The Patriot Post® · University: Avoid Santa, Reindeer & Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

The worst possible thing that could happen during the month of December would be for your Christmas party to actually be a Christmas party, according to a report from Texas Woman’s University.

Campus Reform exposed a story published by the university’s news division that offered suggestions on how to make December office parties “all-inclusive” and “multicultural.”

“Not all faith traditions have holidays in December, and not everyone identifies with a particular faith tradition,” TWU writer Anna Ryan wrote in “A Festivus for the Rest of Us: Tips to plan an all-inclusive multicultural holiday party at the office.”

That means dropping the word “holiday” for starters, said Dr. Mark Kessler, a professor of multicultural women’s and gender studies — and the university’s expert on party planning.

“‘Holiday’ connotes religious tradition and may not apply to all employees,” Kessler told the news service. As an alternative he recommended calling your December gathering an “end of the semester party.”

He also recommends not decorating with Santa Claus, a red-nosed reindeer or evergreen trees. And whatever you do, don’t serve red and green sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees.

“Avoid religious symbolism, such as Santa Claus, evergreen trees or a red nosed reindeer, which are associated with Christmas traditions,” Kessler recommended. “Excellent alternatives are snowflakes, snow men or winter themes not directly associated with a particular holiday or religion.”

I wonder if the professor knows if Santa and Rudolph showed up at the Nativity before or after the shepherds and the Wise Men? I can’t seem to find that information in my translation of the New Testament.

Speaking of snowflakes, he also suggested party planners avoid playing Christmas carols or any music associated with a “faith tradition.” Instead, he recommended “celebratory party music.”

Instead of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Texas Woman’s University wants everybody to Wang Chung tonight.

As for the Yuletide noshing, Professor Kessler advises a diverse menu with “items that reflect dietary preferences and requirements of non-majority groups in your organization (e.g, halal or kosher).”

Just imagine the festive scene at TWU’s all-inclusive winter shindig. Instead of scarfing down Little Smokies and shrimp cocktail, guests would be stuffing their faces with gluten-free hummus and Gefilte fish. So if you are one of the unfortunate souls who received an invitation, you might want to drop by the Chick-fil-A drive-thru before the party.

I reached out to the university spokesperson to get the back story or at least some context on their Yuletide suggestions — but so far no one has returned my telephone call.

Because as it now stands, it sure looks like the folks at Texas Woman’s University are a few nuts shy of a fruitcake.