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Show Continued from page 8 span of a few short weeks. Each year, retail sales increase around the holiday season, from a four percent increase in 2010 to a 2.4 percent increase just last year. In 2012, Americans reported spending an outrageous $119 a day during the weekend before Christmas, the highest average since 2008. There is a huge cultural hype that comes with Christmas. Declaring it a bank holiday benefits our economy because it stimulates an increase in consumer spending as well as an increase in the money spent on advertisements targeted at shoppers. Christmas would not be so anticipated if it was just another day to work and go to school. Instead, it is a day of celebration, gifts, receipts and maxed-out credit cards. Because of its commercial status, it makes sense that Christmas continues to stand as a bank holiday. However, that same consideration should be given to other major religious groups. Just because a holiday might not provide the same economic boost as Christmas does not mean it should not be recognized on a federal scale. Since Jews and Muslims account for approximately 4.2 million and 3.2 million, respectively, of the U.S. population, their voices should be heard just as loud as the majority's. Jews and Muslims have major holidays that regularly (or sometimes — due to differences between the Islamic and Gregorian calendars) fall in what is typically called "the holiday season:' Eid and Chanukah, among others, are not recognized as federal holidays. The lack of commercialism associated with these other days of celebration should not affect their status in a federal sphere. Of course, an argument like this is not limited to the Jewish and Muslim population. Because these two religions continue to rapidly grow in the U.S., fair discussion and consideration of such a request — which has been petitioned to school boards across the country as well as the federal government — is undoubtedly well-deserved. letters@chronicle.utah.edu PAY THE PRICE. RS DRIVE SOBER [IRGET PEI) OVER "ARRESTING" - SALTY GAZETTE "LI 'PE CHANGING" - UTAH WEEKLY "SOBERING" - SLC JOURNAL |