When December dawns, thoughts turn to the greatest of all seasons — Christmas. A lot of customs have become associated with Christmas since the reason for this great season was born more than 2,000 years ago. The birth of Christ changed the world and offered hope and eternal life to all who believe in him.

Today, some people do not want to identify the greatest of all holidays by its true name. Sure, retailers want Christmas gift-giving to keep growing, but some have reverted to calling Christmas “the holidays.”

Of course, the true meaning of Christmas is not the gift-giving, decorations or parties. Nevertheless, activities observed in honor of the Christmas season should always be identified as Christmas observances.

I plan to stop shopping in stores that do not clearly identify the Christmas season. In a country where 75 percent of the people identify themselves as Christians, this great season needs to be given the respect it is due.

So, in the future, there will be no “Happy Holidays” from me. My greetings and observances shall always be identified with a big “Merry Christmas.”

JOHN G. KINES JR.

Disputanta