Comedian and actor David Spade criticized a mall for deliberately avoiding the word 'Christmas' during a recent tree-lighting ceremony. Spade, speaking on the 'Fly on the Wall' podcast with Dana Carvey, expressed concern over the trend of excluding 'Christmas' from holiday events, noting that the ceremony referred only to a 'tree-lighting' without mentioning Christmas. He questioned the purpose of the holiday decorations if they do not acknowledge Christmas, which he considers a religious holiday for Christians. Spade also highlighted the broader issue of anti-Christian sentiment, pointing out that in some places like Nigeria, Christians face persecution and violence. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting religious traditions, criticizing efforts to secularize or omit Christian references during the holiday season. The controversy extends to Portland, Oregon, where officials hosted a tree-lighting event without using the word 'Christmas,' sparking public outrage. Spade's comments reflect a growing concern among some Americans about the perceived marginalization of Christian traditions during Christmas celebrations.