$1 for a picture with a menorha! I'll give you $.50 and not a penny more!!!

3 religions is hardly all.
From http://www.interfaithcalendar.org these are the 2011 December Holidays.
5 Ashura * ** - Islam
6 Saint Nicholas Day - Christian
8 Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) ** - Buddhism
8 Immaculate Conception - Catholic Christian
12 Feast day - Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian
16 Posadas Navidenas through Dec. 25 - Christian
21-28 Hanukkah * - Jewish
22 solstice
22 Yule - Christian
22 Yule * - Wicca/Pagan northern hemisphere
22 Litha * - Wicca/Pagan southern hemisphere
24 Christmas Eve - Christian
25 Christmas * - Christian
25 Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian
26 Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) ** - Zoroastrian
26 Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr - Christian
28 Holy Innocents - Christian
30 Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian
31 Watch Night - Christian

I'm sure there are more out there.

Santa Claus is NOT a relious symbol! Give me a break already.

Religious*

when did santa claus start to represent one religion????????

Santa DOES NOT represent any religion to kids.

agree nanjac.....i worded that wrong sorry

Why does a school need to have a Santa Claus photo op anyway? There are plenty of other "santa" opportunities in town (for free). Events such as this just take away educational time where our children could be learning something. Sorry to be such a scrooge, but as a parent I hate that there are so many holiday events at school this time of year. The kids are already too hyped up. Focus on keeping the learning going during the month of December instead of just adding to the holiday hype.

Lighten up Amy...it's an elementary school. These kids are 7, 8, 9 years old and it's Christmas time. There is a lot more to learning than sitting in a classroom doing long division problems over and over.

Ugh. This has the makings of a dumb FOX news controversy. And a nice way to get folks angry at Jews because one of my peep's panties were 3 sizes too small.

I went to a NYC public school- Santa doesn't visit those. If he did, I would have asked him to deliver toys to houses that didn't have Christmas trees too. Perhaps the culture can change? Maybe when that happens there won't be an issue with kids feeling left out. But alas, the charming chubby squeezes down the chimney and stuffs toys under the tree. Ah, well.

Please Santa, my chimney's sealed up- it's a death trap. I'll leave your milk and cookies outside.

Tolerance is what it's all about. You want to know my opinion? Of course you don't.

I think Santas are terrific at the mall, at Macy's, etc. In school? Not so much. Unless they want to teach a class. How about geography? Kids don't get enough of that. Santa could teach them about riding the Jet Stream to make better time on toy delivery. The kids could plot out a route for Santa's sleigh and accidentally learn something. The names of countries, their capitals, the oceans Santa has to fly over... how's that for an idea?

Folks need to lighten up. The skinny guy in a fat suit wearing make-up and a fake beard makes kids happy. If he taught my kid a few things (other than coveting a particular toy or material object) I'd thank him.

Peace and Joy to the world.

We are living in world that is falling apart, and people find time to complain about Santa visiting some kids. Whty can't people complain to our government our economy or job issues.......things that are important to the AMERICA and the AMERICAN PEOPLE? We are living in a world of GREED, perhaps some that are writing on here are part of the rich or are GREEDY, I don't know and I don't care. But I would say a lot people on the internet are people wondering how long they will be able to stay connected, prices keep going up. Does anyone care about what is going on in America? Enjoy Christmas and Pray for a better year to come.

Wake up people...Santa and kwanzaa are not religious. Why do we let the few dictate to the many? I am a teacher and I know first hand how this works. A few parents get on a band wagon and everything that has no cult, religous or secular meaning becomes an issue and kids are the ones that suffer. When you think of your fondest memories of school...you think of the holidays: Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day. Wake Up People! Teachers and students just want to have some fun. They all work hard and a little party or a fun activity doesn't hurt anyone.

What is non-religious about St. Nicholas? Just asking...

How IGNORANT of this one parent to think that everyone in this country feels the same way as him! Although a melting pot of many religons and nationalities, this country's majority is still Christian. I have no problems with you celebrating your holiday, in fact, I grew up on Long Island....I was probably in temple more then church as a child...and by no means do I feel this person has the right to take it away from those who enjoy it! Lighten up! It is Santa for crying out loud...It isn't like they took the statue of Jesus out and started praying to it!!! If you have a problem with the Freedoms of this country, do me a favor and take advantage of one of your rights....the right to leave it!!

This is discusting. Santa has been part of the holiday season for hundreds of years. Part of the tridition in the USA since before there was a USA. I am sick of all these religious hipocrits. Santa has nothing to do with christians. He is just a made up guy to make kids feel good. As usual the only people getting hurt here are the kids thanks to their bigotted parents and cowardly school. It is a damn shame when the minority constantly wins because every one is afraid to stand up to them.

Here's the fundamental problem with all of the moaners and groaners, instead of proactively comunicating BEFORE an event commences, they would rather sit back and start the finger pointing and the gum flapping. Needless to say if they felt that Christmas was an important event in their religious beliefs they would have planned accordingly instead of always playing the part of the "victim." It's become the over used excuse for cultures and religious groups that demand social acceptance, not by demonstration of same, but by laziness and the inability and unwillingness to accept others the way they themselves want to be accepted. Its the classic oxy moron.

This is why my kids go to a private christian school, Jesus is why we celebrate Christmas, not santa.

Just letting you know.....

St. Nick was an ordinary man who was very religious and very generous...but I believe this is all based on Folklore from many different cultural histories,,,

Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian with dowries so that they would not have to become prostitutes.[8] He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity.

This doesn't mean he REPRESENTS the religion in it's entirety.

While on the phone to the attorney, could they have asked if it's okay to have a Nativity scene option? Now that's Christmas!

Santa Claus is a secular symbol. If Christianity is to be represented, probably best to be depicted by a manger scene. The problem is people think a Christmas Tree and Santa Clause are religious symbols and they simply aren't. Christmas, in a religious sense, is about the birth of Jesus Christ. If that is what is suppose to be represented by having a menorah and a kinara at Calabro- then best to have a manager.

Ugh. Getting predictably ugly over here.

HO HO HO.

For over two hundred year here in America we have Celabrated Christmas without any problems. Today we have to be politically correct in everything we do, Why? Who started this crap and for what reason. There were no Jews, Chtholics, budist, Hundu or any other reglions in the Country execpt what the Indians had. It was people trying to get out of Europe to pray the way the wanted too. It seems that the manority is now in rule in our country and the masses have no say. We have dirty politicians, who have know balls to stop this crap. I have not heard in a very long time that the majority rules, is this somethng that is not correct either? Get rid of the lawyers and currupt politicians or nothing will ever change.

How about a Festivus Pole?

I hate how we have to change our Holidays for idiots who find a problem with them. We should not have to change our ways to make other happy. I don't care if i offend someone they can kiss my ass if they don't like my beliefs.

Since many different government entities, schools, etc. will not allow a Christmas tree to be called that because it might offend some individual, that we now have to call it a "holiday" tree. How about we change the Hanukkah menorah to "Holiday" menorah?

I do not believe that Santa represents Christian faiths. To be a truly interfaith event, they should also erect a cross for the taking of pictures.

It is not Jew Bashing Grafix!!! It is merely people expressing their rights... Freedom of Speech..... Don't you remember how many people left their countries for Religious Freedom? Well, they should have the right to practice it as should you....
Every religion should be able to practice their beliefs here without scrutiny...
As you can see here, many Christians feel they can not enjoy their holiday because it might offend someone... Your religion may practice one thing and someone else's practice something else... We need to grow up and stop being offended. It is childish!!!!

Kwanzaa is NOT a religion!!! School bends tradition for one single Jewish parent..OMG what is this world coming to. Hanukkah is not even the most important Jewish holiday.

I wonder if the school has any Muslim or Buddhist kids? I'm getting tired of everyone bending over backwards to small minorities. Last time I checked Christmas was a National Holiday for everyone in this country.

Merry Christmas to All. Givem hell Santa.

Kwanzaa is NOT a religion!!! School bends tradition for one single Jewish parent..OMG what is this world coming to. Hanukkah is not even the most important Jewish holiday.

I wonder if the school has any Muslim or Buddhist kids? I'm getting tired of everyone bending over backwards to small minorities. Last time I checked Christmas was a National Holiday for everyone in this country.

Merry Christmas to All. Givem hell Santa.

When I was a kid Santa showed up at an afterschool event , not during school. People had the choice whether they wanted to attend or not. Having said that , let me also say , Christians celebrate Jesus on Christmas , NOT Santa Claus. He is NOT a Religious figure. He is no more a religious figure than the Easter bunny or the tooth fairy. He was "invented" to celebrate children (non denominational) to allow familes to celebrate each other. How 1 parent could ruin it was an abomination and unfair to the kids assembled waiting with excitement to see Santa. By the way , the school had to give in because of the way people sue so frivolously sue these days. Shame on you Scrooge.

my view on the holiday tree. when people say happy holidays to you, they usually mean it to include thanksgiving, christmas, and new year. for thanksgiving, it's usually celebrated with family and friends and a thanksgiving dinner. ( no thanksgiving tree). for christmas, it's usually celebrated with family and friends and a christmas tree. new years is usually celebrated with family and friends and parties/ (no new years tree). the tree is a symbol of christmas. no other holiday. to those who are upset to hear it called a christmas tree? kiss my butt. to all others, i hope you all have a very merry christmas.

Here is a thought. Next year make every parent sign a permission slip so they can attend this event that will include some reference to the various holidays that happen this time of year and might offend their sensibilities. Parents who wish to be sticks in the mud can opt to not give permission for their child to enjoy this event and their child can go sit in the principal's office. Problem solved.

It's a Santa Claus people, he has been around and celebrated for many years. Get over it already and let others enjoy him. If you can't handle being out in public at CHRISTMAS time, then by all means keep your sorry butt at home where it belongs. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Tolerance? It is disappearing fast in Hoboken.

next year they should offer the kids the opportunity to get a holiday photo with Mickey Rourke

My comment about casting a stone is my respone to redriders question.

Actually Santa Claus has nothing to do with religion ,the bible doesn't submit to it/him .
St Nick was not really a saint he was an older person that loved kids and gave presents to them in his area .And if you want to be wrong and say it goes with christian principals than why would Jewish or other religions want to be involved in any way with it.Just some person that wants there own way ,a minrity ,that the majority bucles under to them

Red

Stick to the issue at hand.

First, I find the tone of these comments to be incredibly disturbing, and they really make me rethink how well I know my own community.

Second, I think there is a misunderstanding here of a) the role of religious celebrations in public school, and b) how children perceive religious and cultural symbols -- not how adults who understand the deeper historical and religious significance perceive them. Young children are very concrete thinkers. They do not make these fine distinctions.

Pictures with Santa sponsored by a school are problematic for two main reasons:
1. It puts some children in an uncomfortable position where they are made to
feel excluded and different from their peers if they don't participate. Children are going to feel the pressure when they see other children participating. They are going to be highly aware that distinctions are being made among different "kinds" of children.

2. It creates the perception that the public school (and thus the state) is
sponsoring a religious event. Santa Claus is part of Christmas -- not a secular
figure. I'm sorry, those of you who say that to religious Christians, he is not a religious symbol. But to non-Christians, Santa is Christian -- and we are talking about non-Christian children here, and their participation and inclusion in a school community.

This is exactly why my girls go to a Catholic grade school. Just attended a great Christmas Show in a Church where they had a Christmas Tree and sang real Christmas Songs!

I thought Santa was an all-inclusive kinda guy! A minorah or kinara can't put gifts under the tree like Santa can. How fun is that??

Listen LOUD AND CLEAR people, Santa Claus, Christmas, and all of it's associated traditions are NEVER GOING AWAY. So if you don't like it, and you want to celebrate something else, and you want to raise hell for the rest of us, do us all a favor, and go somewhere else, K? These schools are too scared to stand up to these crybabies who want Santa to leave and just say, if you don't like it, leave. So let 'em take u to court. We need people with spines to stand up and say we're not taking this garbage anymore. We're all so terrified what others think. Stand up for what you believe in, and by the way, I don't say Happy Holidays, I say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I thought Kwanzaa was not supposed to be a religious celebration.

Go back to New York, and leave my Santa alone, like everything else, there always has to be an angle, BIG CLUE - This is Christmas, not a made up day, it was Christmas years ago and it will still be Christmas for many years to come. So as it says on a pin I wear this time of year "IT's OK TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME"...

I was kind of sad to read that this was not a drunk Santa asked to leave...What's this world coming to?

"E pluribus unum" (out of many, one) -- It seems to be without much credible debate that Christmas is part of American secular life. Be it the Macy's Day Parade, Black Friday, hundreds of movies, thousands of seasonal songs, the impact on the business sector of the Christmas shopping season, a federal holiday, annual television specials and numerous commercials and products depicting symbols such as wreaths, trees, lights, elves, reindeer, lights, snow, and ...Santa Claus. Sorry-- Santa is not St. Nicholas, he's not Jesus Christ, he's not mentioned in the New or Old Testament. In short, he's as religious as The Grinch, Rudolph, or Frosty the Snowman. Coca-Cola made him the most popular advertising figure for the first half of the 20th Century.

In 1989, County of Allegheny v. ACLU case found the public display of menorot and Christmas trees were not endorsements of the Jewish or Christian faith, rather the two items are part of the same winter-holiday season, which the court found, had attained a secular status in U.S. society (again, think out of many, one). My guess is the Supreme Court would find Santa to be as secular as a Christmas tree.

I have much more issue with children paying $1 to take a picture with Santa then whether Santa should come visit the school as part of a holiday celebration. regardless of the well intentions of the charity.

Ah, yes....Political Correctness at its best! Now, where in the H--- has this "Jewish" Woman been for the last 5 years that this has been going on? Sure is funny how people can get excited all of a sudden when in the past, they never said a word. Oh......Don't foget to bring the camel with Omar and the Quran too!

Wow! It's the time of year to take a breath, enjoy family, and be thankful for your health, regardless of your faith/religion. Lighten up! By the way, "Festivas, for the rest of us". (Frank Costanza). Get your pole now, and ride it into the holiday season :)

What has happened to people these days that has made them so whiney? They whine about everything! This isn't the way 'I' want it! That isn't the way 'I' want it! Oh and that over there, and you over there, 'I' don't like you doing that! It ALL hurts my feeeeeelings..... If I don't get my way I'm going to stomp my feet!!!!
Are these the kind of adults that were produced by not being able to discipline them when they were young? Or from giving them trophies even when they lost? Or always sticking up for them when they got in a fight so they never learned how to handle a disagreement? Or from never saying no to them? Or all of the above? Maybe we should take a few steps back and re-evaluate what people think is the right thing to do, because somewhere down the line these people learned the wrong thing somehow.

I'm Jewish and I think that parent is a schmuck!! Let the kids have some fun with Santa..Big Deal...Sounds like a bitter, miserable person..If you are not of the faith, you can choose not to participate but don't ruin everyone else's fun..If they had a problem with it they could have mentioned to the Principal in private after the festivities, "hey not everyone in the district is Catholic, do you think next event planned like this, we can try to incorporate all religions ?"

Why is it people always have to start complaining at the last minute. Was this mothers head in the sand the entire time and then she just miraculously found out Santa was going to be there. How many other parents out there knew weeks ahead of time that this would happen but this mother just so happens to find out a few minutes before Santa is going to walk in the door. People really shouldn't use their religion to make other miserable.

Other great Christmas traditions from the great David Sedaris.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCUHTDrca4s

The tradition/notion of a "Father Christmas" figure has been a tradition in the Connecticut/New York/Delaware region since the Dutch settled New Amsterdam more than 400 years ago. If another "Tradition" wishes to celebrate in its particular way, it should be be honored. However, to insist that "Santa" be sent away the day of aplanned activity just seems silly disrespectful. and hurtful to the chiildren anticipating the planned event. Where are the adults?

I have never in my life been more disheartened and discouraged by the tone of discourse as this situation has bred. The example that is being set for the children of Hoboken is appalling. Instead of teaching negotiation, generosity, compromise and above all charity to neighbors, they are seeing the adults in their community being bigoted, small-minded, mean-spirited and thoroughly reprehensible. If this situation was not handled well, then look at how it can be handled better next year. Meanwhile, our country and many of our neighbors lack jobs and money this holiday season. Instead of fighting over the presence of a mythological figure, show some real "Santa" spirit, and make a donation or contribute your time to the community and teach your children to do the same. I suspect that the "real" Saint Nicholas, who practiced charity by donating dowries to needy young women, would not know what to make of the lack of love in this community, this year.

Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends. :-)