Mon Dec 24, 2012, 09:58 AM

Whovian (2,866 posts)

What is wrong with saying "Happy holidays?"

Trivia: Clement Moore's Night Before Christmas was changed by his editors to make "Happy Christmas" "Merry Christmas" and it stuck on this side of the Atlantic.

79 replies, 2387 views

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79 replies	Author	Time	Post
What is wrong with saying "Happy holidays?" (Original post)	Whovian	Dec 2012	OP
There's nothing wrong with it.	HappyMe	Dec 2012	#1
I've noticed more and more people aren't saying anything. And I find that sad. n/t	RKP5637	Dec 2012	#2
You noticed that I have not wished anyone anything. But that does not keep me from thinking what	jwirr	Dec 2012	#3
That's what I use too, is Happy Holiday. n/t	RKP5637	Dec 2012	#10
I'm sure it won't be long before saying nothing will be interpreted	Mariana	Dec 2012	#8
Anymore I'm inclined to think no matter what I do or say, about 50% of the world is going	RKP5637	Dec 2012	#13
Yeppers...I agree with this... n/t	onecent	Dec 2012	#15
^^^ this ^^^	TDale313	Dec 2012	#19
Of course. You vile fiend.	Posteritatis	Dec 2012	#36
Yep, that's me!!!	RKP5637	Dec 2012	#62
I'm expecting someone to claim that "merry Christmas" is an attack on Christmas soon. (nt)	Posteritatis	Dec 2012	#35
Me, too.	amandabeech	Dec 2012	#39
It's because they're afraid of offending someone and getting a nasty reply.	Bake	Dec 2012	#43
I live in a rather affluent and religious area and one would think the people would	RKP5637	Dec 2012	#66
Nothing.	enlightenment	Dec 2012	#4
I've always thought that.	LisaLynne	Dec 2012	#6
I've always thought that	grammiepammie	Dec 2012	#77
Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to have issues.	Mariana	Dec 2012	#7
Yep, around this time of the year, saying 'Happy Holidays'...	OneMoreDemocrat	Dec 2012	#69
Last year I was dropping off some stuff at the homeless shelter	renate	Dec 2012	#72
Robert Conrad summarizes "War on Christmas" outrage...	JHB	Dec 2012	#5
"Keep the HOLY in HOLIdays" seems to	elehhhhna	Dec 2012	#9
When I was young Happy Holidays was introduced as a way to be inclusive to Jews.	denverbill	Dec 2012	#11
I think that is the most considerate holiday greeting at this time of the year.	TheDebbieDee	Dec 2012	#27
That's why the RW hates it. It's CONSIDERATE of	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#32
Once a year, I manage to put aside my animus towards even RWers.	Bake	Dec 2012	#44
Nothing. That's been said for decades. To me, it represented rolling Christmas and New Year's Eve	Honeycombe8	Dec 2012	#12
I always say "Merry Christmas". That is where my heritage came from and I'm	onecent	Dec 2012	#14
There is no big deal. Nobody cares if you say Merry Christmas.	yardwork	Dec 2012	#23
Here in my area we have a HUGE Jewish population -	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#31
That's been my experience too. It's only the fundamentalists in every religion who get huffy.	yardwork	Dec 2012	#33
Although there are those among us on DU who get offended if someone says Merry Christmas	Bake	Dec 2012	#45
I too live in a heavily Jewish neighborhood. I think, as a Gentile, it would be highly	CTyankee	Dec 2012	#38
I've never seen an indication that they find it offensive.	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#46
If I know someone is christian I say merry christmas, no problem. If I don't know, I say	CTyankee	Dec 2012	#61
It's not a tree, it's a Hannukah Bush!	amandabeech	Dec 2012	#40
Over on Candy Cane Lane (our local holiday decoration mecca)	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#47
Sounds great, Kestrel!	amandabeech	Dec 2012	#58
Neighborhoods like that are great.	amandabeech	Dec 2012	#70
What? You don't even want to wish your Christian friends	socialist_n_TN	Dec 2012	#37
Don't forget Eid. For the muslims. lol	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#48
Its not " Faux News approved" ... please read the Producers Notes	pkdu	Dec 2012	#16
Nothing at all. I see it this way:	Lizzie Poppet	Dec 2012	#17
I have had two people correct me when I said "happy holidays"	Evergreen Emerald	Dec 2012	#18
I love it! LOL!	yardwork	Dec 2012	#34
Next year, Hanukkah falls in early November	oberliner	Dec 2012	#65
Kwanzaa, winter solstice, New Years	Evergreen Emerald	Dec 2012	#67
Nothing at all. I wish people a Merry Christmas bevause	Arkansas Granny	Dec 2012	#20
Nothing	BigDemVoter	Dec 2012	#21
Nothing and I use it for anyone that I don't know for certain	treestar	Dec 2012	#22
Nothing	cherokeeprogressive	Dec 2012	#24
Nothing is wrong with it.	NCTraveler	Dec 2012	#25
not a damn thing is wrong with saying Happy Holidays	kydo	Dec 2012	#26
Happy Holidays, everyone!	immoderate	Dec 2012	#28
Well, you see, Happy Holidays is offensive because it's	kestrel91316	Dec 2012	#29
I have a job dealing with the public.	SheilaT	Dec 2012	#30
Belated Happy Hannukah (hope that it went well)	amandabeech	Dec 2012	#42
Season's Greetings, everyone!	Iggo	Dec 2012	#41
Not a damn thing.	GoCubsGo	Dec 2012	#49
I dislike it from the perspective of having to fit into 3D reality	happy xenusmas eve	Dec 2012	#50
Happy incessant odd hobby of trolling from the library day!	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#68
It's Christmas Eve.	Jenoch	Dec 2012	#51
Actually the inside tree at Yule predates Christianity by......	socialist_n_TN	Dec 2012	#53
Not ridiculous at all	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#57
We still have unacceptable levels of unemployment in this country	tularetom	Dec 2012	#52
THIS!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^	socialist_n_TN	Dec 2012	#54
I like Happy Holidays	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#55
Nothing	JustAnotherGen	Dec 2012	#56
Nothing wrong with it!	longeyemom	Dec 2012	#59
Holiday or Holy day is too generic or inclusive and not divisive enough.	Uncle Joe	Dec 2012	#60
Say what you want.	former9thward	Dec 2012	#63
It really ticks me off when people wish me Happy Holidays.	Live and Learn	Dec 2012	#64
Nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays".	CheapShotArtist	Dec 2012	#71
Those who don't say Merry Christmas would stop saying Happy Holidays	Zax2me	Dec 2012	#73
Wrong is strong. Marketing is the thing.	Festivito	Dec 2012	#74
Nothing. Christmas isn't the only holiday going on during the "holiday season".	baldguy	Dec 2012	#75
I'm an Athiest so saying "Happy Holidays" is my way of saying....	Walk away	Dec 2012	#76
Actual conversation I had	TlalocW	Dec 2012	#78
Just more of the Christian "War Against the Solstice"	BlueStreak	Dec 2012	#79

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:01 AM

HappyMe (11,878 posts)

1. There's nothing wrong with it.

Just as there's nothing wrong with Merry Christmas.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:01 AM

RKP5637 (25,625 posts)

2. I've noticed more and more people aren't saying anything. And I find that sad. n/t

Last edited Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:02 AM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:08 AM

jwirr (20,914 posts)

3. You noticed that I have not wished anyone anything. But that does not keep me from thinking what

I want to think. Buy the way I wish people HH when I do not know what they think and specify the holiday if I know their wishes.

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Response to jwirr (Reply #3)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:19 AM

RKP5637 (25,625 posts)

10. That's what I use too, is Happy Holiday. n/t

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:18 AM

Mariana (2,368 posts)

8. I'm sure it won't be long before saying nothing will be interpreted

by some nutcases as an attack on Christmas and Christians.

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Response to Mariana (Reply #8)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:21 AM

RKP5637 (25,625 posts)

13. Anymore I'm inclined to think no matter what I do or say, about 50% of the world is going

to hate me for no logical reason at all.

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #13)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:24 AM

onecent (3,347 posts)

15. Yeppers...I agree with this... n/t

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #13)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:04 AM

TDale313 (1,317 posts)

19. ^^^ this ^^^

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #13)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:16 PM

Posteritatis (17,306 posts)

36. Of course. You vile fiend.

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Response to Posteritatis (Reply #36)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:45 PM

RKP5637 (25,625 posts)

62. Yep, that's me!!!

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Response to Mariana (Reply #8)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:15 PM

Posteritatis (17,306 posts)

35. I'm expecting someone to claim that "merry Christmas" is an attack on Christmas soon. (nt)

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:51 PM

amandabeech (8,298 posts)

39. Me, too.

Last edited Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:52 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

This morning I did some last minute shopping at my local Safeway.

The place was absolutely hopping as was the wine store nearby.

I said "Merry Christmas" to folks that I thought were very likely to be Christmas celebrants. They all smiled and said "Merry Christmas" back.

I tried "Happy Holidays" with a couple of people whose name tag or appearance suggested non-Christmas celebrants, but that greeting didn't get the big smiles.

I didn't hear anyone else say anything.

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Response to RKP5637 (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:02 PM

Bake (21,707 posts)

43. It's because they're afraid of offending someone and getting a nasty reply.

Frankly, in the spirit of the season, if someone told me Happy Hanukkah (and I'm not Jewish), I'd thank them and wish them the same! It's just a holiday greeting. People trying to be kind. Why not respond in kind?

You'd think that just for a couple of weeks, people could put aside their assholiness. But noooooooooooooo.

Bake

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Response to Bake (Reply #43)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 03:16 PM

RKP5637 (25,625 posts)

66. I live in a rather affluent and religious area and one would think the people would

be happy and kind, especially at this time of the year ... but no, I went shopping this morning and I never saw so many nasty looking and potentially grouchy people. I did my last minute shopping and went home ... and the horn honking because people thought you weren't cutting off enough people ... I guess they were rushing off to build another church. And I don't look like a teabagger, so I got stares about that too, apparently. I'm glad I'm leaving this place soon.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:09 AM

enlightenment (6,238 posts)

4. Nothing.

There is more than one holiday celebrated this time of year - Happy Holidays is inclusive. People who find it offensive have issues.

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Response to enlightenment (Reply #4)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:14 AM

LisaLynne (13,263 posts)

6. I've always thought that.

For one thing, there is also freaking New Year's. We call it the Holiday Season, so ... yeah, there are multiple holidays happening, so people who are offended by do have issues and an agenda.

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Response to LisaLynne (Reply #6)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 09:15 AM

grammiepammie (34 posts)

77. I've always thought that

Finally, I so agree. There are two holidays so I have always said Happy Holidays because I am wishing everyone both a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and this was years before the controversy about Merry Christmas.

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Response to enlightenment (Reply #4)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:16 AM

Mariana (2,368 posts)

7. Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to have issues.

I think their main issue is that they believe what they hear on Fox News and RW radio.

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Response to enlightenment (Reply #4)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 06:31 PM

OneMoreDemocrat (913 posts)

69. Yep, around this time of the year, saying 'Happy Holidays'...

is a lot easier than going through the entire list.

Though I do tend to say 'Merry Christmas' a lot...only because I love to say it so much and I only get to say it once a year.

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Response to enlightenment (Reply #4)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 04:36 AM

renate (7,929 posts)

72. Last year I was dropping off some stuff at the homeless shelter

Where all the volunteers are, I think it's safe to assume, unusually good people.

As I was leaving, I wished a guy decorating the front door "Happy holidays!" and he fairly assertively (assertively enough that I remember it a year later) replied "Merry Christmas!"

Okay, fine, so he celebrates Christmas. Now I know. But how does he know I do? Perhaps not everybody saying "Happy holidays" is playing it safe or being sensitive or politically correct. Maybe the person saying it doesn't celebrate Christmas themselves.

(As it happens, I do celebrate Christmas. But I was kind of disappointed to be thinking of Bill O'Reilly and the OMG War on Christmas at what should have been a friendly moment.)

It's a polite greeting both coming and going.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:14 AM

JHB (17,811 posts)

5. Robert Conrad summarizes "War on Christmas" outrage...

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:19 AM

elehhhhna (26,731 posts)

9. "Keep the HOLY in HOLIdays" seems to

confuse war-on-christmas whiners. Just saying.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:21 AM

denverbill (10,517 posts)

11. When I was young Happy Holidays was introduced as a way to be inclusive to Jews.

It's saying 'whatever holiday you celebrate, have a happy one'. After all, you have no way of knowing most people's religion. I think that was even encouraged at our Methodist church.

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Response to denverbill (Reply #11)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:38 AM

TheDebbieDee (8,379 posts)

27. I think that is the most considerate holiday greeting at this time of the year.

It is also a diverse enough greeting to include the New Year as well......

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Response to TheDebbieDee (Reply #27)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:10 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

32. That's why the RW hates it. It's CONSIDERATE of

religious minorities.

We can't have that. Amurka is a Christian Nation (TM) and don't anybody forget it!!!1!!1!11

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #32)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:04 PM

Bake (21,707 posts)

44. Once a year, I manage to put aside my animus towards even RWers.

If somebody says Merry Whatever, Happy Everything, I'm not offended. I wish more people would.

Bake

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:21 AM

Honeycombe8 (18,012 posts)

12. Nothing. That's been said for decades. To me, it represented rolling Christmas and New Year's Eve

together. Nowadays, I regard it as that, but also including Hannukah and other religious holidays around the same time of year. I don't always know if someone's Jewish, for example.

But there's nothing wrong with Merry Christmas, either, if you know the person you're speaking to celebrates Christmas.

Stores have ALWAYS said "Happy Holidays" to customers....rolling in Christmas and New Year's Even together, and including Jewish customers.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:23 AM

onecent (3,347 posts)

14. I always say "Merry Christmas". That is where my heritage came from and I'm

damned proud of it...and if someone cannot handle it it is their problem. I honor them if they say Happy Hanakuh...what's the big deal????

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Response to onecent (Reply #14)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:17 AM

yardwork (37,076 posts)

23. There is no big deal. Nobody cares if you say Merry Christmas.

It's only the right-wing noise machine that claims that people don't like it when other people say Merry Christmas. The fact is that nobody cares.

Of course if you say it to Jewish people they may be a little taken aback. This has happened to me. You know what? After a slight pause they usually say Merry Christmas back.

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Response to yardwork (Reply #23)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:08 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

31. Here in my area we have a HUGE Jewish population -

kosher markets and storefront synagogues on every corner it seems like. And you know what? When you wish most of them (except the orthodox) Merry Christmas (because you often can't tell by looking that they're Jewish) they wish it right back. Many of them come right out and admit they are headed off to do some Christmas shopping and put up a tree because they celebrate SECULAR Christmas. I think it's a hoot.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #31)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:14 PM

yardwork (37,076 posts)

33. That's been my experience too. It's only the fundamentalists in every religion who get huffy.

Everybody else is fine with everybody else celebrating whatever they wish. I now say Happy Holidays because it is more inclusive.

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Response to yardwork (Reply #33)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:05 PM

Bake (21,707 posts)

45. Although there are those among us on DU who get offended if someone says Merry Christmas

And that's a shame.

Bake

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #31)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:27 PM

CTyankee (35,115 posts)

38. I too live in a heavily Jewish neighborhood. I think, as a Gentile, it would be highly

inappropriate for me to wish any of them merry christmas.

Reply to this post

Response to CTyankee (Reply #38)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:19 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

46. I've never seen an indication that they find it offensive.

They know that there is no way to tell someone is Jewish if they don't have a yarmulke on or the fringed shawl. And plenty of them wish it right back, with or without a Happy Hanukkah.

It's never wrong to wish anyone YOUR particular holiday greeting - only assholes take offense at good wishes because they are the wrong type.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #46)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:25 PM

CTyankee (35,115 posts)

61. If I know someone is christian I say merry christmas, no problem. If I don't know, I say

happy holidays. If I know they're Jewish I say happy hannukkah. I've never had a problem with that approach. I just think it is common courtesy.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #31)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:56 PM

amandabeech (8,298 posts)

40. It's not a tree, it's a Hannukah Bush!

I've seen some folks put a big inflatable lighted Menorah in the front yard or on the roof.

More power to them!

Reply to this post

Response to amandabeech (Reply #40)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:22 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

47. Over on Candy Cane Lane (our local holiday decoration mecca)

most houses have Christmas decorations. When you buy a house there the decorations are customarily sold with it and you are EXPECTED to decorate, lol. Some of the Jewish folks there put up Santas and elves and such, lol. Some of them put up Hanukkah decor. It's all in good fun and nobody gets their nose out of joint.

People come from miles away just to drive up and down the streets of that neighborhood looking at the lights.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #47)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:03 PM

amandabeech (8,298 posts)

58. Sounds great, Kestrel!

I'm on the other side of the continent from you, and my observations are from the NYC outer boroughs and neighborhoods in the '80s. The bright blue Menorah.

I'm originally from totally gentile West Michigan. I have bronchitis, and I' m missing Christmas at home. I 'm feeling better and will go home in early January. Unfortunately, the wild Christmas decorations in one block of the little town sound of my little town will be down by the time I get there.

Mom's going to hold the tree, and it will be a combination Christmas, New Year's and my Mom's birthday.

My memories of wild Hanukkah are from my then boyfriend in NYC who knew every neighborhood in Brooklyn,

In my home town, the Hispanics, mostly of Mexican and Honduran heritage, put on multiple thousand watt decorations. They've adopted the anglo tradition and then some. Everyone has to cruise by their houses at least 2 times. Nice people.

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Response to kestrel91316 (Reply #47)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 02:17 AM

amandabeech (8,298 posts)

70. Neighborhoods like that are great.

It's even greater that no one gets his or her "nose out of joint."

Happy Holidays!

Reply to this post

Response to onecent (Reply #14)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:17 PM

socialist_n_TN (8,346 posts)

37. What? You don't even want to wish your Christian friends

Last edited Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:19 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

a Happy New Year? As another post upthread said, even if you're Christian, Happy Holidays can include Xmas AND New Year.

I've been doing something a little different this year if I'm in a situation where I don't know the religious affiliation of the group. I'll start off by saying, "Merry Xmas". Then I'll add "Oh, and Happy New Year!". Then "And Happy Chanukah". Then "Oh Shoot. Happy Kwanzaa too". And I'll end it by saying, "Oh hell, Happy Holidays! That's easier". It seems to get the point across without angering anybody.

Edited to add: I forgot that I usually say something after the Kwanzaa quote about my Wiccan buds and "Happy Solstice too!"

Reply to this post

Response to socialist_n_TN (Reply #37)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:22 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

48. Don't forget Eid. For the muslims. lol

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:27 AM

pkdu (1,298 posts)

16. Its not " Faux News approved" ... please read the Producers Notes

/sarc off

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:32 AM

Lizzie Poppet (2,376 posts)

17. Nothing at all. I see it this way:

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 10:52 AM

Evergreen Emerald (10,075 posts)

18. I have had two people correct me when I said "happy holidays"

I responded both times with "and happy Hanukkah." For some reason that offends them?

Reply to this post

Response to Evergreen Emerald (Reply #18)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:15 PM

yardwork (37,076 posts)

34. I love it! LOL!

If anybody ever corrects me for saying Happy Holidays - that hasn't happened yet, but if it does - I'm going to say "and Happy Hanukka!"

Perfect comeback.

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Response to Evergreen Emerald (Reply #18)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:56 PM

oberliner (22,153 posts)

65. Next year, Hanukkah falls in early November

What will you do when Hanukkah and Christmas do not coincide?

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Response to oberliner (Reply #65)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 05:55 PM

Evergreen Emerald (10,075 posts)

67. Kwanzaa, winter solstice, New Years

There are a number of celebrations this time of year. It is offensive to me that someone would demand That I exclude all other celebrations in favor of theirs.

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:08 AM

Arkansas Granny (14,661 posts)

20. Nothing at all. I wish people a Merry Christmas bevause

that's what I celebrate. If someone who celebrates another holiday were to wish me Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, for example, I would return the greeting. It's about good wishes for the season and I never turn them down.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:13 AM

BigDemVoter (732 posts)

21. Nothing

Although you wouldn't know it from the response I got from a co-worker to whom I wrote, "Have a nice holiday" in an e-mail. She sent me a very pissy response about how I've "got to believe."

As tempting as it was to write back and ask, "believe in what?", I just let it drop. I suppose she, too, thinks everybody is Christian in this Christian Nation of ours." Sheesh.

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:14 AM

treestar (40,525 posts)

22. Nothing and I use it for anyone that I don't know for certain

is a Christian. For that matter, don't know why Christians are so upset about it. I suspect most aren't. You can use it to include the New Year. Really a dumb distinction, created by right wing shit stirrers.

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:17 AM

cherokeeprogressive (14,975 posts)

24. Nothing

Merry Christmas though

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:19 AM

NCTraveler (1,768 posts)

25. Nothing is wrong with it.

And I have never had someone tell me there is something wrong with it.

I have also never gotten upset when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas or the like.

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:20 AM

kydo (345 posts)

26. not a damn thing is wrong with saying Happy Holidays

Seasons Greetings.

There's a Holiday for just about everyone and for many two or three. And I am not talking about days off from work, school, mail delivery and banks. Most cultures and religions have some type of important day or traditions that happens in the last two weeks of dec. Then it's the New Year.

I say Happy Holidays most of the time. On Christmas Eve and Christmas I will say Merry Christmas. When its Hanuka I say Happy Hanuka. And same with the rest, when its the day or days of what ever groups thing I try to wish them well. On New Years, its Happy New Year.

But on all the days in between, Happy Holidays, and thanks to our consumer driven mentality there keeps becoming more days to the Holiday Season.

So Happy Holidays, DU! My you and yours have peace and love all the days of your lives.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 11:39 AM

immoderate (16,457 posts)

28. Happy Holidays, everyone!

And fuck anybody who can't take the joke.

--imm

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:03 PM

kestrel91316 (45,433 posts)

29. Well, you see, Happy Holidays is offensive because it's

too generic. Many holidays of many religions come at this time of year but it is NOT OK to acknowledge those other ones in any way, even indirectly.

America is a Christian nation so the only holiday you are permitted to acknowledge this time of year is CHRISTMAS.

I don't usually wish anybody Happy Holidays verbally (though my holiday cards said that) - I DO wish them a Merry Christmas because that's the holiday I was raised with. If a Jewish person wishes me Happy Hanukkah, that's fine with me. Pagans wish me happy solstice and my nose doesn't get out of joint, either, and I'm likely to wish them the same. If someone wished me Happy Kwanzaa I'd take no offense and probably wish it back.

Thin-skinned uber-christians need to grow up and realize it's not all about THEM.

Reply to this post

Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:03 PM

SheilaT (12,469 posts)

30. I have a job dealing with the public.

I just love it when people say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. Alas, I didn't get very many Happy Hannukah greetings, mainly because this area is sadly lacking in Jews.

I just love the joy and good wishes that usually accompany those greetings. My personal beliefs or practices are absolutely not at issue.

I'm working this evening, and I'm working all day tomorrow, 9am to 8pm. I volunteered to work tomorrow, and it's entirely up to me to be a happy face all day. Which is pretty easy for me.

It's our individual choice how we respond to people. Anyone who snarls at someone because the other person doesn't give the greeting wanted, or gives a wish of good cheer, is an asshole.

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Response to SheilaT (Reply #30)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:00 PM

amandabeech (8,298 posts)

42. Belated Happy Hannukah (hope that it went well)

and a Happy New Year.

I'm a Christmas celebrant, so you can wish me Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I'll be quite fine with it.

You may also wish my Mom Happy Birthday, because her 91st is in January.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 12:58 PM

Iggo (22,329 posts)

41. Season's Greetings, everyone!

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:25 PM

GoCubsGo (13,021 posts)

49. Not a damn thing.

Unless, of course, you are somebody who thinks everyone should adhere to THEIR beliefs, but has no respect for those of anyone else.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:29 PM

happy xenusmas eve (8 posts)

50. I dislike it from the perspective of having to fit into 3D reality

in the Material World. Not interested.

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Response to happy xenusmas eve (Reply #50)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 06:02 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,401 posts)

68. Happy incessant odd hobby of trolling from the library day!

Have a good one. I know they're probably closed tomorrow.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:32 PM

Jenoch (1,657 posts)

51. It's Christmas Eve.

It would be ridiculous to say Happy Holidays today or tomorrow. I've seen reports where a university made some student club call the trees they were selling as a fundraiser as 'holiday trees'. That is absurd. They are not 'holiday trees', they are Christmas trees.

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Response to Jenoch (Reply #51)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:51 PM

socialist_n_TN (8,346 posts)

53. Actually the inside tree at Yule predates Christianity by......

5 centuries or so. Yeppers, it's a Pagan ritual symbol. Merry Christmas though.

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Response to Jenoch (Reply #51)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:03 PM

amuse bouche (1,715 posts)

57. Not ridiculous at all

It's much more absurd and ridiculous that people don't know the history of this Pagan Holiday and the religious nuts and Fox get incensed. When in fact, they are the ignorant ones

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:40 PM

tularetom (17,405 posts)

52. We still have unacceptable levels of unemployment in this country

We have people dying for lack of decent affordable medical care.

We have a bloated defense budget that gobbles up public resources at the expense of every other government program.

We have seniors faced with the choice between medical attention or food.

We have an educational system that is non functional.

We have public infrastructure that is falling apart.

None of these things appear to bother most of us.

And we can still manage to summon up outrage over whether or not someone says "Merry Christmas".

What the fuck is wrong with us?

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Response to tularetom (Reply #52)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:54 PM

socialist_n_TN (8,346 posts)

54. THIS!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 01:58 PM

amuse bouche (1,715 posts)

55. I like Happy Holidays

It covers New Years too.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:02 PM

JustAnotherGen (5,601 posts)

56. Nothing

But on Christmas day amongst friends and families that celebrate the birth and life of Jesus or at Church - it would be silly to say it.

It's Christmas.

It doesn't diminish other religions if those who celebrate Christmas call it that.

Or do we want to eradicate the word entirely?

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:10 PM

longeyemom (22 posts)

59. Nothing wrong with it!

I think it is the most inclusive and acknowledges that many have holidays this time of year.

As a Jewish person growing up in a overwhelmingly Christian area during the 60's, I felt quite alone during this time of year. We celebrated Hanukah, lighting candles all eight nights and searched for hidden gifts around the decorated house. I was joined by cousins and my two brothers.But at school, I was the odd one. I was never allowed to forget it. Every year I was asked why I did not celebrate Christmas. Even the teacher in my 2nd grade class asked me why I did not believe in Jesus. I was told I was going to hell, that I was a Christ killer. That WWII was my fault. Etc. Happily, we did not live there long, but I was 5-8 years old, and you remember.

So, when Fox talks about a war on X-mas, I have a particularly annoyed response. Especially when they talk other months about being pro-Israel. And when some of my FB friend get annoyed about Happy Holidays, I try to remind them about the rest of us.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:19 PM

Uncle Joe (24,997 posts)

60. Holiday or Holy day is too generic or inclusive and not divisive enough.

The modern incarnation of the Republican Party only knows "divide and conquer" as a means of obtaining or maintaining power.

So any nit they can pick to cause division or the perception of division will be exploited.

Thanks for the thread, whovian.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:50 PM

former9thward (6,435 posts)

63. Say what you want.

I say Merry Christmas because that is the holiday I am celebrating. At New Years I say Happy New Year. If someone is looking for something to be offended by then I don't want them to be part of my life anyway.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:54 PM

Live and Learn (1,476 posts)

64. It really ticks me off when people wish me Happy Holidays.

I'll have any kind of friggen holidays I want and you have no right to insist mine be happy.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 02:45 AM

CheapShotArtist (316 posts)

71. Nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays".

False Noise and the rest of the Wingnut Bubble as usual are peddling a bunch of bullshit in order to create some false outrage because they know their ideas for improving the country suck ass. This shouldn't be news to anybody. Billo the Clown and the rest of them even tried this shit last year, too.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 04:40 AM

Zax2me (2,515 posts)

73. Those who don't say Merry Christmas would stop saying Happy Holidays

If everyone thought they were saying Happy Holy Day.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 07:05 AM

Festivito (12,284 posts)

74. Wrong is strong. Marketing is the thing.

If you work at Toys-R-us you say welcome to Toys-R-us rather than welcome to our store.

It might be wrong to the manager, it might be overzealous marketing to the greeter.

Time tells, time told.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 08:02 AM

baldguy (30,552 posts)

75. Nothing. Christmas isn't the only holiday going on during the "holiday season".

It isn't even the only Christian holiday.

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 09:07 AM

Walk away (4,599 posts)

76. I'm an Athiest so saying "Happy Holidays" is my way of saying....

"I like the colorful and fun traditions that people with primitive beliefs practice this time of year. I will gladly join the party, decorate and give gifts but don't expect me to buy into your mythology, whatever it is."

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 09:55 AM

TlalocW (8,911 posts)

78. Actual conversation I had

This involved a guy I didn't know in a mall. He was sitting on a bench outside a store I was coming out of. I was going to sit down as well to wait for my friend who was still in the store.

Me: Happy Holidays (said nicely as I sat down)
Man: That's Merry Christmas (said in that challenging tone)
Me: Oh, yeah? Well, Season's Greetings, pal! (meeting his aggressiveness)

I got up after that and went back into the store.

TlalocW

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Response to Whovian (Original post)

Tue Dec 25, 2012, 10:11 AM

BlueStreak (3,818 posts)

79. Just more of the Christian "War Against the Solstice"

As an Atheist, I am not offended if somebody wishes me "Merry Christmas" on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I don't like it any other time though.

How do you think most Christians would react if somebody greeted them with "Have a Super Solstice Season"?

And why don't Christians want to celebrate Jesus ACTUAL birthday?

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