It’s a thousand degrees outside, it won’t stop raining, and I was mauled last night by a vicious animal I found out later was actually a mosquito. I can’t think of a time I was more in need of some Christmas cheer.

State Senator Gerald Allen told Yellowhammer Wednesday that he has pre-filed a bill for the 2014 legislative session that would protect the rights of Alabama public school teachers and students to offer traditional winter celebration greetings such as “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” and “happy holidays.”

According the Allen, the bill will also allow schools to teach students about the history of “traditional winter celebrations” and display scenes or symbols associated with the season, such as a menorah, Nativity scene or Christmas tree.

“For many Alabamians, holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah are near and dear to our hearts,” Sen. Allen told Yellowhammer. “It’s important that we protect our right to openly celebrate them.”

Allen expressed concerns with efforts to cull religious freedom in some parts of the country.

“Over the years we’ve seen efforts across the country to restrict our religious freedoms,” he said. “This legislation protects our conservative, Alabama values by ensuring that people of all faiths are free to celebrate traditional holidays openly and without fear of litigation or punishment.”

The 2014 Regular Session is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, January 14.

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