When I was younger, maybe 10 or 11, I wondered about the phrase “Xmas.”

I thought it was strange that on a holiday that is supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, they would cut Christ’s name out of the title altogether. That’s like calling St. Patrick’s day “Green Day.”

I realize that it was done mostly to save space and letters. I mean who has time to write out Christmas? But still, it struck me as something more. Okay, so Christmas is supposed to be about giving, right?

Not according to Apple iPad commercial, the Bonefish grill advertisement and several other ads. Granted, they profit off the idea that it is better to receive than give, so you can’t blame them. But the message still resounds. Another theory is political correctness. Xmas doesn’t have all the Christian attachments as Christmas.

It’s a pretty irreligious term, like a unisex bathroom. The term is actually derived from the Greek letter chi, which was an abbreviation for Christos (or Christ) in early times.

So it’s still there, but it’s not staring you in the face. In a time where formality and correctness is everything, where it is proper to say “happy holidays,” instead of “merry Christmas,” it’s no wonder Xmas is popular. But people really combat these things.

Some think we shouldn’t have to censor ourselves for the sake of other religions, and in some regards (like the First Amendment), they’re right. Just because you have the right to say something, does that mean you should? People like to say “you don’t have to agree with my beliefs, but you should respect them.”

If that’s true, the same rule applies to all other religions as well. If not, you run the risk of hypocrisy. Sure, it’s annoying that the Christmas dance now has to be called the “Winter dance,” but it is only fair.

I think some would feel a hint of contempt if all December long on ABC Family they were showing a Kwanza-thon or 25 days of Hanukkah. Of course, that’s not the case.

The majority of the American public are Xmas-loving Christians. Because television shows and commercials reflect the values of the “masses,” Rudolph, Frosty and Santa sipping a Coke in front a fireplace is what we see. The least we could do is wish “happy holidays” to those who celebrate something different. It’s a matter of respect.