If you were a non-Christian and I wished you a Merry Christmas, would you be offended?

Question

I was just thinking about this, because the holidays are around the corner. There have been several times in the past in which I've wished people "Happy Holidays", and they've gotten offended because I didn't wish them a Merry Christmas instead. First of all, I had no way of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were Christians. Second, I can't help but think that it's rather offensive to automatically assume that everyone practices the same religion and celebrates the same holiday or else to act as if one religion or holiday is valid. At least the greeting "Happy Holidays" covers all of them and takes everyone into account.

There is no war on Christmas. After all, it hasn't been banned and I don't know of anyone who's gotten into major trouble for saying "Happy Holidays". Bill O'Reilly is full of crap!

Er...I meant to say that I don't know of anyone who's gotten into major trouble for saying "Merry Christmas". I'm sure you get my drift, though.

RL: You make a good point about the Christmas tree. However, don't you think it's kind of wrong to just assume that a person follows a particular religion or celebrates a certain holiday?

Answer 1

I like all positive wishes.

Answer 2

I'm jewish by religion, so I've actually encountered this.

and no. its not offensive to me to be told merry christmas. theres no way for them to know, and they mean well, so why would I be offended? now of course tehres the question of intent. if they KNOW that I'm not christian... thats a whole different ball game.

... but even if I'm wearing my jewish star necklace, I don't expect them to notice and/or connect the dots such as to realize it.

most jewish people who I've talked to on the topic feel the same way... theres no reason to care or be offended.

now, another point would be that buzz about trying to call a Christmas tree a Holiday tree. ... now THAT is offensive. yes, to me, as a non-christian, not calling a christmas tree a christmas tree... is offensive. why? because its acting like its not part of a religious holiday... and that its some seasonal thing that everyone (regardless of religion) is socially expected to participate in.

>>"Christmas is Christmas. It is a cultural holiday specifically because of Christian influence on our culture, and it has little or nothing to do with religion. But the war against Christmas by cultural dictators has not yet begun this year."<<

this is completely absurd and untrue. its *STILL* a religious holiday, even if many of the people who should be, are not treating it as such.

edit: >>"RL: You make a good point about the Christmas tree. However, don't you think it's kind of wrong to just assume that a person follows a particular religion or celebrates a certain holiday?"<<
assuming you mean me.. lol, no, because I don't think its an assumption at all, as such. people naturally think others think in some way resembling how they do, and for most people in western countries, its a relatively safe bet that people celebrate as they do(christmas).

they don't have any intention of offense whatsoever, hell personally I just try to avoid saying such phrases at all, giving the well-wishing for what I believe will be "wrong" almost all the time... really saying "Merry Christmas" is better odds of being right. and when it *IS* right, nothing will be thought of... and it'd be more prone to feeling properly personallized... even if its really just hedging your bets.

Answer 3

I do not celebrate Christmas because of the pagan roots that are associated with it. However I find it admirable that you are considerate of others that do not share the same belief. I often did the same thing when I still celebrated these pagan originated holidays. I often sent cards to others who did not because I did not want them to feel left out. In my experience it is better to just let those around you know that you do not participate and gradually they come to know that it is OK and you are perfectly happy not to be included. I have enclosed some links to information along that line so you can decide for yourself. I try to follow the bibles direction as closely as possible so as to please my heavenly father. There is no direction in the bible commanding Christians to celebrate this holiday and no purpose behind it. I try to honor Jesus and God each and every day in my life and one of the main ways is to teach the truths about the bible. If there is any part of a teaching that is not true then it is false religion. A person would not drink a glass of water with just a little bit of poison in it would they? In the same manner any religious teaching that does not agree with the bible in all aspects is tainted with false teaching and is unacceptable to him. Read these links and see what you think. Look the scriptures up in your own bible. I would like to note that at one time I followed these same practices untill I did an indepth personal study. There is nothing that can replace gaining knowledge and understanding of the bible.

Christmas Customs--Are They Christian?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2000/12/15/article_01.htm
Jesus Birth The Real Story
http://www.watchtower.org/e/19981215/article_02.htm
Beliefs And Customs That Displease God
http://www.watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_11.htm

Answer 4

If someone wishes me a happy Hanukkah, or a peaceful Ramadan or whatever the holiday, I would not be offended it does not make me part of that religion or disrespect mine by that simple greeting. To try and homogenize all holidays into an innocuous, "happy holiday", is at its core a disrespect to the meaning of them all, and a denial that they have meaning at all as distinct, important and worthy parts of our culture. If you celebrate Christmas then there is nothing wrong with you sharing that celebration. I would be a small person if some wishes me a merry holiday whatever the name and I get offended. But we are a hypocrite if we do celebrate something and are ashamed to be open about it.

Notwithstanding someones, personal celebration there are exceptions when at work and working in an enviroment where the company policy has chosen a stance of neutrality on these issues and you have agreed to those by agreeing to work there, at those times and at work for that company as long as you should decide to continue work there you are obligated to maintain neutrality if it is part of company policy. However, this should have nothing to do with your private life, or personal interaction with the public in regards to Christmas or any other holiday you choose to celebrate.

Answer 5

I'm not Christian and I never get offended by someone wishing me a Merry Christmas. Just the same, I wouldn't be offended if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. I take the sentiment as it is intended, not as an offense against my chosen holiday, Yule. No matter what holiday you celebrate, it's the time of year to be thankful for what you have and the people you love.

Answer 6

I'm a non-Christian and it wouldn't offend me. To me it's like a non-Irish person saying "happy St. Patrick's Day." In this country, Christmas is celebrated as a national holiday. Personally, I use "happy holidays" as a catch all, but if a Christian gets offended, leave religion out of it and just tell them it's faster than saying "merry Christmas and happy New Year."

Answer 7

I completely agree with your reasoning for using "Happy Holidays", but I personally would not be offended by "Merry Christmas". Lots of people do celebrate secular Christmas. Anyone who gets offended for you saying "Happy Holidays" is clearly a Christian and an idiot.

Answer 8

I'm Muslim, Saudi, and live in Saudi Arabia (where tolerance is not at its best shapes, I admit). However, we wish Christians "Merry Christmas" during their holiday, and they wish us "Merry Christmas" as well. Some Muslims prefer to use "Happy Holiday" instead, but they don't find it offensive when a Christian wish them "Merry Christmas". Some few extremists believe that Muslims should not participate in Christians & Jews holidays & think that greeting them during their holidays is participation in this holiday, so they don't greet at all, and may say "same to you" as a courtsy when some one start greeting, but not from their hearts. Myself, I don't accept what those extremists think and I think Islam is about peace & tolerance, and their attitude is not.

Answer 9

I get that all the time. I am Jewish. I choose not to be offended but I know lots of non-Christians who act like it is the end of the world. I would politely acknowledge your wishes of a Merry Christmas, even though Christmas for me and my family is Chinese Food and a Movie.

Merry Christmas right back at ya!

Answer 10

No, not as long as you'd accept a Happy Solstice in return. I think it's a little ridiculous to expect strangers to have ESP regarding your preferred holiday greeting. I do take offense at the Christians who insist, out of ignorance or arrogance, that their holiday is the only one being celebrated come December.

Answer 11

I personally don't get offended by it, but thank you for your sensitivity. It's not given very often. I will say "happy holidays" due to my beliefs, but I know if someone says "merry christmas" they have good intentions, so I just let it go. I would prefer not to hear it, but I don't take offense to it.