[BOSTON.CBSLOCAL] A Durham, New Hampshire celebration scheduled for the beginning of holidays is undergoing some changes this year in an effort to remove religious overtones.It's Grinch rutting season already!
Formerly called the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Because they fired up a tree every year...
the newly named Frost Fest
"Festivus for the Rest of Us"...
will include the absence of a formal tree lighting. Santa will be at the event but he will not arrive in a town firetruck as he has in the past.
He's coming by taxi.
The wreaths that traditionally adorned lamp posts on Main Street will also not be present this year.
Can they hang kale?
Town Councilor Sally Tobias says the changes came about after some controversy last holiday season. “There was another private citizen that came forward and said that he had always had a problem with the Christmas tree, as he called it,” Tobias said.
"I hate Christmas! Take it down! Take it all down! That pagan Germanic decorated tree, too!"
After holding a public meeting, the town formed a working committee and made changes to the event.
"Well? Do you have a spine, Bob?"
"No, Chet. I've always been an invertebrate."
"Me, too. How about you, Sylvia?"
"Nope. None."
"Then it's unanimous? All in favor say 'aye'!"
"Ummm... I'm not sure I'd go that far..."
"Let's form a committee, then."
"As long as I'm not on it!"
"Me, too!"
“There were a couple of people that did express some concerns about how they felt being included,” Tobias said.
Do tell?