Christmas Conversation #18: Should we boycott stores based on Christian principles during the holidays?

By Stacey Tuttle

Yesterday’s question about “Happy Holidays” vs. “Merry Christmas” sparked another question in our minds at SPM.  The debate over the importance of “Merry Christmas” caused some Christians to lead a boycott of stores.  I don’t know if the only point was that they said “Happy Holidays”, but I know that was a large instigator.  We have already discussed the significance of those phrases, so today we want to focus more on the issue of appropriate Christian response to those things which we feel are truly “lines in the sand” for us.

What do you think?  Is boycotting a good response?  When do you think that kind of response is absolutely necessary for believers?  How do you feel about those who would say that they feel they should go TO those places other Christians are boycotting, so that someone can be sharing the love of God with those non-Christians? 

I once heard a comedian say, “I’m against protesting, but I don’t know how to show it.”  What do you think?  How should Christians show what they protest? Should they boycott stores during the Holidays (or all-year for that matter) based on Christian principle?

Check out our other Christmas Conversations:

We have 25 different “conversations” going online and we’d love to hear your thoughts!  See the list below and add your two cents when and where you can, and benefit from the collective think tank as you go!

1. How do you keep the spirit of giving in your Cristmas shopping?
2. How do you bring Jesus into your shopping experience?
3. What do you think about Christmas music?
4. What’s the worst Christmas song and why?
5. What’s your best idea for using a Christmas movie to spark a conversation about Christ?
6. What’s the worst Christmas movie and why?
7. What’s the most meaningful Christmas tradition that your family has?
8. How do you get your kids attention (or even your own) off of the gifts you get?
9. How much is too much when it comes to giving your kids gifts for Christmas?
10. What are your favorite service-oriented things to do during Christmas?
11. Is Santa a naughty or nice Christmas tradition and why?
12. What Christmas traditions have you chosen not to follow, and what have you replaced them with?
13. If you’ve chosen to do Santa, how can you use him to point your kids to Jesus?
14. Do lighting displays add to or detract from the real meaning of Christmas?
15. What kinds of gifts can you give to non-Christian friends that make Jesus attractive?
16. What are your best ideas for using Christmas to spur conversations about Jesus?
17. Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas – Does it really matter?
18. Should we boycott stores based on Christian principles during the Holidays?
19. How do you deal with the Grinches in your life this Christmas?
20. How do you deal with Christmas as a joyous family time when family is hard? 
21. What do you know about the Biblical concept of hospitality and how do you apply that during the Christmas season?
22. How do you find spiritual refreshment in the midst of an exhausting season?
23. When do the excesses of Christmas cross the line from communicating the lavishness of God’s love for us to fostering excess, greed and pride?
24. How do you respond to feeling like someone else “does Christmas better” than you?
25. What is the most meaningful Christmas memory you have?