Wal-Mart Dodges Boycott With Apology

Bentonville, Ark., The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights called off a boycott of Wal-Mart Stores after the retailer apologized for an e-mail that suggested that Christmas originated from many world religions.

The Catholic League had called the boycott after a customer-service employee responded to a customer’s complaint that Wal-Mart had replaced a “Merry Christmas” greeting with “Happy Holidays.” The employee responded that Christmas drew many of its rituals from many ancient peoples including the Visigoths, Celts and Semites.

Wal-Mart said the employee sent the message without review from his superiors and that it does not reflect the company’s opinion. The retailer also said that the employee no longer works for Wal-Mart.