Americans Who Prefer 'Merry Christmas' to 'Happy Holidays' Are Wrong

[Cafe Robin]

What do you think?

Americans Who Prefer 'Merry Christmas' to 'Happy Holidays' Are Wrong

Posted by Maressa Brown on November 30, 2011

I suppose in an attempt to spread the opposite of holiday cheer, a Rasmussen report has confirmed for at least the third year in a row that most American adults -- 70 percent! -- prefer stores greet customers with "Merry Christmas" as opposed to "Happy Holidays." Oh, dear. Nothing like some good old-fashioned "U.S.A.!" discrimination to make this time of year even more stressful!

When I read something like this, I can't help but recall my Midwestern suburban childhood, during which I was one of the only -- if not the only -- Jewish kids in school, from kindergarten on up through senior year. Plenty of teachers were happy to have me give a little speech to the class about the eight-day Festival of Lights or to include "The Dreidel Song" in our holiday choir show. But, at the same time, being wished an exclusive "Merry Christmas" (not "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!" -- there is a distinction) by neighbors and in stores never failed to get on my nerves.

Over the years, despite moving to an area where I'm not a minority at all, not much has changed. No, I'm not being a total Grinch. I appreciate the "Merry Christmas" sentiment! I think, "Why, thank you, I'll certainly have a merry Christmas ... while partaking in my family's typical December 25 tradition of Chinese food and a movie!" But the blatant neglect of different religions and cultures irritates me all the same, on behalf of my fellow Jews, and Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Atheists, agnostics, all of whom are also Americans.

Yes, I get it. We're a tiny, measly group compared to the 76 percent of Americans who identify themselves as Christians (which might explain the almost exact match-up to the percent who prefer "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays"). But that doesn't mean we should be slighted, ignored, or outright disrespected this time of the year.

Regardless of how FOX News types constantly attempt to spin it, saying "Happy Holidays" isn't overly PC, and it doesn't detract from Christmas. It's the most humanitarian, diplomatic, and oh yeah, sensible sentiment to offer a stranger or for retail stores to wish their customers. It's an acknowledgment that not every American celebrates Christmas. That there are those of us out there who celebrate holidays other than Christmas (and even they don't fall in December, there's always New Year's, which I've always figured "Happy Holidays" encompasses). And after all, isn't the message of the holidays "peace on Earth, good will toward men"?

I'm not talking about going to extremes, you know, like asking that a mall/town/store rename their Christmas tree a "holiday tree." (Although if they have a tree, they should also have a menorah and perhaps some secular symbols prominently displayed.) But when it comes to season's greetings in a civil/public place, "Happy Holidays" is certainly the expression for the job.

Where do you fall in this debate?

[LoveMyBoyK]

New years, for one, but again there are not just Christians and atheists involved here. Roma has already posted numerous other religious holidays celebrated during the season that generally kicks off with Thanksgiving and ends New Years Day, or there abouts. So I'm not sure why it matters specifically what holidays atheists celebrate.

Quoting DariaDamnit:

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w

Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

As far as religious holidays are concerned, what religious holidays do Atheists observe considering Atheists don't believe in Higher Powers (as I'm told)?

[DariaDamnit]

Quoting romalove:

 

Quoting DariaDamnit:

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w
Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

As far as religious holidays are concerned, what religious holidays do Atheists observe considering Atheists don't believe in Higher Powers (as I'm told)?

 This atheist celebrates lots of holidays, all secularly.  And I wish people Merry Christmas when it is appropriate.

I disagree with most of your contentions regarding greeting giving, and even party holding.  I don't make myself comfortable when I have guests over, I worry about them. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it once again: To each their own. I understand what you're saying, and I accept your point of view. However, my opinion is unchanged. I hope you can accept that, and we can agree to disagree.

[romalove]

 

Quoting DariaDamnit:

 

Quoting romalove:

 

Quoting DariaDamnit:

 

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w
Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

As far as religious holidays are concerned, what religious holidays do Atheists observe considering Atheists don't believe in Higher Powers (as I'm told)?

 This atheist celebrates lots of holidays, all secularly.  And I wish people Merry Christmas when it is appropriate.

I disagree with most of your contentions regarding greeting giving, and even party holding.  I don't make myself comfortable when I have guests over, I worry about them. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it once again: To each their own. I understand what you're saying, and I accept your point of view. However, my opinion is unchanged. I hope you can accept that, and we can agree to disagree.

 I agree to disagree with people all the time around here lol.

[LovemyQ]

I admit I may be wrong, but I know the major atheistic groups want it and other religions would like to be considered.

As far as the highlighted part - I am pissed that you presume to know me so well. I wrote from the perspective of the Christian, I didn't say I agreed with the Christians in the article. I do hope that "you" is collective.

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w
Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

[Sisteract]

I agree with Roma-

In addition, I never consider myself when entertaining, gift giving or greeting. It's about the other folks.

Certainly different strokes for different folks.

Who knew even greetings could be conditional, self-based or cause the giver to be uncomfortable? I learned something today-

[DariaDamnit]

Quoting romalove:

 

Quoting DariaDamnit:

Quoting romalove:

 

Quoting DariaDamnit:

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w
Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

As far as religious holidays are concerned, what religious holidays do Atheists observe considering Atheists don't believe in Higher Powers (as I'm told)?

 This atheist celebrates lots of holidays, all secularly.  And I wish people Merry Christmas when it is appropriate.

I disagree with most of your contentions regarding greeting giving, and even party holding.  I don't make myself comfortable when I have guests over, I worry about them. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it once again: To each their own. I understand what you're saying, and I accept your point of view. However, my opinion is unchanged. I hope you can accept that, and we can agree to disagree.

 I agree to disagree with people all the time around here lol.

It seems that's all you can do anymore. Lol.
I enjoy diversity. To be honest, I love knowing and learning about different religions. However, it's subjects like these (religion) when people turn off their brains and ears, and throw up their defenses.

[LoveMyBoyK]

Try not to be pissed when you write, admittedly, from a particular perspective and people don't read your mind through the computer and know you aren't speaking from your own perspective. It's kinda silly. And yes, generally "you" encompasses those who share a particular perspective that has been shared as few of us know other posters personally.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I admit I may be wrong, but I know the major atheistic groups want it and other religions would like to be considered.

As far as the highlighted part - I am pissed that you presume to know me so well. I wrote from the perspective of the Christian, I didn't say I agreed with the Christians in the article. I do hope that "you" is collective.

Quoting LoveMyBoyK:

You maythink that but you are wrong. Atheists are far from the only group disinclined in the greeting who, as their (our, seeing as how I belong to one of those groups) grew in numbers started to realize w

Our holidays had as much right to be recognized as the one celebrated by the majority religion. If Islam ever becomes the majority faith in this country, I will bet dollars to donuts you will drop the "the majority religion alone deserves priority and recognition" attitude like a scalding hot potato.

Quoting LovemyQ:

I think the big uproar started because atheists (I believe) thought Merry Christmas was too religious and didn't want that around. It was an attack on Christians - or what Christians felt - not a public service to educate people on other religions. It was a "get rid of Christ in public" thing.

[wickedfiress]

Even when I was a good little Catholic girl I still said "Happy Holidays" to people... since it includes New Years! :) I just don't get why people get so bent out of shape about someone sending a friendly greeting to you, even if it's the wrong one. Their assumption only makes you an ass too if you let it. 

[UpSheRises]

If someone is trying to be polite to me i could really give a shit what words they use.

If it's 8am and the girls at starbucks tells me to have a good night i don't have a hysterical breakdown and proclaim the end of civil society as we know it...i just move on with my day.

 

[mom2the.rescue]

I say Merry Christmas because I want to.