Free The Judge Who Stole Christmas by Randy Singer

days of King Charles, drunken mobs would roam the streets in a tradition that was a cross between Halloween and Mardi Gras. These mobs would bang on the doors of the houses of aristocrats and demand food, drink, and money. If they didn’t get it, they would loot these nice homes and carry away everything inside.”
    Frumpkin’s eyes were wide with amazement. This was obviously not the type of history he had in mind.
    â€œMy law clerk researched all this,” Ichabod continued. “It’s publicly available on the Internet.”
    Thomas had always hated the evil Internet for a number of reasons. Now he had one more.
    â€œThe song ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ originated during this era. Mobs would go from rich house to rich house and sing ‘so bring us some figgy pudding.’ Then they would follow it with a threat: ‘We won’t go until we get some . . . so bring some out here!’ Did you realize that, Mr. Frumpkin?”
    By now nobody in the courtroom was surprised when Frumpkin simply shook his head.
    â€œAnd did you know that as late as 1828, in New York City, they had to hire a whole additional police force to guard against Christmas looters on December 25?”
    â€œNo,” Frumpkin answered. “But that doesn’t surprise me. After all, New York City is New York City.”
    Got that right, Thomas thought.
    â€œAnd also,” Ichabod said, undeterred, “let me ask you a few questions about your use of the term Xmas .”
    â€œOkay.” Frumpkin scooted a little forward in his seat as if he was finally on solid ground.
    â€œDo you know why that term is used?”
    â€œYeah. Retailers and such decided that they couldn’t use the name of Christ anymore because it wasn’t politically correct.”
    Ichabod studied Frumpkin for a moment, sizing him up. “Yes, but do you know where the word Xmas originated?”
    Frumpkin scrunched his face and thought. It seemed to Thomas that the little mayor was growing weary of admitting his ignorance. “Sure,” he said. Though he didn’t offer any details.
    â€œThen you know,” Ichabod said, “that it actually originated with the Greek followers of Christ during the time of Roman persecution. The Greek word for the name of Christ is X-R-I-S-T-O-S. Like the symbol of the fish, the letter X became a powerful symbol for the early Greek Christians, especially Christians being persecuted for their faith. The letter X would often be used to mark the spot where a martyr died. So when Christmas celebrations started in this country, the use of the term Xmas served as a powerful reminder of both the birth of Christ and the martyrs who paid the ultimate price in the first century to spread the faith.”
    â€œInteresting,” Frumpkin said.
    â€œSo you see, Mr. Frumpkin, even the use of Xmas on the sign at the front of the square could lead a reasonable judge to conclude that you were just using an ancient symbol of the Christian faith as a way to trick me into thinking you had secularized the celebration.”
    A reasonable judge, Thomas thought. Wonder where we could find one of those?
    Thomas had the urge to stand up and tell this judge a thing or two. Though he didn’t know much about court proceedings, he was pretty sure that Harrod wouldn’t be calling him as a witness today. Frumpkin had already given away the farm, and Harrod wouldn’t need Thomas. He was equally sure that Ottmeyer wouldn’t be calling him to testify, since Ottmeyer looked like he just wanted to get out of the courtroom as soon as possible.
    So, Thomas reasoned, his only chance to be heard, his only chance to say how utterly ridiculous this all was, would be if he stood up right now and spoke his mind. What could they do to him—throw him in jail?
    Then another thought hit him. Something more effective. More controversial. The judge had inspired him with her little speech