Among the Christian faithful, there is a phrase often used around this time of year: "Put the Christ back in Christmas."
Retailers, according to a number of groups, have something to put back also. Stores, they say, need to put the Christmas back in the holidays.
This year, Wal-Mart and others are throwing out the inclusive "Happy Holidays" signs of past years and going with "Merry Christmas" instead.
"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year," Wal-Mart spokesperson Linda Blakley told USA Today. "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often."
Wal-Mart is serious about letting consumers know they will be Christmas shopping in its stores this year.
The retailer begins running commercial this week with Christmas prominently mentioned alongside savings in the spots.
In-store, signs will provide a countdown to Christmas, Christmas music will play through the PA system and Wal-Mart's Holiday Shop section will become The Christmas Shop this year.
It's also beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Macy's. The chain will have "Merry Christmas" signs in all its departments and store windows will have Christmas themes. Macy's store in New York's Herald Square, for example, will have an "Oh, Christmas Tree" theme this year.
"Our intention is to make every customer feel welcomed and appreciated, whether they celebrate Christmas or other holidays," said Jim Sluzewski, a Macy's spokesperson.
Discussion Questions: What will using the word Christmas in ads, signage, etc. mean for retail businesses? Do stores promoting Christmas have an advantage over those going the "Happy Holidays" route?