Created: 11/20/2009 5:50:17 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As the holiday season approaches so do an abundance of local celebrations, but some say there's something very important is missing.
Nancy Mihalik was shocked to learn the celebration at St. Johns Town Center is called, "The Great Tree Lighting" and The Landing's ceremony, "The Lighting Ceremony."
"We are purposefully omitting Christ and as a Christian in this community, it is very disheartening," Mihalik said.
Mihalik is a native of Jacksonville. Over the years, she has seen the name's of Christmas celebrations change, she said, always leaving out the word Christmas.
"It is a pitiful trend," she said.
But Stephanie Galloway, a world religions professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville, disagrees.
"As a Christian myself, I don't think it is important to call it a Christmas tree. I can teach my daughter about our beliefs at home," said Galloway.
Galloway said she thinks if Christmas was in the title of holiday celebrations, there could be a push to get rid of them altogether.
"I'd rather it be there than not be and I think it would offend people," said Galloway.
A history of the decorated tree
Where to find/buy a Christmas tree in Florida
