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David Spade criticized a mall’s tree lighting ceremony for omitting the word “Christmas.”
On the Sunday episode of Spade and Dana Carvey’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast, the 61-year-old “Grown Ups” actor criticized organizers of a Christmas tree lighting ceremony for “consciously” avoiding any mention of the Christian holiday during the event.
“I will say that Christmas is taking a bit of a hit lately. It’s December and I saw the other day that there was a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at some stupid mall, but it said tree lighting ceremony, and they were careful not to say the word Christmas during the whole ceremony,” Spade said, without naming the mall.
David Spade has blasted a shopping center for avoiding the word “Christmas” during a recent tree lighting ceremony. (Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic; Rainer Binder/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
“No,” Carvey, 67, said.
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“For what?” Spade asked. “So it’s just a tree?” And if you go there, I would understand if you said: “They light up the trees [a certain mall] or other. You say, ‘OK.'”
“But to consciously avoid this, what is the tree for?” he continued. “A December to remember? Is this a Lexus dealership? Why do we have one for the whole month? Isn’t it for Christmas?”
The “SNL” alums discussed the Christmas holidays during the latest episode of their podcast. (NBCUniversal)
Carvey pointed out that he and Spade know many people who follow religions other than Christianity and added, “I’ve never met anyone of another religious faith who was upset about a Christmas tree.”
“I would say stop this bullshit…” Spade said.
“Yeah, because everyone loves Santa and the tree and all the accessories,” Carvey said.
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“They love everything,” Spade said. “Don’t say that word.”
Carvey went on to share his view that while Christmas has remained a religious holiday for Christians, it has become more secular over time, especially in countries like the United States.
“If you’re a believer, it’s about Christianity,” Carvey said. “But I think right now in America, it’s just Christmas. It’s a fun holiday.”
However, Carvey noted that he was opposed to restricting free speech.
“I don’t like the thought police,” said one alum of “The Dana Carvey Show.” “I don’t like having words I can’t use.”
The comedian said he “didn’t like the anti-Christian sentiment” around Christmas. (David Spade Instagram)
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“I don’t like the anti-Christian sentiment because Christmas for me wasn’t really that because I’m a Christian,” Spade said.
While Carvey described Spade as a “secular” and “fallen” Christian, the “Joe Dirt” star said he was “just more spiritual.”
Spade expressed his opinion that the Christian faith is treated differently from other religions.
“It’s like this is where we get the hammer? You can’t say that about anyone else,” he said.
“We are suffering hard blows in Africa,” he continued. “It feels like this isn’t the year to be a Christian. I’ll tell you that.”
Spade shared his view that Christianity is treated differently than other religions. (David SpadeFacebook)
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“It sure is,” Carvey said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on like that.”
“It’s often difficult,” Spade admitted.
Humanitarian groups are increasingly expressing concern about the persecution of Christians in parts of Africa.
A June 2025 report from International Christian Concern (ICC) documented a “worrying increase” in violence against Christians in several African countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Kenya, including killings, kidnappings, massacres, and forced displacement.
President Donald Trump announced in late October that he was designating Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” citing widespread massacres of Christians in the West African country. Pope Leo XIV, the US State Department and celebrities including Nicki Minaj have also condemned the recent massacres in Nigeria.
Spade said “this is not the year to be a Christian.” (Randy Holmes via Getty Images)
After highlighting the persecution of Christians in Africa, Spade redirected the conversation to the Christmas snub during the recent tree lighting.
“We can call it a Christmas tree,” Spade said. “I’m still going to go to those malls. I still don’t want to offend people by saying that. But there are so many things with different religions. You don’t have the right to criticize someone else’s religion.”
Spade’s remarks come after the city of Portland was criticized for once again holding its annual tree lighting ceremony and banning any use of the word “Christmas.”
The event, held on November 28, was decorated with Christmas lights, a traditionally decorated tree and a visit from Santa Claus, but made no mention of Christmas.
Instead, organizers billed the festive occasion as “Portland’s 41st Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,” according to social media accounts for Pioneer Courthouse Square, where the tree is on display.
“The Portland tree is lit!” said a caption on an Instagram video shared by the Portland, Oregon Instagram account.
“The 41st Annual Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by SmartPark is happening tonight! » said another post shared on social media by the Portland, Oregon, government and Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Portland, Oregon, recently came under fire for not mentioning Christmas while promoting its annual Christmas tree lighting at a local square. (Getty Images)
“Celebrate the culmination of the holiday season downtown as Santa flips the switch, illuminating more than 9,500 colorful LED lights to illuminate our city’s 75-foot Douglas fir, generously donated by Stimson Lumber for everyone to enjoy. SEE YOU TONIGHT, PORTLAND! » he added.
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Social media commenters said online that the city refuses to say the word “Christmas.”
“The city of Portland and local media call it ‘The Tree’ because they despise Christians like me and many of you so much that they can’t bring themselves to say the word ‘Christmas,'” said independent journalist David Medina. posted on X.
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“They can’t even say Christmas tree in Portland. They call it ‘the tree'” another conservative account posted on X in response to a video posted by Medina.
“In Portland they’re trying to take Christmas off the Christmas tree. It’s a Christmas tree, it’s always been a Christmas tree, and it always will be a Christmas tree. These people will take everything slowly until there’s nothing left if they get the chance,” said one social published media account.
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Portland Democratic Mayor Keith Wilson’s office also explicitly called the event a “Christmas tree lighting” in response to Fox News Digital, while brushing off criticism of the event.
“Mayor Wilson was thrilled to join Portland’s annual Christmas tree lighting alongside Christmas carolers and holiday festivities,” Wilson’s office said when asked about the criticism. “That said, framing it any other way seems entirely out of reach.”
Emma Colton of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
