Americans say humbug to ‘Happy holidays’
—Posted by Mark Dolliver |
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November 27, 2007 | Permalink |
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I rarely...okay never...agree with anything that appears on Fox News, but they have a point here. I am TOTALLY tired of hearing people tiptoe around the word "Christmas."
It's a CHRISTMAS tree. It's a CHRISTMAS present. It's a CHRISTMAS card. It's a CHRISTMAS wreath.
Deal with it.
Posted by: | Nov 27, 2007 12:16:57 PM
Agreed. There's nothing offensive about a holiday, be it Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah or whatever.
Acknowledging one does not belittle any others.
BUT...I also don't think there's anything wrong with the efficient "Happy Holidays".
I actually find it more offensive that people want to say "Merry Christmas" but feel they can't.
Posted by: yikes | Nov 27, 2007 1:50:06 PM
Here's the thing. It's not up to people who celebrate Christmas to decide if "Happy Holidays" is better or worse than "Merry Christmas." The point is that when someone says "Merry Christmas" to someone who does not celebrate Christmas, for instance, someone who's Jewish, then that puts the person in an awkward situation. Do they simply accept the greeting, and feel strange about it, or politely explain that they are Jewish, and do not celebrate Christmas, and therefore will not be enjoying a merry christmas, or any other sort of christmas for that matter? That seems excessive, and could come off as rude.
Save us all the trouble, and say "Happy Holidays" if you don't know anything about the person you're talking to.
Posted by: dutycalls | Nov 27, 2007 4:30:33 PM
You cannot be serious.
People are now so freakin' sensitive that they'll be offended if someone dares to say "Merry Christmas." Oh, the deep emotional strain.
I'll say "Merry Christmas" to whoever the hell I want to. It's a greeting...not a slur.
I've had with the P.C. police. Screw 'em. Take your "holiday tree" and shove it up your a**.
Posted by: | Nov 27, 2007 6:25:39 PM
seriously. just because you may be insular with your own holidays is no reason to stop everyone else from sharing theirs. i don't recall ever having been accosted by someone randomly wishing ma a happy chanuka, or a happy kwanza, or a happy passover, but part of the joy of _christmas_ is sharing that joy with other people.
and if you're going to get all pedantic about 'i don't celebrate the birth of christ in my religion' then you _really_ need to get over yourself. it's a secular holiday, no different any more than the fourth of july or christmas. i don't see any jews in the office on christmas day, and don't tell me you don't take advantage of the sales. i'm pretty sure you're going to have a decent christmas season regardless of your religion -- why can't you just accept that i'm wishing you well?
i don't give a good god damn what you celebrate or don't celebrate, but don't piss on my parade because you don't celebrate my holiday. i'm not asking you to. just accept the well-wishes in the spirit in which they're given and get off your bloody high horse.
Posted by: bullship | Nov 29, 2007 11:04:22 PM
Okay. Let me preface this with a bit of truth. I'm okay if you say "Merry Christmas" to me. I'm certainly not offended.
What I'm saying is that it makes me feel more uncomfortable than if someone said "Happy Holidays" to me. Why? Because "Merry Christmas" makes me feel like I'm not a normal part of the rest of the world around me.
Let's say that it's not about Christians and non-Christians, because you're apparently having a tough time understanding that if you're on the other side of the equation, you don't understand how it feels.
Let's say that all the white people in the country had a holiday. It's called "White Day." And around this time, white people traditionally said to each other, "Happy White's Day."
Let's say I'm a black person, going to Wal-Mart. And the greeter says to me, "Happy White's Day."
Now I feel a little miffed. I'm not white. Why would you think that I want you to wish me a happy White's Day?
All I'm saying is, it's not for the white people to decide if it's more polite to say "Happy White's Day" or just "Happy Holidays" to black people.
Posted by: dutycalls | Nov 30, 2007 4:56:57 PM
Let me also say that if we're talking about words printed in a flyer, fine.
I'm just talking about Wal-Mart or any other retailer's decision to have their greeters actually saying either "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas."
And I'm not even saying that they should say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."
I'm just saying that the people who should be asked which one they'd prefer should be the people who don't celebrate Christmas.
Posted by: dutycalls | Nov 30, 2007 5:00:57 PM
But here's the thing, you're not fooling anyone: the exchanging of greetings, the shopping for presents, the display of decorations, the singing of songs at special school concerts, it's all for CHRISTMAS! If this offends you, it is time to move somewhere that only celebrates your traditions.
I have lived in different cultures and never felt the need to mold them to my personal beliefs. I appreciated being included in "Happy Eid" greetings, etc., to be included in someone's holiday happiness. Only a well-fed moron would take something like that as an insult. I can't see any difference between that and "Merry Christmas."
What I think people object to is that we are made to feel we need to hide our reason for the joyous season and I'm glad to see people starting to fight back.
In a world where the "View" can express understanding of a culture that wants to kill a woman over a teddybear's name but not understand the desire to call this holdiay "Christmas" is really nutty-cookoo.
Posted by: XiaoXi | Dec 2, 2007 7:33:53 PM
To Bullship: What do you mean if whites had a "whites day" and wished black people a "Happy Whites Day"? What the hell - they have a whole friggin' "Black history" month - so I think they're covered. Gimme a break!
Posted by: Danacwt | Dec 3, 2007 11:16:20 AM
Those of you who think we should be saying "Happy Holidays" because the recipient of "Merry Christmas" might be offended aren't even playing by your own rules. What if you say "Happy Holidays" to a Jehovah's Witness, who doesn't celebrate holidays? Maybe you'd like us to just say "Happy Day". Oh wait, what if the person you said that to is a mute and is offended that you spoke? How about instead we all just express our own greetings and not be offended when somebody else extends well-wishes to us in whatever form. Merry Christmas everyone!
Posted by: Ryan | Dec 20, 2007 1:40:11 PM
If we are going to please everyone by saying Happy Holidays to be politically correct, then why don't we stop voting for presidents, governors, laws and bills. The last I heard is that we base decisions on the majority so if we always want to cater to the minority then when we vote for president, the loser should also serve so that not to hurt his feelings. Perhaps when a proposition is put on the ballet rather then voting on it and one winning, they should both be laws for periods of time each year. It's hard to believe that we would rather say Happy Holidays even though 90% of Americans are Christian and 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas. We say Happy Holidays because of the 4% that do not celebrate? Ridiculous. It's a sad day when the Jewish population wants to desensitize Americas most valued holiday
Posted by: MC | Dec 20, 2007 8:09:24 PM
I could not agree with you more..
Posted by: Jason P | Dec 20, 2007 8:11:33 PM
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S. Celebrating the Birth Of Jesus, PERIOD. If OFFENSIVE, so Be It.. happy Holidays is Non-American ways MORE BeLittleing OFFENSIVE Talk from Thugs. Those that don't believe,sure take THE Christmas Time Off & Are The First in Line for the DISCOUNTS. Well Let them Work & Pay Double prices (No Discounts). Same kind of way those who Smoke, usually take their Breaks when it's the most Busy instead of helping out..So MERRY CHRISTMAS,Hannaka,Whatever, Pray/ Don't Pray That Is The American Choice..:) :)
Posted by: John Retired USA | Dec 21, 2007 12:54:13 PM
Happy Holidays is just as traditional a term as Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays has been in use since at least the 1800's. The two expressions mean different things. Check out: http://thefriendlycity.blogspot.com/2007/12/merry-christmas-or-happy-holidays.html
Posted by: Jeremy Aldrich | Dec 21, 2007 2:58:20 PM
Wow, I see ignorance is in abundance here.
Enjoy your "Christian domination month" to all the Christians too ignorant to understand the true origin of the holiday and how it has abasolutely nothing to do with the birth of a savior. Yes, you've bullied yourselves into the faces of nearly everyone out here rendering us unable to work, shop, or go out to eat today. Oh, but we must tolerate this because you make up less than 35% of the world's population.
Oh media, what a wonderful weapon you are.
Posted by: Dawn M | Dec 25, 2007 7:07:29 PM
Hmm, apparently I'm with the 10% who just don't give a damn either way.
Posted by: Kayla | Dec 26, 2007 4:54:50 AM
Ok look I'm 13 and doing a science fair project on this. More people like merry Christmas. I've read over the comments, and yes I am a Christian, but that has nothing to do with this. Sure for some people, a.k.a. Christians, Christmas is about Christ. But when people say Merry Christmas to someone it's like saying have a great vacation. If I said merry Christmas to someone who celebrates Hannakuh all that person would have to say is happy hannakuh. I'm sorry if this offends you, but that truth is that no matter what stores say, Merry Christmas, happy holidays or nothing at all, someone isn't going to like it. Someone, somewhere is going to say "I'm so offended" well if you're that person and you don't believe in Christmas here's a tip for you, either ignore that comment or say happy _______ whatever holiday you celebrate. So if I'm only 13 and I've got a solution for this here's our next problem, Why Are We Even Having This Debate????????
Posted by: why are we even commenting on this????!!!!!???? | Jan 2, 2008 3:12:59 PM
i'm 13 as well and i'm a christian too...and tell me one thing...why does it even matter if i say "merry christmas" or happy holidays"??? when you say "happy holidays" you are aknowledging all of the holidays of the season and when you say "merry christmas" you are being more specific or you could say something else to aknowledge your own holiday in which you are celebrating.
i can say whatever i want whenever i want because i'm lucky enough to be living in a country that allows it so...Happy New Year!!! It's 2008!!!
Posted by: a person who cares | Jan 2, 2008 3:41:02 PM
I don't care if you don't have a party on Christmas. By "Merry Christmas", I mean, "On December 25th, I hope you have a nice day." I just happen to single out that day. It doesn't mean I want you to celebrate it, I just don't want you to be mourning that day or something. Jeez.
Posted by: Aerii | Dec 2, 2008 8:24:03 PM
I agree with the terminology: it's NOT a holiday tree, holiday wreath, etc. These are items associated with Christmas. Terming Christmas items "Holiday" is trying to be inclusive of secularists who celebrate Christmas; if they are going to actually celebrate the secular side of Christmas, they had better at least call it Christmas.
However, I do find it sad that some are so full of the Christmas pompeity that they would say it to a person who they know does not celebrate Christmas. Is it that hard to be tolerant of them? It is not acceptable that just because the majority of people celebrate Christmas that you believe shutting down business and having sales is a favor to them and thus obligates them to celebrate with you. Treat people are individuals instead of including yourself with the majority and labeling them as a minority that has to submit; after all, freedon of religion is part of the Bill of Rights, meaning the rights of the minority as well as the majority are protected and cannot be taken away.
The bottom line to this is when you say this, you are NOT speaking to yourself, but giving a wish to a person. If you say "Merry Christmas" to a person you know is not Christian, why are you doing this accept to appease yourself, thus taking the whole notion of a "greeting" or "wishing" out of it and fulfilling your own selfish needs. If you know the person celebrates Christmas, wish them a Merry Christmas; if you know they celebrate Hannukah, wish them a Happy Hannukah, because your greeting it about them, not you. Similarly, if you are mistakenly wished a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannukah when you celebrate the other, don't wish the person a Merry/Happy (Your Holiday); because now you know they don't celebrate a certain holiday and are just being ignorant and self-absorbed.
Posted by: Rick | Dec 14, 2008 2:30:02 AM
I think many are missing the point. Its not about the offensiveness of wishing each other Merry Christmas - its about the offensiveness of the media who are choosing to pussyfoot around it with their softly softly messages.
Happy "Black Gay Lesbian Jewish Muslim Christian Rasta Disabled Holiday" to all.
Posted by: Rob | Nov 24, 2009 1:04:07 PM
Friends i am a christian with Jewish friends.Not one of them is offended when i say merry Christmas. please dont blame this on Jews because they dont mind.
Posted by: Debbie | Dec 5, 2009 11:10:40 PM
Wow! Not until a couple of years ago when I lived in a small midwest farming town,(originally I am from a big city but relocated to finish my Bachelors Degree, did I come face-to-face with how upsetting this issue can be to a lot of people.
I have read all of the posts and found some very insightful and others very rude. I am Christian but my husband and his family are Jewish so we celebrate BOTH holidays equally. I hear what some are saying in the posts about "Merry Christmas" just being a greeting of good wishes and not meant to offend, but I have also heard the other-side of the story from the perspective of some one who is NOT Christian and finds it awkward. The posts from: Posted by: dutycalls | Nov 30, 2007 4:56:57 PM; Posted by: Ryan | Dec 20, 2007 1:40:11 PM, and ESP. Posted by: Rick | Dec 14, 2008 2:30:02 AM;Posted by: Dawn M | Dec 25, 2007 7:07:29 PM;and VERY INSIGHTFUL Posted by: Rick | Dec 14, 2008 2:30:02 AM.
People get so mad when someone doesn't say "Merry Christmas" to them without even realizing that the other person MIGHT NOT CELEBRATE YOU'R HOLIDAY OR EVEN FEEL COMFORTABLE SAYING IT! Now, you don't have to get sooo PC that you start asking everyone what they're preferences are because that might get a little awkward and long at the check out line. All I am saying is, STOP GETTING SO MAD when I wish you a "Happy Holidays" or "Have a nice Day" instead of "Merry Christmas". If I KNOW you are Christian, I will wish you a "Merry Christmas" (like my side of the family), and if I know you'r Jewish I will wish you a "Happy Hanukkah"(like my husband and his side of the family), and I know if you're celebrating African pride I will wish you "Happy Kwanza" (like my best friend), and if I know you're Hindu I'll wish you a "Happy Dawli" (like many of my friends), and if I know you don't celebrate any of this then I'll wish you a nice day!!!! Otherwise I will just wish you a "Happy Holiday", or as one post said....some people don't celebrate any holidays during this time of year so simple a "Have a Nice Day" will do.
People get so mad when someone doesn't say "Merry Christmas" to them and say that it's JUST a greeting but I bet all the money in the world that if that Rasmussen Poll did a test where people said, "Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Dwali...etc." to these Christian people the overall result would be that they feel uncomfortable, awkward, or some even upset....and now you see that this isn't just a simple "Greeting" any more. Once the shoe is on the other foot (not in thought but actually in physical practice, i.e. where more that one person is saying it to your face), you start to see what hypocrats there "Merry Christmas" people are. Word have intrinsic power. The power to uplift but also the power to alienate. The power to bring peace and joy, and also the power to belittle and make some one feel like an outcaste.
P.S. Sorry for my spelling. I hope you still understand the message I am trying to convey.
Posted by: Laura | Dec 16, 2009 12:32:03 PM
...And also...don't try to shift the subject to a larger scale than it needs to be by saying ignorant things like, "Well...if we can't say "Merry Christmas" anymore, why don't we just stop voting for our President, bills, etc.". This is nothing more than a manipulation technique (even if the person writing it doesn't even know it). Sometimes people become polarized on a subject when they become emotionally attached and take it too far so we start to associate things like not saying "Merry Christmas" is just as bad as not voting for our President. Keep the debate in perspective and do not try to spin it off for medial support. (Can you tell I went to college for communications)?!
Posted by: Laura | Dec 16, 2009 12:38:27 PM
