Really-I have no idea what this world is coming to! What is the BIG deal about Christmas displays? Hasn't Woburm been having a Nativity Scene on their Common for YEARS now? Why is this such a HUGE deal all of a sudden with everyone?

By the way- I LOVE the Nativity Scene on the Common.

The displays on the common are owned by the Featival on the Common committee and were purchased through private donations from Woburn citizens and other non-governmental organizations.
After recently replacing all the items due to a fire, the committe would certainly accept donations as well as suggestions for new displays in the future.

Christmas is a "religious holiday" only to those who think it to be. However, the reality is "Christmas" is not religious. It has it's roots firmly planted in pagan Europe's winter solstice celebrations and American capitalism. The holiday is that of elves, magic, snowmen and giving. That said; if it means that we need to place every "religious" symbol on the common so as not to "offend" I say then, yes, take down the nativity scene. I would rather see the true traditions of Santa Claus, magic, snowmen and "Christmas" trees remain without needing to cater to everyones religious beliefs.

As a practicing Jew and a minority, I can say loudly to the person who complained: GET OVER IT! If you are that insecure in your own faith or lack of same, move somewhere else where you feel like a member of the majority, and leave the good people of Woburn to enjoy the trappings of the season. The first step to acceptance is tolerance. As for me, I am glad to live in a community with religious values. This benefits all.

I think that if someone is so offended then they should give their name and stand up for what they believe in. I find it cowardly to do it anonymously. Frankly, I can't see what city funds are being used to place these old Christmas decorations. If other religious organizations want to place a Menorah or other symbol of their belief during these religious holidays then by all means go ahead. Those of us who celebrate Christmas are sick and tired of being attacked for our beliefs. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus; a man who helped others and turned the other cheek. I think being reminded of those good qualities is not offensive.

Love the decorations! As a Christian, I welcome any and all celebrations of anyone's faith. I believe it's called tolerance and compassion. A Menorah would be a nice addition, most of these traditions are rooted in ancient history and should be celebrated.

I LOVE IT!

I LIKE IT!

That nativity has been on the common for as long as I can remember.

Just because it's "in vogue" to be politically correct, that does not justify doing away with traditions that we have had forever. I'm so sick and tired of trying to appease every single individual's needs, wants, desires, and tastes. Everyone always tries to make things about themselves. Can't we just accept a beautiful display as it is and move on?

Stop trying to steal my childhood memories!!

I, personally, don't have an issue with it. To be honest, I'm with "jensmom" I think a nice menorah would be a good addition to it as well.

As someone who does not practice any particular religion, I think its great. I do have to add, that I think it would be a beautiful display of Woburn's diversity to include other religions. I'd welcome it and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Are you kidding me? so we should take the Christ out of Christmas??? What is wrong with people?

First, there are no City funds involved in this display. They were payed for by private funds, years ago. Second, the Nativity is put up by Service Organization volunteers. Third, I was told several years ago that local Synagogues were contacted and asked if they would like to add symbols of their faith to the displays on the Common and they all declined. And last, the Common is just that: it is "common" land belonging to all the citizens of Woburn, NOT to the City Government! So us "christians" have a right to put up the symbols of our winter holidays, as do any and all religions. Back when Woburn was first founded, the "common" was were families without sufficient field space would graze their livestock. These good people founded this city on the principal of Religeous freedom. And we are still free to celebrate Christmas with all the trappings that go along with it.

It does my heart good to see that not everyone is afraid of the 16% who want religion and Christmas out of our lives. Thank You Woburn for making the Holidays as Special as they should be for our families.

I celebrate the secular version of Christmas. I love Santa and Frosty and all that. The nativity is just a few more fictional characters being displayed.

Don't look at it if it offends you! We have had it there for years, no need to get rid of it.

If a complaint is not in writing, there is no complaint. Is Woburn Patch pursuing an issue hoping some Atheist organization will file a complaint, after reading the story on the internet. Its looks as though Woburn Patch is trying to bring a controversial issue where there is none. Doesn’t George Soros fund the Patch organization through its Huffington Post newspaper? The Woburn Patch is trying to bring the “WAR ON CHRISTMAS” here to Woburn. SHAME ON YOU !

People need to get over themselves. Don't ruin it for everyone else.

I enjoy the display. It reminds me of the roots of Christmas and why we celebrate it. I'm glad the display is there.

So far we are still free to worship God as we please. It is religious liberty. Even atheists have a right to practice their religion of denying a creator. So i think Christians should be free to say Merry Christmas and Jesus loves you. Christmas is a great Holiday.
I Love Christmas displays and Christmas lights on the common.
History and tradition (even my calendar) teaches that The Son of God was born and was without sin. He proved who He was by His miracles and His Love for us because He died on an old rugged cross for our sins. Proving Himself to be God and
Man by His resurrection Christians know about His Love and the Gift of Eternal Life
for those who give their hearts to Him
That is why Christians celebrate Christmas. We worship a Savior.He came to save His people from their sins. I know that many do not believe that and call themselves Christians anyway. i guess you can be religious and not believe at the same time.
But true Christianity is not a religion. it is a person. I believe that Jesus is the reason for the season but all of us have the right to believe what we want. I hope I didn't offend anyone for expressing my faith in the historical Christmas message. Merry Christmas
frank tamilio 536 main st woburn

Get over it __ you don't like it don't look at it . You don't even have the balls to tell people who you are . Don't ruin this for the Families of Woburn who look foward to this every year The Nativity Display is the major part of our Chritsmas celebration . DON'T TAKE IT DOWN AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO DISPLAY IT EVERY YEAR . If your Athiests don't worry your Holiday will be here April 1 .

If you don't like it go back to were you were brought up this is united states of America and god we trust

I, too, love the display on the common - all of it - and would welcome participation by other organizations and faiths. Sure, why not? This is an old issue here in Woburn, most recently during the Curran administration which may be what Gerry Keohe was referring to. And every time it comes up the Mayor and City Council, to their credit, come down on the side of common sense, reaching out to others for their participation and allowing the displays to continue. Frankly, that is one of the things that makes Woburn so special, as I have been told by friends in towns such as Winchester and Lexington, who are envious that Woburn continues to have its display at Christmas, or, as some say, The Holiday Season. Bravo to our City fathers for their wisdom and to the volunteers who work mightily to maintain the tradition.

Every year there are attacks on Christmas and they seem to get more petty over time. The displays on the common are open to all organisations and residents to celebrate each specific holiday, Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza etc, Since the City is not involved in it, there is no issue, This is just someone trying to make an issue out of a non- issue. Grandchildren, and Children for many many years have stopped by the common to see the displays and mail a letter to Santa, This tradition must be kept intact! To those that complain, I say: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! And a hearty HO HO HO!

I'm a Canadian just moved here, and we're all too familiar with excessive political correctness in a country that places huge value on multiculturalism and cross-cultural understanding. The nativity scene may be a religious symbol, but to me, it's more a CULTURAL thing rather than a religious thing for Woburn and its residents. It's a tradition. There isn't anything oppressive going on here and no one is being forced into a certain belief. It's just community spirit and it's beautiful.

Thank you Woburn!! Every year I look forward to seeing the Manger Scene set up on our Common! People can do their best to call it a holiday or secularize the day/season all they want, but the fact of the matter is, Christians celebrate CHRISTMAS which commemorates the Birth of Christ, our Savior. I am happy to call it what it is and display the appropriate memorials (The Nativity Scene) for the thousands who find it appropriate, meaningful, and comforting. If other religions choose to donate and erect memorials to celebrate their traditions/holidays, then I have absolutely no problem with that, but from what was written above (see Geraline Kehoe's comment) it appears that they're not interested. So be it. Americans need to be reminded that we live in a country with freedom OF religion and not freedom FROM religion! That preposition makes ALL the difference!
What next? If someone is personally opposed to war are we now supposed to remove the beautiful new war memorials on our common as well? I think not! Seems to me that those preaching about tolerance, acceptance, and diversity need to practice what they preach.

THANK YOU WOBURN for enhancing my Christmas Season by being unafraid to hold fast to the traditions of our city and our country!! God Bless Woburn and God Bless America!!

I love it! It's new location is also a benefit because it can be visited. I am so proud of our City's display and I think it is a beautiful symbol of community and reminder of the blessings of the season, instead of the over .commercialization of the holiday . It is sad to see a display this time of year with no grounding in the reason for the season. I welcome a display representing other faiths in this season and throughout the year.

Great thread on this topic.

wow. people really do have too much time on their hands. grow a pair and put your name to it. sending it anonymously. your kids must be so popular at school. loser

Get the crèche off the common. I don't care that there is no public funding for it: it is still public property.

I would be happy to help move it to a piece of private land, be it a church, a home or what have you. But I do not want my tax dollars (I moved from Lexington to Woburn, so they are MY tax dollars) supporting anything religious, even if that support goes to my own religion.

And to the person who said there is a difference between freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion, you are exactly what the Establishment Clause was written about. No one or no thing can tell a person they MUST follow any or all religion here in the United States. If you dislike that, they have a lovely Church of England in Canada.

As I stood there admiring it the other day and thinking of how proud I am to live in a town that will actually display a nativity scene, one that has not yet succum to the ridiculous political correctness of our crazy world, I thought to myself "eventually some idiot is going to come along and complain about this".....didn't take long. I

This is a stupid discussion. There are more important things to argue about other than what decorations we can possibly stick in the center of town to distract drivers from taking that left on a red light when there's no other car's coming. Lets use this time to reflect on what makes Woburn Center the greatest place to go round in circles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, our beloved right to go left at a red light!

Why a menorah? Why do you insist on elevating a minor holiday?
Now if the City DPW and the mayor devoted as much effort to a "private" sukkah each September, I might believe it's all equal, but as the count of churches in the article shows, these sorts of things become majority rule.

(William, I find it's a secular holiday when that furthers someone's agenda, but once the Santa/Rudolph/Irving Berlin camel has his nose under the tent, folks start complaining that unless we also celebrate the Nativity and keep the Christ in Christmas we're declaring war on Christmas and trying to spoil other people's fun.)

Most years I try to treat it like ChefHockey does, grumble that it's too much entanglement between church and state, but try to enjoy it in the spirit it's offered. A few years ago when the Truant Officer, and a Resource Officer, came to my house on Yom Kippur to question me about my religion (because I'd sent the note explaining the children would be absent too early and they'd forgotten about it, and I didn't answer the phone) and reported that absence to DCF and the courts, I realized I was in the wrong place. So now I live where I'm still a member of a religious minority, but that the schools were closed on the High Holidays was a requirement when we found this place. (A DCF that is less likely to snatch children was also a requirement -- and during their 6 months in state custody although my children were not allowed to practice my religion.)

Love the Christmas decorations and I am so proud that Woburn continues this tradition !

Atheist! LOL! It must really tick them off that "In God We Trust" is on our money and they have to carry it with them every single day. One Nation Under God! Merry Christmas Woburn! Happy Birthday Jesus!

It really saddens me to think that would even happen in Woburn. There is nothing wrong with the manger or any of the other displays on the common. They are beautiful. This is going too far. They are not letting Christians have freedom of expression, displays, etc. We are not telling other people how to live their lives or how to worship or live. America is a country where people in the military give up their lives to fight for our freedom of speech, equality, freedom to worship, and choose to live our lives the way we choose as long as we're not stopping others from doing this. They have no right to tell us we can't display the manger on the common, or have "In God We Trust" on our money, We are One Nation Under God! Please leave the manger on the common, and leave the other displays there as well. God help us all, and God bless America! I say Merry Christmas!!! MaryAnn

I think if the funds for the display are private donations, etc. I see no conflict with the State vs. religion. And since there seems to be a christian majority in the town, a nativity scene makes sense. Being an atheist, it doesn't appear on my radar except to remind me of my childhood. However, since we do celebrate (secularly) Hanukkah and Christmas, I wouldn't mind an addition of a Menorah...

Mary Ann said it right. I don't think the honored Jewish war dead laying in cemeteries right here in Woburn who died for all of our freedom would approve of removing the creche any more then I do, just because some malcontent with way too much time on their hands and a serious streak of narcissism has nothing else to whine about today.

A little love. We all are different and have different ideas can't we respect each other customs. Thank you and Merry Christams and God Bless to all!

Why isn't everyone jumping all over David for making his point? Oh, that's right. He must not have a prior history of making strong arguments that ruffle people's feathers.

And for the fills claiming that Christianity isn't a religion, but a philosophy, if that's the case I'm sure your churches (or 'philosophical lyceums') would not mind giving up their tax-exempt status? After all, they are not preaching a religion; merely discussing a philosophy!

(Also, two thousand years of history and millions of dead from religious wars put the lie to your arguments.)

Oh, and Earnhardt when you lack any real substance, you attack the person. I see what you did there.

This nativity scene has been there for decades. Removing it because a small minority think it's offensive is about as offensive as telling people of the Jewish religion that they cannot display the Star of David during Chanukah or any other religion displaying their own beliefs publicly. We have many religions in this country. It is why we are a "united" nation. Unfortunately, it seems to have become the norm to bash one religion or another simply because it's not "their" religion or because they feel it's not "politically correct." That comment this person made is terrible. If they don't like it, let them look the other way or move to a community that accepts and embraces such practices. Yes, we have the freedom of speech. We also have "freedom of religion." I haven't actually taken the time to view the common yet this year, but when I was little, it was displayed right at the corner on the bend heading onto Main Street (way before the traffic lights were there!). If I recall, it's now in a different place on the common grounds. I remember walking to it with my mom when I was a little girl (back in the mid- to late-50's!) when I lived on one of the side streets off Main St. I look forward to seeing it now that I'm back in Woburn. Yes, I think it's appropriate to have the display. It's been a part of Woburn for many decades, I believe it's part of the "fabric" of Woburn and I don't think it should change.

What's the problem here? I took my wife and 3 kids down there last night, We are not Catholic, None of us care ata ll about the nativity, My kids had a blast just walking through it all and one even sat in the Santa Sleigh on the corner. ISn't Christmas the time where we put differences aside and just enjot the season? Who cares what cicvic organization is setting it up? Who cares who is oaying the electric bill? It's not about the "Adults" who see everything as an issue, It's about bringing some cheer and lighting up what may be an otherwise bleary season. Besides, can you honetsly say as you sit in that awful 5:30 pm center traffic, that looking at the display doesn't make you chill out and calm down a little? We ate at Ixtapa afetr, another reason to bring people downtown, It;s great for the businesses. I will gladly give up a few measly dollars on my tax bill to keep this up and running. We didn't do this where I am from, This is all new to us, these types of dispalays/ Woburn, you are a special city. Now, get over this nonsense people, This hurts no one. Go mail a letter to Santa. Hope you have been good this year!

I drove by the nativity scene on December 6, it looked OK to me.

How would we all feel if a symbol representing Islam was installed on the common land in Woburn? I bet people would be screaming and the gnashing of teeth would continue unabated until the object was removed.

I love it. I'm proud to live in Woburn, I am proud of my faith... The Nativity scene brings forth the warmth of the season love and goodwill toward all human kind. Why is it that some bring it to a level of so much controversy and divisiveness, the antithesis of why Christ came? I think it very beneficial if we could all take a step back and look without prejudice at one another's faith. There is much to learn... Look at the story of Christmas... Look to Hanukkah a fight for religious freedom but more importantly a relation to God. Better still look to Yom Kippur. Look to Ramadan, Look to Holi-day... If there is one thing we as human kind should have learned by now is that one cannot force beliefs.... If there is something you don't like to look at, don't. But don't try to rob another person of joy due to your own insecurity or intolerance. So have a good holiday? Which holiday? Oh Christmas. Merry Christmas. God Bless.

Everyman, and in your opinion, what DO the star and crescent represent?

Everyman, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. You'll have to forgive me, as I had feared you were going to start an Islophobic rant.

Glad to see I was wrong!

I'm an atheist. I'm not crazy about the nativity scene, but it doesn't bother me enough to complain about it as the person who wrote to Patch did, but that's just me. I do, however, fully support that person's right to do so, and wish that he could do so without being mocked, called an idiot, a malcontent, or having his concerns reduced to "ridiculous political correctness". That, honestly, doesn't seem very Christian, so to speak.

I have always thought that religion should be a private matter, between a person and his own God, whomever that may be. As an atheist, I usually keep quiet about my non-belief (and, given some of the comments here, perhaps some of you can understand why). We're not trying to spoil things for "everyone else", or trying to foist our beliefs on you. The nativity scene--which is a religious symbol is on the Common--which is public land, maintained by the City. I don't think there can be any debate about that. To some, that is a violation of separation of church and state. To me, it's a minor matter, when there are much more serious issues in the world to debate, but I do respect that others feel differently on both sides.

I don't usually comment on the more contentious issues on Patch, because, quite honestly, some of the debates just get too ugly. I simply can't understand why we can't all agree to disagree and still respect differing opinions without insults and abuse.

Tolerance is the cost of liberty. A small price to pay.