As I finish my grocery shopping, the cashier hands me my bags and cheerfully says, “Thank you! Merry Christmas!” I respond with a smile, “Merry Christmas to you, as well.” Although I don’t personally celebrate Christmas, I find it courteous to reciprocate the sentiment when someone wishes me well. I genuinely hope they have a joyful holiday season. The phrase doesn’t offend me; rather, I appreciate the kindness behind it.
What I do find irksome, however, is the notion that using “Happy Holidays” is somehow inappropriate. This idea perpetuates the ridiculous claim that we are engaged in a “war on Christmas,” when in fact, we inhabit a diverse society with varying traditions. Such a perspective seems incredibly narrow-minded.
The situation is exacerbated by our former president, who openly criticized the phrase “Happy Holidays” and asserted that “Merry Christmas” should be the standard greeting in every shop once he took office. His comments during the campaign trail were clear: “I’m a devoted Christian, and I promise that if I become president, we will hear ‘Merry Christmas’ in every single store.”
His frequent declarations that Christmas is being diminished because of political correctness are puzzling. He claimed he encouraged his family to avoid stores that say “Happy Holidays.” But really, am I the only one who still notices the abundance of Christmas decorations, festive music, and holiday treats? No one is preventing anyone from saying “Merry Christmas,” even if certain businesses opt for “Happy Holidays” or schools refer to the break as “Winter Break.” Christmas remains a significant presence in our culture.
Consider, for a moment, if a leader like Sam Turner, who identifies as Jewish, had expressed a desire for “Happy Hanukkah” to be the primary greeting during the holiday season. Wouldn’t that seem strangely out of place? It’s curious that such statements are deemed acceptable when they emerge from a Christian perspective.
While Christmas is recognized as a federal holiday celebrated by a majority of Americans, it’s essential to acknowledge that roughly a third of the population does not identify as Christian. In addition to Christmas, there are various religious observances during this time, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others. This is precisely why many people prefer to say “Happy Holidays”—it serves as an inclusive gesture, recognizing our country’s diverse beliefs and traditions.
Let me clarify: I have no issue with anyone wishing me a “Merry Christmas.” In fact, I find it quite pleasant. The problem arises when there’s an expectation for everyone to say “Merry Christmas” and a backlash against those who choose the more inclusive “Happy Holidays.” Doesn’t this seem a tad overly sensitive? I struggle to understand why anyone would take offense at an expression meant to encompass everyone’s traditions.
The America I cherish celebrates its diversity and acknowledges various belief systems. I hope we can continue to uphold this value, rather than retreating from it simply because a public figure has expressed a preference for a specific greeting.
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season, regardless of how you choose to celebrate!
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Summary:
The article discusses the ongoing debate about holiday greetings, particularly the tension between saying “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays.” It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in recognizing the diverse beliefs in society rather than adhering to a singular holiday greeting.