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!
Americans Who Prefer 'Merry Christmas' to 'Happy Holidays' Are Wrong
What do you think?
Americans Who Prefer 'Merry Christmas' to 'Happy Holidays' Are Wrong
Posted by Maressa Brown on November 30, 2011
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?
Posted by
on Dec. 1, 2011 at 10:49 AM
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by
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Quoting Thomigirl:The Stig!!!
Quoting silverrose7:I say Merry Christmas because that's what I've always said. I don't get offended if someone says Happy Holidays or Happy Hanukkah to me, why should they get pissed if I say Merry Christmas? When did manners go completely out the window? If someone says something nice you just smile and say "You too." How hard is that? Political correctness does alot more to divide than to unite.
by
Member
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 9:03 AM
2 moms liked this
The childrens librarian,whom my son volunteers with once a week, is Wiccan. I wish her Happy Yule, and she wishes me Merry Christmas. If I am in a situation when I don't know what a specific person is celebrating, I will say Merry Christmas. Whatever they wish me in return, I accept, and say thanks you.
by
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I always have and always will say "Merry Christmas and Happy new year" All the people I know i Christian in one denomination or another......I believe that Everything gets WAY too commercialized......It is dissapointing to never see anything about Hannukah and Kawanza(spelling) But Dec. 25th, is a BIRTHDAY....The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! I think that is what gets lost in all the hype......Seriously....Christmas trees up before Thanksgiving turkey has settled in your stomach?!?! I think if they wouldnt start putting things out for Christmas so dang gone early, none of these other religion's Holiday's would get swallowed up! I dont wish people "Merry Christmas" right now, because it is not Christmas season yet.....When people are throwing out their Christmas trees the day after Christmas, We are just starting our Christmas season.......The 12 days of Christmas (The song anyone?!) Starts DEC. 25th and ends Jan. 6th on the feast of Epiphany...When the 3 wise men came to visit.....We decorate for Christmas, on Christmas EVE....No sooner....The weeks prior to Christmas is a time we call Advent..We are waiting anxiously for the birth of our saviour....Waiting......expecting.....SO Happy Hanukka and happy Kwanzza to you people out there that celebrate it...Haha, wow, thats a first for me.......But remember, Christmas is about SOMEONE'S birthday....Don't forget that....Give honor where it's due. God bless.
by
JENN
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Quoting Katiee592:
I always have and always will say "Merry Christmas and Happy new year" All the people I know i Christian in one denomination or another......I believe that Everything gets WAY too commercialized......It is dissapointing to never see anything about Hannukah and Kawanza(spelling) But Dec. 25th, is a BIRTHDAY....The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! I think that is what gets lost in all the hype......Seriously....Christmas trees up before Thanksgiving turkey has settled in your stomach?!?! I think if they wouldnt start putting things out for Christmas so dang gone early, none of these other religion's Holiday's would get swallowed up! I dont wish people "Merry Christmas" right now, because it is not Christmas season yet.....When people are throwing out their Christmas trees the day after Christmas, We are just starting our Christmas season.......The 12 days of Christmas (The song anyone?!) Starts DEC. 25th and ends Jan. 6th on the feast of Epiphany...When the 3 wise men came to visit.....We decorate for Christmas, on Christmas EVE....No sooner....The weeks prior to Christmas is a time we call Advent..We are waiting anxiously for the birth of our saviour....Waiting......expecting.....SO Happy Hanukka and happy Kwanzza to you people out there that celebrate it...Haha, wow, thats a first for me.......But remember, Christmas is about SOMEONE'S birthday....Don't forget that....Give honor where it's due. God bless.
I agree w/ most of what you said, but love the look and feel of the ights and the tree adn the decorations. My tree is up, my lights are on, we are finishing decorating today!
by
Member
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 4:26 PM
You have the Freedom to worship or not worship..But when anyone thinks they are self made, they decieve them self..The spirit that dwells in me, wants to ask all non-beliver's this question.."Were you there at the beginning of creation?Did you hang the planets in place? Did you create the sun, the moon? Did you create the first man? Did you put him to sleep take a rib from his side and create a helpmate,Eve was her name? Did you create the animals and name them? If you were.not there..And you did not create the universe and all that are in it..Then, who did....?Without Christ..There is no C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S..
by
Member
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 4:52 PM
Hello, Great grandma here..Lawyer or small business owner..And yes the Holy God I Worship does care whether you celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus Christ..Oh, wait, excuse me I' have spoken in error..Let me clarify my point..God does not force himself on anyone..And by the way..He does not take care of the children of others..So..If you're not God's child..Whose creation are you? Jesus loves you..And this little angel is wishing you peace in the season you obviouslydo not believe in..Sir, madam, whom ever, Christ is the reason for the season..No Christ..No C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S..No happy Hanukkah..And no self respecting Muslim lady, Jewish lady, or Christian lady would apply at Hooter's..Think what you will of us believer's..Small minded, narrow minded, or whatever..But, we are out there..We are His sheep..And WE Know the Voice of our Shepherd..Merry Christmas..Couldn't help myself....
by
AutumLeaves
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 5:02 PM
*American adults -- 70 percent! -- prefer stores greet customers with "Merry Christmas" as opposed to "Happy Holidays.*
Both are OK - But I tend to say Merry Christmas, mostly.
Quoting great-grandm338:
You're a sheep?
I have to step away from the keyboard....
by
Momma Moose
on Dec. 3, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Quoting great-grandm338:
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Does the Polygamous Community Deserve Food Stamps?
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on Dec. 1, 2011 at 10:49 AM