Christmas controversy
![Mosaic of Christ as Sol or Apollo-Helios in Mausoleum M in the pre-4th-century necropolis beneath[18] St. Peter's in the Vatican, which many interpret as representing Christ](/uploads/202501/18/ChristAsSol2257.jpg)



Modern-day use of the term "war on Christmas" occurs mainly in countries such as the United States, Canada, and to a much lesser extent the United Kingdom. This usually involves Christians' objections to governments' or corporations' avoidance of the day's association with Christianity in efforts to be multiculturally sensitive. In some cases, popular aspects of Christmas, such as Christmas trees, lights, and decorating are still prominently showcased, but are associated with unspecified "holidays" rather than with Christmas. In other cases, the Christmas tree, as well as Nativity scenes, have not been permitted to be displayed in public settings altogether. Also, several US chain retailers, such as Walmart, Macy's, and Sears, have experimented with greeting their customers with "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" rather than with "Merry Christmas". Some opponents have denounced the generic term "Holidays" and avoidance of using the term "Christmas" as being politically correct.