"December Nights" Opens In Balboa Park; Christmas Left Behind in San Diego?
A Call for Christians to Not Forget
On the opening night of the now-named "December Nights," word comes that a record number of people populated Balboa Park for the event.
Known as "Christmas on the Prado" for 23 years, the event went through a rebirth, or rather, crucifixion in 2001 after the city of San Diego stated they didn't want to exclude those who don't celebrate Christmas.
These days, you will get a taste of a traditional Native American village (created by Barona, who, along with the city, produces the entire event). The event's official website calls it a tribute to the local Tribes and the important role they have played in San Diego's history will bring to life the food, culture, and lifestyle that is unique to Barona and the other Indians indigenous to the local region.
A fine idea, but has Christmas been left behind?
It's definitely been marginalized. There is a fraction of the party set aside for "Christmas on the Prado." The website provides a glimpse at it:
The long-standing traditions of Christmas on the Prado-including food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the Santa Lucia procession at the Museum of Man; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist's Christmas Story Tree and more-fill the heart of Balboa Park.
There are a few new traditions though to look forward to: this year an "open-air area for sampling beers and wines" according to one press report. Perhaps organizers would be impressed with including mention of Jesus if we reminded them that His first miracle was changing water into wine. Anything for a seeker-friendly Jesus? Here's hoping the family atmosphere is not hijacked by people who have imbibed a bit too much. Perhaps a better option is to take the family to "The Nativity Story" this weekend.
The event website also lets you know that the museums open at 5pm and offer free admission "in the spirit of the holidays." There is no mention of Christmas at all on the website save for the area specially-cordoned off for the safe area called "Christmas on the Prado." There is no room for anyone to get "offended" that Christmas has taken over, well, Christmas. It's as if a proofreader went through and eliminated any suggestion that this event might pay homage to our Lord & Savior.
But that fact brings us to another new tradition at "December Nights" -- the sight of petitions. Members of "Restore Christmas," whose purpose is to get the name changed back to "Christmas on the Prado," generated 800 signatures on the first night alone. Three volunteers working three hours said they barely had enough hands to pass out the documents. They talked to SCCN from The Prado:
"The response is overwhelming," said Anthony Porrello. "People were in a rush to get somewhere else, but they were practically skidding to a stop like a cartoon character when they saw what we were doing.
"There were people grabbing pens and clipboards--it was just overwhelming. You wouldn't believe how disgusted they were with name. Many said they are noticing every year there is less and less to do with Christmas, and it is more like a carnival feel."
Porrello, a San Diego artist who founded "Restore Christmas," said the petition aims to change the name back to "Christmas on the Prado." He says the group will present it to city council and the mayor . "They can take it into chambers and vote on it, or ignore it and we'll take it before the voters and they'll have to face it there."
Porrello and his volunteers have some ideas for the city. They suggest officials move "December Nights" to the summer and call it "August Nights."
"People can have their carnival rides and do it in warmer weather. Then give us "Christmas on the Prado" in December."
Porrello tells SCCN that people of many faiths approached him and his volunteers. "We had people coming up to us (to sign petitions) who were Hindu, Muslim, some who were atheists. Christmas is an American tradition. People who are religious celebrate it, and others do as well.
"We are not going to allow the city to exclude 95% of the population who celebrates Christmas."
Yes, just like the cornerstone of our faith, some things cannot be dismantled for the takeover of "December Nights." The trees, the star-lit sky, and the mountains and the roaring sea that book-end our fair city.
They remain, like evidence of God Himself, not to be torn away by principalities, by authorities, by the universal lords of this darkness.
From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. -----Romans 1:20
Those principalities can take away their words and names. They can take away nativity scenes and representations of Jesus and the cross. But they cannot take away what God has made. For He alone has created the backdrop, the root, and the offspring for everything that exists in Balboa Park, San Diego, and the universe.
