It's amazing how quickly retailers get ready for the Christmas season. Go anywhere, and you'll readily see "holiday" decorations and shelves full of gifts. But there is one thing you may not see in some stores ... the word "Christmas."

  According to a 2008 MSNBC.com survey, 76 percent of Americans think retailers should include "Christmas" in their mention of the holiday. That's tens of millions of consumers who will spend billions of dollars this Christmas. So why do some companies have such a difficult time saying "Christmas?" It's part of the misguided politically correct notion that we must remove the name of Christ from the public square.

A Christmas campaign with a twist!
   In recent years, the staff of Focus on the Family has evaluated the advertising of major retailers and assigned ratings based on their level of "Christmas-friendliness." They then published those ratings in an annual shopping guide. The response from consumers--and media outlets--has been remarkable.

  This year, shoppers across the nation are being asked to be the observers and reporters on this issue!

  Through the StandForChristmas.com site, they can provide feedback directly about whether or not select retailers are respecting Christmas. The interactive system compiles shoppers' ratings of retailers, posts consumer comments and sends a message automatically to the retailer's inbox.

  This is an opportunity to rate your shopping experiences and share them with others--including the retailers! YOU decide which retailers are "Christmas Friendly!" Go here to post your ratings and to see our latest customer-generated rankings for retailers.

'Tis the season to expose folly!
  In our country, which was founded with the ideal of providing religious liberty, citizens can encourage genuine mutual respect amid diversity without denying the prominent place Christmas holds both here and worldwide. The commonsense appeal of Focus on the Family is not to encourage retailers to be exclusive but to be more inclusive by notably featuring the word Christmas.

  "We are  very excited about this new Focus on the Family Action™ effort," said American Party of Florida Actitives Director Barry Foster. "StandForChristmas.com puts people in the driver's seat! And I believe retailers will take note of how consumers are rating their Christmas shopping experiences."

   Christmas is not only a memorable family time, it is the season in which we celebrate God's greatest gift to man. Christ is the centerpiece of our holiday season. Help encourage the many retailers who are doing it well and urge those who censor the word "Christmas" to change their approach.