Originally Posted by fmazack (Post 1696137)

One way to stop this is, don't attend. The tree will be there many nights and I'll see it when I don't have to pay. If enough people stop attending and don't buy tickets, it will send a big message to those in charge.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1696138)

I think that those who object to commercializing a religious symbol, (most Christians I think) should stay away. I consider asking for payment to watch a Christmas tree being lit up is in bad taste. Look, if you can’t afford to put up a Christmas tree, then don’t do it. Other forms of entertainment you can charge a price for, but this verges on insulting, if I am reading these posts correctly. Christmas represents the birth of Christ, born in a stable, no admission was required.

Originally Posted by PennBF (Post 1696130)

The point is this is an attempt to get incremental revenue or revenue that is new and was not a part of the prior revenue streams. Now think of the many ways the Developer, Commercial Business, Vendors, Rental's ,etc etc..can and will use this route as needed. Now consider the many avenues available to increase year to year new revenue 's? (.g. pool usage, seats at squares, parking, new fines, internal categories of the Amentie fees, taxes, etc etc). These are under the authority of either the Developer, Various Gov't (Both Village and State)amd business. As an example the current incremental revenue for the Christmas Tree is being assigned to the owner of the Entertainment Vendor although it can be assumed the Developer will receive some, etc. In addition the current revenue streams will be increased as a basis for covering on going costs. A potential serious concern is the lack of control or influence the residents have in any of the decisions regarding "Village" impacts. Just opinion I personally believe using a religious line item which is more for children than adults and should be viewed as such before making it harder for some to have equal enjoyment and making it more comfortable with tent and location. :ho:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1696142)

Not good enough, sorry, get some other money making venture and leave religious symbols out of it.

Originally Posted by fmazack (Post 1696137)

One way to stop this is, don't attend. The tree will be there many nights and I'll see it when I don't have to pay. If enough people stop attending and don't buy tickets, it will send a big message to those in charge.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1696147)

Sorry, but the sky is not falling.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1696142)

Not good enough, sorry, get some other money making venture and leave religious symbols out of it.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1696146)

Santa is not a religious symbol although associated. The Christmas tree symbolizes to some of us the birth of the savior.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1696138)

I think that those who object to commercializing a religious symbol, (most Christians I think) should stay away. I consider asking for payment to watch a Christmas tree being lit up is in bad taste. Look, if you can’t afford to put up a Christmas tree, then don’t do it. Other forms of entertainment you can charge a price for, but this verges on insulting, if I am reading these posts correctly. Christmas represents the birth of Christ, born in a stable, no admission was required.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1696159)

The fact that it's an evergreen tree being lit up for Christmas is, by definition, commercialization of a religious symbol.

The origins of an evergreen tree during December being a religious symbol are pagan, not Christian. The European Christians stole the concept during the Crusades and claimed it symbolized their savior, who was a) not white, b) not European, c) not born in December, and d) lived in and came from a place where these particular evergreen trees didn't exist.

If commercialization of religious holidays offends you, then don't light your own tree, don't buy presents for Christmas, don't do any shopping during Christmas sales, and avoid any place that decorates for Christmas or plays Christmas music in their stores.

It'll certainly cut down on the overcrowding during the holidays and make things much more pleasant for the rest of us, who acknowledge that the whole thing is commercialized, but need a quart of milk that day.