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

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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?

[dancer]

Why r they wrong?? Either one is acceptable!!!

[Sisteract]

Happy Holidays does RECOGNIZE EVERYONE- google holidays-

 

Maybe all holiday greetings should be banned to eliminate the "hurt" feelings of those not happy with the pleasantry offered. ISTG, I've seen more mature debates and behaviors from 5 year olds-

[romalove]

 

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting romalove:

 Shaking my head at the Christians in the thread who don't understand what giving a heartfelt greeting means.

It's not about YOU.

 Do you know of anyone who says Merry Christmas to be hateful or insulting? If someone wishes me a Happy Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, I don't get offended, I take it in the spirit it was meant, wish them a Merry Christmas back w/ a bright smile and go about my life....

 I don't get offended when people offer me a greeting.

That's not the point.

You are stating that you don't care what other people are celebrating and are only offering a greeting that is meaningful to you.  I find that a rather selfish position to take.

You are talking about the "spirit" with which a greeting is given.  Since you have stated you're giving the greeting that you are celebrating and don't care how others feel about it, I think that's lacking a certain kind spirit.

[i.heart.nerds]

*rolls eyes* I am related to agnostics and atheists that say Merry Christmas.

[romalove]

 

Quoting SewingMamaLele:

 

Quoting romalove:

 Shaking my head at the Christians in the thread who don't understand what giving a heartfelt greeting means.

It's not about YOU.

You do realize that it's not just Christians that celebrate Christmas?  

Actually, it is about me... and you, and her and him.   It's about everyone.   We have a variety of celebrations going on this time of year, and they all deserve to be recognized, rather than disguised with a generic "Happy Holidays".    I don't get offended at someone saying "Happy Hanukkah", or "Happy Diwali" to me... I will generally say it back to them (or pre-emt them if I know what they celebrate).  I say Merry Christmas because it's what I celebrate and I can't possibly read everyone else's minds to know what they celebrate.   I really don't see why it's a big deal.

 I think to only want to address the holiday that you celebrate or like without regard to what others celebrate has a selfish feel to it.

In general it's not a big deal for me; I'm an atheist Jew married to a Catholic.  I'll pretty much take whatever you want to say lol.

But I am talking about generosity of spirit in greeting giving, and only to distribute that which is meaningful to you isn't in the spirit of the holidays, IMO.

[romalove]

 

Quoting bullony:

Quoting romalove:

 I continue to think people have this all wrong.

Giving greetings is not supposed to be a declaration of what is happening with you, but what is happening with who is being greeted.  Do you go around wishing other people Happy Birthday on your birthday because you are celebrating?  How about Happy Anniversary on your special day, do you wish that to others?

So, in that vein, if I know what a person is celebrating, I wish them to enjoy the holiday they participate in.  That means Jews get Happy Hanukah, Christians get Merry Christmas, and anyone else or someone I don't know about gets a Happy Holidays.

People are sometimes to bent on clinging to things they feel are important to themselves that they forget what the real meaning of something like a holiday season is.  It's to be kind to each other, no matter what you celebrate, that's the bottom line.

The best answer I've seen on this subject ever!

 Thank you!  :-)

[dustinsmom1]

 

Quoting OneToughMami:

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting romalove:

 Shaking my head at the Christians in the thread who don't understand what giving a heartfelt greeting means.

It's not about YOU.

 Do you know of anyone who says Merry Christmas to be hateful or insulting? If someone wishes me a Happy Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, I don't get offended, I take it in the spirit it was meant, wish them a Merry Christmas back w/ a bright smile and go about my life....

I actually have yet to hear someone actually say Happy Hanukkah to someone that they do not know is Jewish

 I was born and raised in the Jewish Alps (the Catskills) I heard it all the time growing up, we simply smiled and wished them "and a very Merry Christmas to you!" there was never any offense taken on either side, it was a pleasantry shared, plain and simple.

[candlegal]

Yes, but now they have been taught that it is offensive to say it, sheesh

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting OneToughMami:

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting romalove:

 Shaking my head at the Christians in the thread who don't understand what giving a heartfelt greeting means.

It's not about YOU.

 Do you know of anyone who says Merry Christmas to be hateful or insulting? If someone wishes me a Happy Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, I don't get offended, I take it in the spirit it was meant, wish them a Merry Christmas back w/ a bright smile and go about my life....

I actually have yet to hear someone actually say Happy Hanukkah to someone that they do not know is Jewish

 I was born and raised in the Jewish Alps (the Catskills) I heard it all the time growing up, we simply smiled and wished them "and a very Merry Christmas to you!" there was never any offense taken on either side, it was a pleasantry shared, plain and simple.

[Della529]

 If I don't know what a person is celebrating, I say "Happy Holidays".

[Della529]

 "They" who?  Who are these "they" you mention?

Quoting candlegal:

Yes, but now they have been taught that it is offensive to say it, sheesh

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting OneToughMami:

Quoting dustinsmom1:

 

Quoting romalove:

 Shaking my head at the Christians in the thread who don't understand what giving a heartfelt greeting means.

It's not about YOU.

 Do you know of anyone who says Merry Christmas to be hateful or insulting? If someone wishes me a Happy Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, I don't get offended, I take it in the spirit it was meant, wish them a Merry Christmas back w/ a bright smile and go about my life....

I actually have yet to hear someone actually say Happy Hanukkah to someone that they do not know is Jewish

 I was born and raised in the Jewish Alps (the Catskills) I heard it all the time growing up, we simply smiled and wished them "and a very Merry Christmas to you!" there was never any offense taken on either side, it was a pleasantry shared, plain and simple.