Jeremy Morris, the subject of much conversation on Huckleberries Online these past 2 days, apparently objects to this blogs use of the word "Xmas" instead of "Christmas" in headlines. On his Facebook page, he says: "Leave it to the Huckleberries to use the phrase 'X-Mas.' Figures." He's hinting, I believe, that I, too have a problem with Christmas. Which I don't. Love the holiday. Love the focus on the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ -- and the goodwill it causes at this time of the year. Don't have much use for the commercialism. However, I use "Xmas" for two reasons. One, it fits my limited headline space far better than "Christmas." And, two, it's respectful. Those who say "Xmas" takes Christ out of Christmas don't know history. X = not only marks the spot. But it stands for "Christ." More here:

<blockquote>"But the history of the word “Xmas” is actually more respectable — and fascinating — than you might suspect. First of all, the abbreviation predates by centuries its use in gaudy advertisements. It was first used in the mid 1500s. X is the Greek letter “chi,” the initial letter in the word Χριστός. And here’s the kicker: Χριστός means “Christ.” X has been an acceptable representation of the word “Christ” for hundreds of years. This device is known as a Christogram. The mas in Xmas is the Old English word for “mass.” (The thought-provoking etymology of “mass” can be found here.) In the same vein, the dignified terms Xpian and Xtian have been used in place of the word “Christian.”</blockquote>

So there you have it. Now what do you think:

Question: Do you have problems with the use of the abbreviation "Xmas"?

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