David Spade Critiques Omission of “Christmas” in Tree Lighting Ceremony
David Spade has expressed discontent over the exclusion of the term “Christmas” from a shopping mall’s tree lighting event.
During a recent episode of the podcast “Fly on the Wall,” co-hosted with Dana Carvey, the 61-year-old actor lamented that the organizers of the event intentionally avoided mentioning the holiday. “You know, Christmas has seemed to gain more popularity lately. I mean, it’s December already! Just the other day, I spotted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at a sketchy mall, and they were careful not to say the word Christmas at all,” Spade remarked, without naming the mall.
Carvey, 67, responded simply, “No.”
Spade pressed further, asking, “Why not? So it’s just a tree?” He seemed baffled by the approach, saying, “If it’s just a tree lighting, I sort of get that. But what’s the tree for, if we’re intentionally avoiding the subject? A December to remember? Is it, like, for a Lexus dealer? Why is it there all month? Isn’t it meant for Christmas?”
Carvey pointed out that they both know individuals from various faiths and added, “I’ve never met someone from another religion who was bothered by Christmas trees.”
Spade expressed his frustration, saying, “I wish that nonsense would stop—”
Carvey agreed, noting that everyone enjoys Santa, the tree, the decorations—everything associated with the season. “They love everything about it,” Spade chimed in. “Please, just don’t avoid saying that word.”
Carvey shared his perspective on the changing nature of Christmas, indicating it has become increasingly secular, especially in the U.S. “For those with a faith, it’s linked to Christianity. But right now in America, it’s just… Christmas. I think it’s a fun holiday,” he said.
However, he expressed his disapproval of censoring speech. “I dislike the Thought Police,” Carvey added. “It bothers me when there are words I’m not allowed to use.”
Spade, identifying as a Christian, mentioned his concern about an anti-Christian sentiment, even though he personally doesn’t hold Christmas sacred. “You can’t say that about other people,” he argued. “It seems like Christians are treated differently.”
Spade reflected on broader global issues, stating, “We are hurting in Africa. It doesn’t look like this is a good year to be a Christian.” Carvey nodded in agreement, acknowledging the rising concerns about Christian persecution.
The International Christian Concern’s recent report noted troubling increases in violence against Christians in parts of Africa. Specific countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have seen alarming trends, including abductions and assaults.
Former President Donald Trump highlighted these issues in October, designating Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to rampant violence against Christians. Various figures, including pop culture icons, have also voiced concerns over these matters.
After discussing the situation in Africa, Spade returned to the topic of the Christmas controversy. “You can still call it a Christmas tree,” he said. “I don’t mean to offend anyone, but with so many different religions, it’s tricky. Criticizing others’ beliefs doesn’t seem right.”
Recently, Portland faced backlash for its annual tree lighting ceremony, banning any reference to “Christmas.” Held on November 28, the event featured festive decorations and Santa but omitted any reference to the holiday.
Social media users criticized the city for avoiding the term “Christmas.” One independent journalist remarked that the city was erasing Christian associations, while another account echoed that it was absurd to call it merely a “tree.”
In response, Portland’s Democratic Mayor Keith Wilson defended the event, confirming it as a “Christmas tree lighting ceremony” filled with carols and festivities. His office acknowledged the criticism but insisted on the legitimacy of framing it that way.
