People make such a big deal about saying "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas." How would you like it if people went around saying "Happy Hanukkah" all of December and you celebrated Christmas? It would be like they were ignoring your faith, right? Exactly.
I understand that Christmas is more prominent, but that doesn't make it right to ignore the fact that you are guessing a person's religion when you greet them. In a way, it is like presuming someone is fat instead of pregnant because there is a greater chance that they have put on pounds by eating too much and living a sedentary lifestyle, than by insemination. Maybe that's pushing it, but you get my drift.
This year, Christmas falls within the eight days of Hanukkah, so there is one day when they are both being celebrated at the same time and to say "Happy Holidays" would cover them both. So, why ignore and disrespect an entire religion when all you have to do is change your festive greeting? You can even say "Season's Greetings" if that makes you feel better. It is the "Season of Giving," so give in.
4 comments:
Hey Melissa, here's one I gotta disagree with you on.
I have no problem with Happy Hanukkah at all. While we're at it I don't mind Happy Kwanza or Eid Mubarak (different season this year of course, but still). If anyone greets me with these, I'm cool. I'm not hurt or insulted that they would use their traditional holiday greeting to say hey, in fact, if anything I'm honored.
"Happy Holidays" to me is ketchup on a crappy chicken hotdog; there's no way it's gonna make the situation better. I really believe as Americans, if someone uses their traditional holiday greeting with me, we've got to be ok enough with ourselves that we can respect and be happy for the them and their celebration.
So Mel, if you came up to me and said Happy Holidays, with your usual awesome enthusiasm and amazing energy, I'd be thrilled and honored. Just do me the same courtesy when I say Merry Christmas back to you.
Jeff, you are right that the delivery is as important as the message. I believe most people that I know, including yourself, know that I will be celebrating Christmas on December 25, so "Merry Christmas" is perfect for me.
How about Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah???!!!
That's perfect Paige!
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