FORT COLLINS — This city’s war on Christmas has hit a lull or at least fallen into a cheery cease-fire.
Late last week, revelers enjoyed a city employee recognition party at the Fort Collins Museum where the city’s new policy on holiday displays has been put into play.
Most attendees seemed more interested in the food and activities than the exhibits that earned the scorn of national commentators convinced that the city wanted to outlaw Santa.
On one side of the building stood the traditional smiling snowman, Santa, a Nativity scene, a menorah marking Hanukkah, and a lighted Christmas tree. On the other side were kiosks with written and recorded messages detailing celebrations by at least 12 cultures.
Among those are the Indian Diwali Festival of Lights, the Thailand Buddhist celebration of Loy Krathong, Yule, Christmas, the Chinese Lantern Festival, African-American Kwanzaa, Muslim Ramadan, the Polish Wigilia celebration and the Scottish Hogmanay festival.
“I expected to see more lights on the tree, but I’m really glad we are including a lot more cultures,” said Nancy York. “It just makes sense.”
“I love it,” said Sarah Myer. “It’s something the whole community can enjoy.”
All are part of a compromise worked out by the city last year after a city task force was attacked for proposing that municipal buildings be adorned only with white lights.
Some took that to mean Christmas symbols were to be banned. Mayor Doug Hutchinson, who was tongue-lashed across the country, said the policy finalized in November works.
Under the agreement, traditional Christmas and Jewish decorations are placed outside the museum alongside displays of other cultures. Educational exhibits are inside.
“I’m very pleased with this,” Hutchinson said. “The messages and phone calls supporting this solution outnumbers the complaints by 5-to-1.”
Some aren’t impressed. “It’s just an example of how the minority rules in this country,” said the Rev. Don Willett of the Blessed John XXIII University Parish and a member of the holiday task force.
Rabbi Jerachmiel Gorelik, who sparked the controversy three years ago when his request to place a menorah on city property was denied, said he appreciates the city efforts. He also said he has met less resistance to a menorah display in the neighboring cities of Loveland and Greeley.
“We received immediate permission and support,” Gorelik said. “There was no discussion, no committees and no task forces.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
