Part 1/7:
Portland's Controversial Tree Lighting Ceremony Sparks National Debate
The Shift Away from Traditional Christmas Celebrations
This week, the city of Portland, Oregon, held its annual tree lighting ceremony, but it was far from the festive, Christmas-centric event many might expect. Instead of celebrating Christmas, organizers deliberately avoided mentioning the holiday by name, choosing instead to refer simply to "the tree." This subtle yet significant change drew attention and sparked controversy, highlighting ongoing debates about holiday traditions and cultural sensitivities.