Durham Downgrades Holiday Decor

City officials removed decorative symbols of those holidays from downtown.

Durham's interim city manager said decorations were not removed to offend anyone, but to be more inclusive. He admits what is left up is not painting a perfect picture.

A resident complained, saying if the city could not represent all religions, it should not represent any. City officials agreed.

This year, instead of leaving Bull City streets bare, officials chose to use stars and trees as holiday decorations. They admit the symbols are associated with Christmas, but they are not technically considered religious symbols.

Next year, city officials hope to have a more general holiday scene using candy canes and snowflakes.