Last week, the American Family Association released its annual “Naughty or Nice” list. It sorted out which national chains celebrate Christmas and which ones don’t deserve your business because they ruin everything by acknowledging the existence of other human beings.

Today, Liberty Counsel released its own version of that list, the “twelfth annual Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign.”

What’s interesting is that the two groups clearly didn’t coordinate because companies that are considered Nice to one group are considered Naughty to the other (and vice versa).

For example, the AFA says this about Best Buy:

Company refers to Christmas infrequently, or in a single advertising medium, but not in others.

But Liberty Counsel says Best Buy is wonderful:

Biblical products include various versions of electronic children’s to adult Bibles, DVDs and accessories. Advent supplies include the Advent musical group’s “Advent to Ephesus” and other Advent items such as “Jubilee Edition Musical Advent Calendar.” Seasonal merchandise also includes the Nativity and birth of Jesus DVDs and music. “Christmas” search populated 4,371 “Christmas” products in all categories including “Christmas” music, “Christmas” sheet music, “Christmas” movies and TV shows, “Christmas” video games and “Christmas” board games. In-store manager confirmed employees greet and respond with “Merry Christmas.” Consumers may contact Best Buy to express appreciation for their “Christmas” themes.

…

The AFA also puts Staples on its Naughty List:

Company may use “Christmas” sparingly in a single or unique product description, but as a company, does not recognize it.

That’s awful… unless you’re Liberty Counsel, which put Staples on its Nice List — even going so far as to call it a “success story”:

Bigger “Nice” success story than last year! More “Christ-related” items available this year on web site. Although Staples Holiday Center link on home page populates to Staples Holiday Center, there are “Advent” calendars, electronic “Bibles” in various versions, Spanish “Bible,” “Bible Learning Chart,” “Bible” memory cards, “Bible” bookmarks, “Bible” story books, “Bible” calendars, “Bible” DVDs and “Bible” crafts. “Nativity” board sets, “Nativity” stickers, “Nativity Manger Fabrics,” “Nativity” stamps and “Nativity” sets. “Christmas” Search produced 1,902 “Christmas-named” items such “Christmas” wreathes, “Christmas” trees, “Christmas” garland, “Christmas” cards, “Christmas” gift bags, “Christmas” stationery, “Christmas” candles, “Christmas” ribbon, “Christmas” holly, “Christmas” snow globes, “Christmas” stockings and “Star of Christmas.” Contact Staples to thank the company for adding “Christ” back into “Christmas.” Also, encourage management to more reverently honor the “Christmas Season” and replace the word holiday with “Christmas.”

…

Finally, the AFA says TJ Maxx is one of the good chains, putting the company on its Nice List:

Company uses the term “Christmas” on a regular basis, we consider that company Christmas-friendly.

But Liberty Counsel didn’t get the memo. Their people believe TJ Maxx is Naughty:

Web site: holiday link at top of home page with no mention of “Christmas.” “Christmas” is non-existent on TJ Maxx website. Consumer Report: “Seasonal TJ Maxx quality does not match their pricing.” Locating help to contact the company with feedback is difficult. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to express your displeasure with TJ Maxx and remind them that consumers buy gifts for the “Christmas Season” instead of secular holidays.

…

C’mon, Christians! I rely on you to tell me which companies are Naughty so I know where to do all my holiday shopping. Now, I’m just confused.

It’s almost like you can’t decide what the truth is, so you’re just coming up with your own sometimes-contradictory interpretations based on some shoddy evidence.

I guess it’s not the first time.



