Full Breakdown
David Spade Critiques Omission of "Christmas" in Holiday Celebrations
12/9/2025, 6:08:38 AM
David Spade's Criticism of Holiday Ceremonies
David Spade, the actor and comedian known for his roles in "Grown Ups" and "Joe Dirt," recently criticized a mall's tree-lighting ceremony for deliberately avoiding the term "Christmas." During an episode of the "Fly on the Wall" podcast with Dana Carvey, Spade expressed his discontent with the trend of omitting religious references from holiday celebrations. He remarked, "I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately," highlighting a specific incident where a mall's event was labeled merely as a "tree-lighting ceremony" without mentioning Christmas.
Context of the Controversy
Spade's comments come in the wake of similar criticisms directed at the city of Portland, Oregon, which hosted its annual tree-lighting ceremony on November 28, 2023. The event featured traditional Christmas decorations and Santa Claus but was promoted without any reference to Christmas. Instead, it was branded as "Portland's 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony." This decision sparked backlash from social media users who felt that the essence of Christmas was being stripped away from the celebration.
Perspectives on Religious Sensitivity
In the podcast, Spade articulated a broader concern regarding the treatment of Christianity in public discourse, stating, "I don't like the anti-Christian feel." He noted that while he identifies as a "secular" and "lapsed" Christian, he believes that Christianity is often treated differently compared to other religions. Carvey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that he does not support restrictions on speech. Spade further elaborated on the challenges faced by Christians globally, referencing ongoing persecution in regions like Africa.
Official Responses and Public Sentiment
In response to the criticisms surrounding the Portland event, Mayor Keith Wilson's office clarified that the event was indeed a "Christmas Tree Lighting," dismissing claims that the city was attempting to erase the holiday's name. The office stated, "Mayor Wilson was delighted to join Portland’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting alongside Christmas carolers and holiday festivities." Despite this, many social media commenters expressed frustration, arguing that the city's approach undermines the traditional significance of Christmas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately.” — David Spade, Actor
- “ NICKI MINAJ PRAISED FOR SPOTLIGHTING CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IN NIGERIA: 'BODY COUNT IS JUST TOO HIGH TO IGNORE' "I don't like the anti-Christian feel because Christmas to me wasn't really about that because I am Christian," Spade said.” — David Spade, Actor
- “In Portland they’re trying to take the Christmas out of Christmas tree.” — Social Media Commenter
- “That said, framing it otherwise feels like quite the reach.” — Mayor Keith Wilson's Office
Conclusion
David Spade's remarks reflect a growing concern among some individuals regarding the secularization of holiday celebrations and the perceived marginalization of Christian traditions. As public events continue to navigate the balance between inclusivity and tradition, the debate over the use of religious terminology in holiday celebrations remains a contentious issue.
