WASHINGTON, DC - In a sudden and unexpected blow to the Americans working to protect the holiday, liberal U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Reinhardt ruled the private celebration of Christmas unconstitutional Monday.

"In accordcance with my activist agenda to secularize the nation, this court finds Christmas to be unlawful, " Judge Reinhardt said. "The celebration of the birth of the philosopher Jesus - be it in the form of gift-giving, the singing of carols, fanciful decorations, or general good cheer and warm feelings amongst families - is in violation of the First Amendment priciples upon which this great nation was founded."

In addition to forbidding the celebration of Christmas in any form, Judge Reinhardt has made it illegal to say "Merry Christmas." Instead, Americans must say "Happy Holidays" or "Vacaciones Felices" if they wish to extend good tidings."

Read the rest, of course, at The Onion.