A Wal-Mart spokesperson was fired after apologizing via e-mail to the Catholic League Friday for a statement regarding the origins of Christmas.

The employee that made the statement was not authorized to do so and has been fired, according to The Associated Press.

After a customer complained about Wal-Mart’s switch from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holiday’s,” the customer received an e-mail from a Wal-Mart employee, according to The AP.

The e-mail said the origins of many Christmas traditions were borrowed from ethnic groups and pagan religions across the world. Wal-Mart’s greeting reflected a worldwide patron-ship.

Donohue demanded an apology for insulting Christians, saying the Wal-Mart Web site included specific links for other holidays, but not a specific link for Christmas; in effect, “banning” Christmas.

“This is a sweet victory for the Catholic League, Christians in general and people of all faiths,” said Bill Donohue, Catholic League president.

This year in Rexburg, greeters will say, “Happy Holidays”; it’s not new.

“We’ve said ‘Happy Holidays’ for years, “ said Alan Beagley, assistant manager of the Rexburg Wal-Mart.