As I stand at the checkout, the cashier hands me my bags and cheerfully exclaims, “Thanks a lot! Merry Christmas!” I respond with a smile, “Merry Christmas to you, too,” even though I don’t personally celebrate the holiday. I find it polite to reciprocate the sentiment, and I genuinely hope they enjoy their festivities. While Christmas may not be my holiday, I’m not offended by the greeting.
What I do find frustrating is the perception that saying “Happy Holidays” is somehow disrespectful, and that its use signifies a “war on Christmas” rather than acknowledging the diversity of celebrations in our society. This notion feels exceedingly narrow-minded.
The situation is exacerbated by our current president, who has voiced his desire to be a leader for all Americans while consistently criticizing the phrase “Happy Holidays.” He has pledged that “Merry Christmas” will echo in every store under his administration. Yes, he has made such declarations multiple times.
During the campaign, he declared, “I’m a good Christian, remember that. I guarantee, if I become president, we’re gonna be saying ‘Merry Christmas’ at every store […] every store.” In another instance, he lamented the absence of “Merry Christmas” due to political correctness, promising that it would return if he won.
I find myself wondering, am I the only one still seeing Christmas decorations, hearing carols, and enjoying holiday treats? No one is preventing anyone from wishing “Merry Christmas,” regardless of some businesses opting for “Happy Holidays” or schools labeling their breaks as “Winter Break.” Christmas is not disappearing, and let’s be honest, everyone knows it.
Now, imagine if Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, had campaigned on a platform that emphasized Hanukkah and insisted on stores saying “Happy Hanukkah” instead of “Happy Holidays.” Wouldn’t that seem odd and inappropriate? Why is it any less so when it comes from a Christian perspective?
While Christmas is recognized as a federal holiday and is celebrated by the majority, a significant portion of Americans do not identify as Christian. Various faiths, including those of Bahá’ís, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Pagans, and Zoroastrians, celebrate significant holidays during this time, which is why the greeting “Happy Holidays” exists. It serves to honor our diverse traditions and is not a conspiracy to undermine Christianity or Christmas.
Let me clarify: there is no issue with saying “Merry Christmas.” I have no problem with that expression. The issue lies in the insistence that everyone must say “Merry Christmas” and the disdain towards the more inclusive “Happy Holidays.” Doesn’t that seem a bit overly sensitive?
I struggle to understand why “Happy Holidays,” offered in goodwill, could be a source of irritation. Why not embrace a greeting that acknowledges everyone’s traditions? The America I cherish values inclusivity and recognizes varying belief systems. I hope we don’t start moving away from this principle just because a leader has a grievance with an inclusive phrase.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season, however you choose to celebrate. For further insights on this topic, you might want to check out this post on home insemination. Also, for information on pregnancy, this resource is excellent. For those interested in practical options, you can find solutions at Cryobaby, an authority on this topic.
Summary:
The debate over holiday greetings, particularly the insistence on saying “Merry Christmas” over “Happy Holidays,” reflects broader societal tensions regarding inclusivity and recognition of diverse traditions. While many celebrate Christmas, a significant portion of the population observes different holidays, making “Happy Holidays” a more inclusive greeting. The insistence on a singular phrase, often fueled by political rhetoric, raises questions about respect for diversity in a pluralistic society.