town Common, but not any mention of Christmas at all? Makes no sense.

I don't know a single Jew, including myself, who would object to a manger scene since the town allows a menorah.

November 29, 2012 at 12:44 PM 
Seems like Festivus's "Airing of Grievances" has already begun.

November 29, 2012 at 2:12 PM 
Uptown this afternoon and BID volunteers were giving out free brownies. They were walking through town with baskets. Nice.

December 1, 2012 at 2:42 PM 
I walked through town last night. The light posts are beautiful and festive, casting a warm glow throughout the town. Well done!

December 2, 2012 at 10:25 AM