Sometimes I think people have completely lost their common sense. Take the whole Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays conundrum. A few years ago it became more acceptable to say Happy Holidays as opposed to Merry Christmas in order to avoid offending people who don't celebrate Christmas. OK. I suppose there's no harm in that. But now apparently, some people are upset about this change. Really? Why does anyone even care about this? I suppose that's easy for me to say, being that I do celebrate Christmas and since I'm not particularly religious, I don't mind being wished Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
But, how would I feel if someone greeted me with Happy Hanukkah? Would I be offended? No, I don't think I would be. I think I would pause for a moment and wish them a Happy Hanukkah as well. Why not? I certainly do wish people of all faiths a happy holiday - whatever it might be. And if someone chooses to bestow upon me a cheerful greeting, I accept it with the goodwill with which it was given. Kindness deserves kindness. Look at it this way. If someone wished me a Happy St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day or Flag Day - would I get upset if I'm not Irish, their sweetheart or particularly patriotic? No, of course not. So why should anyone care if they are wished a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Ramadan or Season's Greetings. It makes no sense to me. My philosophy is to be grateful for the good wishes and cheer and move on.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. However, if you have a strong opinion either way, please present your point of view with grace and kindness. Thank you.
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6 comments:
Nothing bothers me @ either of the greetings you mention. As a Christian who does participate in regular church attendance I am aware that my choices may not be the choices of all, and I'm good with that too. To be more PC I do find myself saying happy holidays because I want to be more well......PC.
My Jewish friends feel a bit differently. They have expressed that at times it feels the US is just full of the Merry Christmas and the uber decorating and the retail aspect has it all over the place. I see it from both sides and respect each persons choices.
I think it's a good topic, though it can get touchy.
I would LOVE it if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa. No one ever has before.
I think you're right. Who cares? I mean, switching to Happy Holidays to avoid offending people seems a little silly since Merry Christmas, et all are greetings bestowed with only good intentions. But am I going to get mad when I'm wished Happy Holidays? Nope. I simply smile, thank them and wish them a Merry Christmas as I pick up my bright red wrapping paper off the counter.
As long as there's a happy or merry in front of the phrase, I guess I am good with either!
I'm a Happy Holidays kind of gal for the same reasons you are.
But seriously someone could probably smile and wish me a Happy Boxing Day and while I'm not 100% clear what that even is, it would put me in a good mood. :) Good wishes are good wishes.
I so agree. This nonsense from some about people who are trying to "kill" Christmas by saying "Happy Holidays," I find to be hateful and ignorant.
Merry, Happy, whatever... Just be kind to people. Especially at this time of year.
I certainly agree about not being offended. Call it what you like.
It just saddens me that anyone things they should police others and tell them what NOT to say.
I will always say 'merry christmas'.
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