What is the big deal with replacing Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays?
Why can't we have both?
I am not offended when I see "Happy Hannakah" or "Kwanzaa" or other religion celebrations, so why is "Merry Christmas" a problem?
2006-11-27 23:03:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
The problem is we've become so politically correct as a nation that we are afraid to offend anyone. There are some beliefs that don't celebrate any holidays or even birthdays. Do we stop wishing people happy birthday because of this? NO!!! When I wish someone merry Christmas or happy Easter it's not because I'm trying to force my beliefs on them or I'm assuming they are Christian or whatever; I wish other well wishes because I hope they are doing well. Merry Christmas is just the way I say it. Any person who means well will understand that I'm not trying to convert them or offend them. I just want to let others know that I hope their lives find them doing well. With that being said, I do work in a retail environment, and while I am representing my employers, I do refrain from referencing any specific holiday, so I don't offend customers. I am required to do this by my employer, and I do it because I would like to keep my job. It is my hope that one day we won't be afraid to wish people Merry Christmas because we might offend them. I know I'm not offended if someone says to me Happy Holidays or whatever else. I know they just want to share good feelings with me. I say thank you and return the wishes.
2006-11-28 00:10:11 · answer #1 · answered by shortcakegirl45 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
neither is a problem...if just offends some people when it is considered incorrect for us to say Merry Christmas even though that is the holiday we celebrate. if someone knows I celebrate Christmas then I would rather them say Merry Christmas, but nothing is wrong with Happy Holidays considering New Years is a holiday too and its right after Christmas. I just think people need to relax and enjoy the season no matter what they celebrate. I
2006-11-28 01:05:47 · answer #2 · answered by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that it is as much a problem with saying 'Merry Christmas' as it is with being told you cannot say it in many large corporations. This year most larger corporations have retracted on their policies denying people the right to express their religious beliefs, whether they be Christian or otherwise. The trend is to accept all religions in public except Christianity. If you want to be 'fair' then don't discriminate against any religion. I am not offended if someone wishes me a Happy Kwanzaa, even though I do not celebrate it. In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things, love. In answer to toniann m, X-mas is a shortened version of Christmas, the 'X' does not stand for the English letter x (ex) but rather is the Greek Letter X (Chi) and is the first letter in Christos, or Christ. It is not meant as a slur against Christ.
2006-11-27 23:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by Mark B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess mainly because people can't make sense of "Merry Christmas" if they don't celebrate it. After all, how can somebody have a Merry Christmas if they don't celebrate Christmas?
That's where the big deal lies. I feel I have no right to question what a big deal it is because I don't know how it's like to be in their shoes (as someone who has celebrated Christmas all his life).
2006-11-27 23:07:56 · answer #4 · answered by Welgar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On a personal level, I am in 110% agreement with you. If someone were to wish me a Happy Hannukah, it wouldn't bother me one bit. (As a caucasian, I doubt highly I'd be wished a Happy Kwanzaa, but it wouldn't bother me one bit if I were). But that's me personally.
To wish someone Merry Christmas makes the assumption that everyone you encounter is a) Christian and b) celebtates Christmas, which is a tiny bit presumptious (despite the fact that in the US the brunt of the population is Christian and does!).
As for what I say to people, it depends on who I'm dealing with. When in doubt, I will always err on the side of PC and will tell someone "Have a WONDERFUL Holiday!"
2006-11-28 04:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Merry Christmas offends the non christians. I am an atheist and would prefer happy holidays or seasonal greetings.
Thats the trouble with this planet, political correctness has just gone TOO FAR!
2006-11-27 23:06:47 · answer #6 · answered by lollipoppett2005 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
prefer " Merry Christmas " and a the proper time " Happy New Year " if the situation arises again. when working in the public was suggested to say " Happy Holidays " because we might lose a customer.
2006-11-28 00:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a problem because many people automatically assume that a person celebrates christmas or is christian, and on some occasions they ignore the fact that the person is not christian and say "merry christmas" to people who do not celebrate it and are offended by the assumption.
kwanzaa by the way has no religious affiliation
2006-11-27 23:11:15 · answer #8 · answered by JaSam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree w/ you! Merry Christmas is my fav though, but I total am not offended by seeing the other holiday name.
2006-11-27 23:19:16 · answer #9 · answered by tanner 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Merry Christmas! Christ is the reason for the season.
2006-11-28 00:06:00 · answer #10 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋