When authorites, in the name of health, safety, or because they can, cracks down on the simple things that make life worth living, you have to wonder whatever happend to "the pursuit of happiness?"

Westford school officials are getting tough on classroom holiday parties.

They're banning sugary snacks and sweetened beverages from the celebrations this year.

Students are being told to leave the Christmas cookies, cakes, candy bars, and soda at home and to bring fruits, unsweetened juices, popcorn and raisins instead.

Superintendent Everett Olsen says the ban on holiday sweets has nothing to do with being politically correct, rather, his motive is simply promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"We aren't trying to take the Christmas out of Christmas. We're not trying to take the enjoyment out of children's lives. We're just trying to act responsible," he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mike Macklin.

Everything in moderation - and that includes hysterical authorities who overthink, over regulate, and over bear the kids in their charge. Yes you are trying to take the "Christmas out of Christmas." How else can your actions be interpreted?

A couple of cookies at Christmas time is not going to make or break a kid's obesity problem. More likely, the authorities will drive the children to overeat thanks to the enormous pressure they are putting on them to conform to "healthy" eating habits.