WASHINGTON, D.C. - A majority of American people prefer to be greeted with "Merry Christmas" instead of the generic "Happy Holidays," according to the results of a Rasmussen poll.Also this week, Liberty Counsel, a policy group dedicated to advancing religious freedom, released its annual "Naught and Nice" list, which catalogs retailers who either censor (naughty) or recognize (nice) Christmas. Several businesses that were previously on the Naughty List have moved onto the Nice List. So far this year, Best Buy and Disney.com have embraced Christmas, and Dick's Sporting Goods has promised to change and include Christmas in their advertising. Consumers are encouraged to report the naughty and nice by sending an e-mail to liberty@lc.org. Liberty Counsel also encourages shoppers to compliment the stores that embrace Christmas. "Merry Christmas is the message most favored by Americans during the holiday season," said Mathew D. Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University School of Law. "It makes good sense for retailers to respect the Christmas holiday and the sentiment of the people."

********** Published: December 2, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 33