At this time of year, I am often reminded of the fact that we seem to be moving away from the greeting of "Merry Christmas" in favor of the vanilla flavored, politically correct, less offensive, all encompassing "Happy Holidays". Recently, I was shopping and when the clerk ended our transaction with Happy Holidays and I replied Merry Christmas. He stopped, looked at me and thanked me for wishing him Merry Christmas. He told me he was relieved for me to say it so then he felt comfortable in saying it as well.
I realize Christmas is a religious holiday, not celebrated by everyone, but are we really offending each other when we offer Merry Christmas as a greeting? Are we forcing our beliefs on others? Are we excluding or diminishing what they believe over what we believe? I don't think so. In a recent study, most Americans, whatever their preferences for holiday celebrations and public displays thereof, are not highly concerned about the matter. When given the option of hearing "Merry Christmas" or a less religious greeting—like "Happy Holidays"—in stores and businesses, Americans do choose Merry Christmas by a 60 percent-to-23 percent margin. In our over caution to include all, offend none and tread lightly around religious and political views, we have given up small pieces of what makes us who we are. I celebrate Christmas. I wish you a Merry Christmas! That is how I share some of the happiness of the holiday season. No offense intended!
I realize Christmas is a religious holiday, not celebrated by everyone, but are we really offending each other when we offer Merry Christmas as a greeting? Are we forcing our beliefs on others? Are we excluding or diminishing what they believe over what we believe? I don't think so. In a recent study, most Americans, whatever their preferences for holiday celebrations and public displays thereof, are not highly concerned about the matter. When given the option of hearing "Merry Christmas" or a less religious greeting—like "Happy Holidays"—in stores and businesses, Americans do choose Merry Christmas by a 60 percent-to-23 percent margin. In our over caution to include all, offend none and tread lightly around religious and political views, we have given up small pieces of what makes us who we are. I celebrate Christmas. I wish you a Merry Christmas! That is how I share some of the happiness of the holiday season. No offense intended!
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