(If it weren't for Dr. Shades and his birthday thread for Perfume singer, Kashiyuka, where he mentions Joseph Smith's birthday, I would have forgotten all about Smithmas. Thank you for the reminder, Dr. Shades!)
The author of this blog entry above takes the critics to task over Smithmas, saying:
I hereby issue a big CFR. I'd like to see the proof that any critic has ever said that Joseph Smith's birthday is celebrated with more vigor than church members give to the "mainstream" holiday of Christmas. The trouble is the author misunderstands Smithmas, claiming that "Joseph's birthday" is Smithmas. This just isn't true. Smithmas is the blending of the two great events. The way the author describes it would be like suggesting that those who eat a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup are eating peanut butter with more enthusiasm than they eat chocolate. It makes no sense.As happens at this time each year, certain critics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are rolling out their annual lie that the Saints celebrate “Smithmas,” Joseph’s birthday, with more enthusiasm and vigor than members of the Church give to the mainstream Christian holiday of Christmas.
Regarding the two underlying ingredients, and which tastes better than the other, I think it's fair to say that this is a subjective call. My guess is that most like chocolate better, but some may like peanut butter the best. Well, the author says this:
There may be an implication here that the "mainstream" holiday that celebrates Christ's birth is bombastic and loud, and that some members may prefer the quiet and less commercialized celebration of Joseph Smith's birthday more than Christ's. But that has nothing to do with Smithmas, per se, as Smithmas is the celebration of the two events together.As it is, like a celestial object that’s positioned adjacent to the sun in the daytime sky, any thoughts of Joseph’s birth that might arise among members of the Restored Church are overwhelmed by the festival of Christ’s birth and the celebrations (and, let’s face it, by the frenzy of commercialism) that precede and accompany it.
I'd have no problem answering a CFR about Smithmas if one were issued me, as the author, who says critics are "rolling out their annual lie that the Saints celebrate Smithmas" provides direct proof of Smithmas in the very same post he denies it.
And there it is! A perfect example of Smithmas celebration in all its glory. If I have to spell it out: "birthday party for Joseph" = peanut butter, "sing Christmas carols" = chocolate. The synergy of the two celebrated together = "Smithmas".Back in the day when my wife and I used to host a little “birthday party” for Joseph Smith on 23 December, we would maybe tell a story or two about the Prophet—or invite somebody else to do so. (One year, for example, the late historian Scott Faulring participated in our small event.) Maybe we would express some appreciation for Joseph. Then we would enjoy potluck refreshments and sing Christmas carols.
Now friends, there's nothing to be ashamed of here. I'm merely a scholar pointing out a sociological fact. If Dr. Shades were to sing Christmas carols on Kashiyuka's birthday, and I were to wish him a "Merry Kashimas" I doubt he'd take offense. What could be better than celebrating at the same time, the birth of the ruler of the universe, and the birth of the man who went into a grove of trees and through his great humility, forced the ruler of the universe to reveal himself?
In fact, in the spirit of inclusivity, I'd like to wish all of our readers a merry Christmas, a merry Smithmas, and a merry Kashimas!