As night falls and the world quiets down, I find myself contemplating the essence of the holiday season. You might wonder, what does a Jewish woman like me think about Christmas? Yes, I am Jewish, and I celebrate Hanukkah. So, by all accounts, Christmas might seem irrelevant to me. However, that notion is simply untrue. The lights, the reindeer, the festive spirit—Christmas permeates our lives and is, without a doubt, a stunning celebration filled with magic and warmth. I deeply respect how each individual chooses to celebrate their own holiday.
I have no resentment toward Christmas; in fact, I cherish the cozy gatherings and the joy that faith brings to people. My curiosity extends to the various ways others celebrate their traditions, and I want my children to appreciate the vastness of the world beyond our home. It is a big, beautiful place, and they deserve to see it in all its diversity.
However, I find it a bit peculiar when everyone assumes “Merry Christmas” is the standard greeting, and some even take offense when “Happy Holidays” is used instead. The reality is that not everyone observes Christmas.
In my daughter’s diverse classroom, she recently came home brimming with excitement after learning about Eid from several classmates. She engaged with their traditions, but she didn’t wish them a Happy Eid or her classmates a Merry Christmas. She understands that different people celebrate different holidays, and that understanding is a beautiful thing—one that fosters grace, kindness, and mutual respect.
From my experiences as a public school teacher, I’ve decorated Christmas trees and participated in various holiday activities like Kwanzaa creativity shares and making latkes for Hanukkah. Inviting families to share their traditions enriched my students’ understanding of the world. We celebrated our differences and similarities, and that’s how it should be everywhere. It’s essential to approach this season with an open heart, recognizing that everyone’s beliefs deserve acknowledgment.
I personally do not feel offended when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas. I’ve taught my children the importance of understanding intention behind greetings; whether it’s Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or any other sentiment, the underlying message is one of goodwill. Isn’t this season incredible?
So, if I wish you a Happy Holidays, know that it’s a heartfelt way of expressing goodwill without making assumptions about your beliefs. This spirit of inclusivity is truly the essence of the season.
So here’s to you: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Eid, and above all, Happy Holidays!
This article was originally published on Dec. 14, 2010.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the beauty of diverse celebrations during the holiday season, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and respect for different traditions. It encourages understanding and appreciation among various cultures, emphasizing that good intentions lie behind holiday greetings, whether they are Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.