So, ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy holidays’? Which side are you on? As if the culture wars needed an additional battlefield, each of us is now required, at this time of year, to line up with those who say “Merry Christmas” or with those who say “Happy holidays.” The former group is far and away the larger, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll on this unlikely topic. It found 69 percent of adults prefer “Merry Christmas,” while 23 percent prefer “Happy holidays.” (The rest presumably hope we all have a “lousy December.”) The inevitable political gap: 85 percent of Republicans prefer “Merry Christmas,” as do 61 percent of Democrats. You’ll recall that some major retailers found themselves boycotted last year for dropping “Christmas” from their public vocabulary. Wal-Mart was careful to get on the popular side of the issue this year, with a spokeswoman saying the store isn’t afraid of the Christmas greeting: “We’ll use it early, and we’ll use it often.” That’ll show ’em. —Posted by Mark Dolliver

November 29, 2006 | Permalink

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Comments

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Why create even more absurd distinctions and divisions?
Definitely more important problems in the world.

Posted by: They're All Misfits! | Nov 29, 2006 10:45:55 AM

The issue is a serious one. Political correctness and diversity fascism is eroding common sense. Christmas is a federal holiday, the propper greeting is "Merry Christmas." How would you feel if instead of "happy thanksgiving" you heard "happy rabbit?"

Call things what they are, goddammit!

Posted by: Bobby | Nov 29, 2006 12:45:50 PM

I think I'd like that very much.

Posted by: A Turkey | Nov 29, 2006 1:23:53 PM

The problem with ‘Happy holidays’ is that it has no meaning. I could tell people ‘Happy holidays’ on the 4th of July or on Labor day.

Posted by: Steven Andrew Miller | Nov 29, 2006 11:35:35 PM

Browsing the Netflix site last night and noticed their Gift Cards and thought "Oh cool, thats a great Christmas gift for my brother".

When asked to choose a message and select a card format, no "Merry Christmas" choice.

Transaction abandoned.

No purchase made.

Posted by: James | Nov 30, 2006 9:03:46 AM

Anyone who says "Merry Christmas" to me is basically saying that they don't know me and don't care that I've never celebrated the holiday in my life. So those businesses don't get my money, and those people don't get my respect.

It's very amusing how people get freaked out by the idea of not everyone being exactly the same as them.

Posted by: RP | Nov 30, 2006 3:25:59 PM

Now each Christmas morning I sit in my chair
And I look up at the angels that float through the air
Some look down upon me, some come to my side
And they tell me that Jesus he said to say hi

Even if you aren't Christian, this can't be a bad thing, or?

Posted by: in the words of Lyle lovett | Dec 3, 2006 2:28:53 PM

Maybe we should go the way of the early 1970s (Manufacturer's Hanover Trust?) "AnyCar Loan." We can then drive our "FordChevAmChrysWagen" to a "ChristmaSolstiChanakKwanza" celebration.

Posted by: Dr. Festivus | Dec 4, 2006 4:43:25 PM

only if they sell it at both Walmarts on the east and west end of town, Dr. Fesitivus.

Posted by: | Dec 5, 2006 12:31:12 AM

Westend has higher prices though considering the data collected on the residents in that immediate area.

Posted by: | Dec 5, 2006 12:32:44 AM

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