most of western society is at least 80% christian so why do we see stupid commercials telling us happy holidays? Do you say happy holiday on memorial day? How about thanks giving? After all if you are not Christian why are you celebrating Christmas? Hello.....look at the name....."CHRIST"mas.
2006-10-29 08:58:21 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I say Merry Christmas because it's a holiday that is about my faith and religion. I wouldn't take offense if someone that celebrates Hanukkah told me to have a Happy Hanukkah.
2006-10-29 09:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by UT_Star10 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas has been commercialized over the years so the stores can sell sell sell. That's all it's about now days. I say "Merry Christmas" most of the time, but, if I know the person is an atheist or non-believer, I try to abide by that persons beliefs, or non-beliefs, and just say 'happy holidays'. But notice, happy holidays ends in HOLI-days so either way it's still religious.
2006-10-29 17:06:21 · answer #2 · answered by creeklops 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say "Merry Christmas" most of the time, but if I was talking to someone who had a different holiday at the same time of year (like a Jewish person) then I'd say "Happy Holidays". After all, we're both celebrating holidays even if it's two different ones.
2006-10-31 17:48:59 · answer #3 · answered by Amy F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless I know that they're another religion, I say "Merry Christmas," but neither do I walk around saying it to everyone I see. I am not Christian- religion isn't for me. In my family Christmas about family, not religious beliefs. That's what works for us- what works for other people is fine for them. We celebrate because people in my family all feel differently about religion and christmas is a tradition. It's also an excellent excuse to get together, eat too much, give each other things we might not ordinarily buy ourselves, and to remember the good times of years past.
If someone tells me Happy Memorial Day or Happy Thanksgiving, I will return in kind.
2006-10-29 22:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by K S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happy Holidays includes New Year's Eve/New Year's Day. Basically I get 4 days off from work depending on when these days fall. I don't give a rat's *** whether everyone else is sitting on Santa's lap on Dec. 25th or not. I just know we are getting the heck out of work and for more than a single holiday (xmas eve, xmas day, ny eve, ny day) so Happy Holidays works for me.
Also, I say the same thing for Thanksgiving on Wednesday morning as we are all heading out for our long weekend AND everyone is celebrating that one. Holiday means vacation for me so saying enjoy the holidays comes out of my mouth all the time.
BTW-In some parts of the country the split is not 80/20. Say NYC is heavily Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and "other" so Happy Holidays is the right thing to say there. No doubt about it. If we have a way to include everyone, why not use it?
2006-10-29 19:36:17 · answer #5 · answered by Holly O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of holidays in December. I personally say Merry Christmas and I also say Happy Hannuka and Happy Kawnza and Happy New Year. I wish people happiness on other holidays as well.
From my heart I wish joy to everone on every day and if a day has a particular signifigance I use it. Happy Whatever!
If it's Memorial Day, call it Memorial Day, if it's Halloween, call it Halloween, if it's Christmas, call it Christmas...
2006-10-30 19:54:36 · answer #6 · answered by rosemary w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We say Merry Christmas to only people we know. There are at least 3 different holidays going on around that time. You don't want to offend a stranger. So Happy Holidays encompasses all that if you don't know their beliefs.
It's just a safe way to do things, since everyone's so uptight nowadays.
2006-10-29 17:38:21 · answer #7 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say "Merry Christmas" because that is what it is , a celebration of Christ birthday. If people have a problem with that they should just not participate in the holiday. The holiday or the greeting should not be changed to suit others wishes.
2006-10-29 17:03:29 · answer #8 · answered by jim h 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Merry Christmas. Exactly.
2006-10-29 17:57:03 · answer #9 · answered by Lori H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say merry Christmas. Why people get offended, I'll never know. It's not like you're telling them to 'f' off. If someone wished me happy Hanukah I'd smile & say thanks, same to you even if that's not what I celebrate. In my city, the same fight comes up every single year...whether to put the word Christmas on the ctiy light decoration. You are saying a nice thing to them. It shouldn't be taken as an insult. People love to pick a fight over the silliest things.
2006-10-29 17:48:15 · answer #10 · answered by ebonyruffles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋