JTowbin Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I just finished up my first Halloween Display, one video: and now I am looking foward to my Christmas Display. Now my family has a diverse religious backround, some Jewish and others Christian. Along with our community which is 85% Jewish I was starting to think of a "Holiday Display" that would be appealing to all religious backrounds.I mean I would have mostly Christmas music, but would feature maybe a few Hanukkah songs. But the problem I faced was How do I create a LOR display that has visual features that all religions would enjoy?I have already decided I would not be using minitrees or ANY tree in that matter. But what do I use in my display that would be a mini-tree substitute that does not scream CHRISTMAS?Any suggestions would help!!Thank you,Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris mashburn Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Joe The main thing is you need to be happy with your display, I'm sure no matter what you decide to do your family will love it . Just remeber , your the one who is going to have to see it night after night after night. just have fun Joe thats what it's all about!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I concure with Chris most of what he said. But I would do some symbols that appeal to both Christians and Jews. Put up some mini trees, but also put up a star of David. Look for some other Jewish symbols an a few more Christian. I need to hear some Jewish Hanukkak songs myself. Hey that would be different than all of the Christmas tunes that most of us hear at the mall, most broadcast channels and so on.I am sure that if your neibhors knew of your sensitivity. They would not take offence of any Christmas tunes / symbols. So, long as you played some of their music an lit up some Jewish symbols.Like Chris said, have some fun with the display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cray Augsburg Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I should think trees would be appropriate, even (or especially) for a multi-denominational display. After all, trees don't have to be religious . . . they fit the holiday setting.Now then, what about . . . stars Star of David (perhaps in blue lights) a dreidl any Kwanza? How about a "knitted rug" a menhorra (sp?) etc.Or just do "the holiday season" or a theme (the Nutcracker?)Whatever, like the others have said, have fun, put things there that have meaning to you and yours, and things that might have meaning to others.Cray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shfr26 Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 You really do not need to do any "symbols" or do both types. What about just lights going with the music? Not even Christmas music, just whatever you feel will work. Have fun and happy lighting. Like Craig said, something that has meaning to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Joe,Excuse me but it is Christmas. Do what you want and the heck with the rest. I mean honestly if people want to see your lights they are going to come even if they believe there is no God. Of course if you were to try and please them then you would have no lights.Bottom line, your lights do what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddmoon Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I am going to do multiple formats of music. I will have the traditional stuff in the early evening. Later in the evening I am just going to have with music selections of music that I am partial to. The songs have nothing to do with the holidays. These songs are just songs I enjoy listening to and want to have my lights play to.If you have some folks that are partial to some format then give the time when what they like will be playing.Me personally I use what I want and play what I want. No one has to look at my display or listen to if they do not want to. I am all for respect. Respect is also a two way street. I am capable of enjoying other views and ideas that I do not personally adhere to and I think most other people are capable of the same. I would not get to wrapped up in things and just enjoy the music and the lights.If nothing else just play classical music and basic lights if that is what you want and enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Joe,If you're worried about religiously offending people then avoid ALL religious symbols. (I think including mini trees is a bit extreme, though... what have they done to offend anyone?) Use snowflakes, circles, squares, candy canes, poles, arches... you don't have to look very far to find a plethora of things in people's displays that have nothing specifically to do with religion. Songs like Jingle Bells and Sleigh Ride would be examples of seasonal music you could use that shouldn't offend anyone but a lunatic. It's your display - make it your own and if someone doesn't like it tell them to sit on it and spin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 One more comment.I suppose I am not P.C. enough to worry. One of the songs I will be doing is called "Christmas with a capital C". And the guy talking nails it right on the head in his dialog. One of the best lines is "And if you dont like it, put a helmet on! It's my country too!" That is the best way of looking at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ainsworth Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 Sticky discussion.I think candy canes, fire sticks,and snowflakes would avoid using trees. Arches don't relate to trees, but their use would work also. I'm not Jewish so I'm not sure, but could you use singers?Good luck, I hope you are able to have a great holiday season.Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 hmmmmmm...Adam Sandlers "Hanukkah Song"...that could make for an interesting sequence!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salts Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I say make it what you want it to be. Mine is a "CHRISTmas" display. My neighbor is a Jahovah's Witness and I was not concerned one bit last year what he thought. My display is for My family and I, friends, and whoever wants to come look at it. Last year was my first year and I loved every moment of it. Like I said do with it what you want it to be. But how can it be a "CHRISTMAS" display if you are concerned about it screaming "CHRISTMAS". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePlainsNY Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I'm Catholic but I find a find fault with a flashing baby Jesus in a manger. This is my first year with a LOR. I've kept my displays festive but not overly religious to attract more enjoyment from those that are of another (or no religion). Each year my house looks more and more like a gingerbread house. Its been easy to incorporate the existing static lights into a musical sequence show. I've not had the time to start one from scratch so I've quickly edited the ones I've been able to find.My suggestion is for anyone who wants to avoid any religious zealots, is to try a gingerbread themed house. Who can argue with that? ...well maybe a dietitian! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 WhitePlainsNY wroteMy suggestion is for anyone who wants to avoid any religious zealots, is to try a gingerbread themed house. Who can argue with that? ...well maybe a dietitian!I am sure lots of people could argue with that....since Christmas is/was about the birth of Christ...not the Ginger Bread man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-klb- Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 On thing you may be overlooking is that some of the worst offenders about making a scene about the religious symbols may not always be those of other faiths, but those of no faith. For our city park show, we have 20 mini trees, 3 10 foot tall wire frame trees, and a 25 foot tall half mega tree. Then all the trees in the park are lit, the fire house outlined, and snowflakes on the firehouse, plus leaping light arches, and vertical light poles.We even had the techno version of Amazing Grace in our play list last year. One of our most influential proponents and a cash sponsor is Mormon. Most of the grumbling I saw on web forums was from those who try to push separation of church and state to the point where politicians aren't even allowed to have personal religious beliefs. But there can still a balancing act between seasonal favorites, and overtly offending separation of church and state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rstately Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 I don't think it's a good idea to use symbols from different religions. It could end up looking like you're trying to make a statement. I don't put any religious symbols out, Ever since I had Jesus pulling Santa's Sleigh, Try to stick with the true meaning of Christmas, Santa,Deer,Talking snowmen, Gingerbread people, and stimulating the economy! There will always be some super sensitive people that want to complain,and miss the point. If you try to please everyone, you'll just get Crucified! Merry Christmas!Ron:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 rstately wrote: Try to stick with the true meaning of Christmas, Santa, Deer, Talking snowmen, Gingerbread people, and stimulating the economy!If you try to please everyone, you'll just get Crucified! Someone needs to make an Emoticon with his "tongue in cheek"" LOLYou had me Ron until you said "Merry Christmas"..."Happy Holidays"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimswinder Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Jeff said: my response would be short and simple. "You have the right to go away and find something else to look at"Great line...hopefully I will never have to use it. :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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