With different religions, cultures, beliefs that we all have. Is it proper to say "have a wonderful holiday" if I dont know what religion one is it is going to be a long sentance to say "merry Christmas, happy Hanukka, Merry Kwanssa, Felise Naveda" (please for give my spelling my spell check does not work, I dont want to offend anyone with my horrible spelling)
So with out offending someone,,,,what is the proper Holiday Greeting?
2006-11-19 09:55:04 · 24 answers · asked by ~~Penny~~ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
somehow my question got posted like 3 times,,,sorry bout that,,,,slip of the keyboard mabey,,,,,
2006-11-19 10:03:33 · update #1
Merry Christmas works fine if the holiday you're talking about is Christmas. You could also wish someone a happy Hanukkah or whatever. If someone said happy Hanukkah to me I would say "Thanks, same to you" even though I'm not Jewish. I wouldn't get offended. I wouldn't worry about being so PC. Do you fret about every little thing you say in your life? I would give myself panic attacks if I were that worried about offending people just by wishing them a happy whatever day. What if you wish someone a happy Groundhog day and they don't celebrate Groundhog day? Should they get offended?
2006-11-19 11:10:39 · answer #1 · answered by AerynneC 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
G'day Penny,
Thank you for your question.
Happy or merry Xmas is still the most popular greetings. Queen Elizabeth II, who is the head of state of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth containing people of many religious backgrounds such as Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists uses Happy Christmas in her greetings. Alternatively, happy holidays or seasons greetings are nice generic greetings.
If you have an obvious indication that someone celebrates a different faith than Christianity and you know what it is, give them the appropriate greeting. If you are speaking with a rabbi, wish him a happy Hanukkah.
Don't worry too much. For example, more African-Americans celebrate Xmas than Kwanzaa. Most people will focus on the message of goodwill underlying the greeting.
I have attached sources for your reference.
Seasons greetings to you and yours.
Regards
2006-11-19 10:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Do you believe in Christ? Does your holiday revolve around celebrating His birth? If then, say Merry Christmas!
Our culture has become so obscessed with being politically correct that our culture and beliefs is dissolving into oblivion.
If you went to the Middle East or the Orient or Africa, would they say "Happy holidays"? I don't think so.
I plan to say "Merry Christmas" - it's my right as freedom of speech - and freedom of religion.
So, Merry Christmas!!
2006-11-19 10:07:00 · answer #3 · answered by kids and cats 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's pretty simple - If it's the Christmas holiday, say "Happy Christmas". If it's Hanukah, say Happy Hanukah. If it's Bodhi Day, say Happy Bodhi Day. If it's Id al-Adha, say Happy Id al-Adha. Stop the nonsense and allow each and everyone to celebrate their own beliefs. If you don't like it - ignore it but don't dictate the "shoulds" or the "shouldn'ts"!
2014-12-26 15:53:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anne 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, if you know a person is Jewish, say Happy Hanukka, if they celebrate Kwansa, Happy Kwansa. If they are Christian, Merry CHRISTmas.
I hate happy holidays, so generic. if you don't know what someone is, just say Merry Christmas, (whatever religion the greeter is, should be the greeting)
2006-11-20 11:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by schmoopie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anything that comes out of your mouth is going to offend someone somewhere in the crowd , so I just don't worry about it. I just say Merry Christmas.
2006-11-19 09:58:22 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!! I believe you should say what you feel. Not what someone thinks is right for you to say.
2006-11-20 03:55:37 · answer #7 · answered by ajkballard 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I say Merry Christmas to everyone and I have never offended anybody.
2006-11-19 10:55:12 · answer #8 · answered by Sp@rrow 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personally, if it's near Christmas I usually say "Merry Christmas"; if someone is classless enough not to take it in the spirit it was intended and says, "I don't celebrate it," that's their problem. I don't live for their approval. I tried to give them good wishes and they threw them back in my face.
2006-11-19 10:18:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am Catholic, and I am going to say; Have a blessed Christmas, and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. My intentions are not meant to offend anyone, if they choose to be offended it is their problem not mine.
2006-11-19 12:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by pooterilgatto 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋