The 77th annual tree lighting ceremony in New York’s Rockefeller Center on Wednesday evening, Dec. 2, drew more than 100,000 street spectators and perhaps millions watching the live proceedings on television. I was one of them. Without a doubt, the shining lights and smiling faces and brilliant color are truly uplifting. This event is promoted as the kickoff of the Holiday and tourism season. I have watched almost every tree lighting for decades and have appreciated the balance in terms of the music and entertainment. Classic fare, along with Christmas carols (“Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night” among many others) and appearances by choirs. So I was shocked that last evening’s program was virtually devoid of any reference to the Reason for the Season. The secular humanists have made great inroads, it seems. We cannot tolerate such an affront to our beliefs and we must make our voices heard. If you feel as I do, speak out—loud and often.  And have yourself a very Merry Christmas. 

Patricia A. Kossmann is literary editor of America.