The next time I go as a customer to Nordstrom, I will be sure – and I hope you will join me – in expressing my sincere gratitude that for the past 100 years, this chain of department stores has refused to begin Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.
Since there are many commercial establishments that began their Christmas rush before Halloween, Nordstrom really deserves the Washington Times designation as Noble of the Week, "for resisting the temptation to cheapen the spirit of the holiday season."
Holiday means holy day, and this holy day is Dec. 25, the date when more than a billion Christians observe the birthday of Jesus Christ.
Nordstrom spokesman John Baily told Times reporter Jen Haberkorn: "We believe in celebrating each holiday in its entirety before moving on to the next one."
"When retailers try to capitalize on shoppers' impatience, not only is something lost, but the season to come isn't as special," notes the Times editorial.
How about next year, in early October, announcing that a list of all establishments joining Nordstrom in such Christmas respect and restraint will be published – along with all who mutilate this holy season by beginning Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving or Halloween – or shortly following Labor Day?
Such a list of offenders, if boycotted by all the nation's devout right could do wonders toward the goal of keeping Christ's birthday in Christmas.