UPDATE: Comedian David Spade has sparked a heated debate over the exclusion of the word “Christmas” during a recent mall tree-lighting ceremony. Speaking on his podcast “Fly on the Wall” with Dana Carvey, Spade expressed his outrage after witnessing organizers deliberately avoid using the term while celebrating a Christmas tree, igniting a conversation about the perceived marginalization of Christian traditions.
During the episode, which aired on December 3, 2025, Spade declared, “I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately.” He noted that the ceremony he attended carefully referred to the event merely as a “tree-lighting ceremony,” which he found astonishing. “So it’s just a tree? … But to consciously avoid that, then what is the tree for?” Spade questioned, emphasizing his disbelief at the omission of such a significant term during a holiday celebration.
Carvey, who joined Spade in the conversation, supported the sentiment by stating, “Everyone loves Santa and the tree and all the trappings.” They both lamented that the holiday season, which is deeply rooted in Christian faith, has increasingly adopted a secular tone in the United States. Carvey remarked, “If you’re of faith, it’s about Christianity. But I think at this point in America, it’s just Christmas. It’s a fun holiday.”
Spade’s comments echo a growing frustration among many who feel that Christmas is often sidelined in favor of inclusive language. “I don’t like the thought police,” Carvey added, aligning with Spade’s view that the push to avoid certain phrases feels like an attack on Christian values. Spade further claimed, “This is not the year to be Christian,” referencing ongoing persecution faced by Christians globally, particularly in countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As tensions rise over the language surrounding Christmas celebrations, Spade’s remarks come in the wake of criticisms aimed at Portland’s annual tree-lighting event, which similarly avoided using the term “Christmas.” Critics have accused city organizers of erasing the holiday from public discourse, though Mayor Keith Wilson‘s office later clarified it as a “Christmas Tree Lighting.”
The debate highlights a broader cultural conversation about the balance between inclusivity and tradition, sparking discussions across social media platforms. As Spade concluded, “We can call it a Christmas tree. I still don’t want to offend people … You’re not allowed to slam someone else’s religion.”
This developing story resonates with many who feel that the essence of Christmas is under threat, and it is likely to continue to generate discussion as the holiday season progresses.
Stay tuned for updates on this trending topic as it unfolds in the public sphere.
