"There are many of these companies that have re-evaluated," he says. "I believe we're having an impact."
A Focus on the Family review of more than 50 prominent retailers’ Web sites and Christmas catalogs during the first two weeks of November revealed that about 40 percent of them suppressed all prominent references to “Christmas,” and over half, at best, provided token acknowledgment of “Christmas.”
Dr. Dobson makes clear that the research dealt with corporate policy, not independent franchises. "It is not possible for us to know everything that every corporation does," he says. Another point made in the broadcast is that the evaluation only included annual catalogs and corporate Web sites — the communications representing the public face of companies.
Receiving the highest marks for changes was Pier 1 Imports. Among the many still avoiding Christmas references are Old Navy, Banana Republic and Kohl’s. For the latest update, click here.
Dr. Dobson also expresses his thanks to Wal-Mart.
"They have not censored the word 'Christmas,' and they are supporting the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign," he says. "Wal-Mart does need a tip of the hat."
Carrie Gordon Earll, senior director of issue analysis for Focus on the Family Action, says Dr. Dobson’s November “Assault on Christmas” program hit a nerve with consumers.
"We've had an electrifying response from our friends and listeners," she said. "It is so encouraging to see people come to the defense of Christmas."
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Here's a list of how retailers are dealing with Christmas.
Stuart Shepard, director of digital media for Focus on the Family Action, imagines a brand-new holiday in his whimsical Stoplight video commentary.
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