Thanksgiving,Christmas, Fourth of July, Halloween,Labor Day,Flag Day ....... ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
2006-12-03 14:03:49 · 12 answers · asked by BOBBY LASHLEY-THE STEROID KING 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
The phrase 'Happy Holidays' is a non-denominational way of wishing someone a happy holiday without mentioning which one. For instance, if I said "Happy Hanukkah" to you, and you celebrated Christmas, you might be mad that I am only wishing a Jewish person a happy holiday. You can substitute Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa anywhere there.
Also, some people don't celebrate certain holidays, Halloween for instance. By saying "Happy Halloween", you might feel like responding "I don't celebrate Halloween because...", and that might cause the well-wisher some unnecessary speech about the history of the holiday or something. But by saying "Happy Holidays" or "Have a happy holiday!", nobody (hopefully) would feel like making a speech against that. Nobody would respond with "No, I will not have a happy holiday!" Even if the holiday is a solemn one, you would still be happy that the person acknowledged it, even if they are uninformed.
Another use of "Happy Holidays" might be: if you've forgotten what holiday is coming up, its an easy way to cover all your bases.
A response to the comments around mine: "Happy Holidays" does NOT necessarily mean Christmas. If it did, then the person would just say "Merry Christmas". Instead, it could be for any religion's holiday. Also, even though most religions have holidays year-round, the third/fourth week of December is called the "Holiday Season" because three holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) come out around the same time. Since in America so many people contribute to the overall festive theme (Christians, Jews, and African Americans), many people refer to that time of year as the "Holiday Season".
2006-12-03 14:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by Nope 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Happy Holidays is th "political correct" way of saying "Happy ________" to you because I dont care enough to ask you what holiday you celebrate. A Blanket statement and watered down. Happy Holidays works for the Entrace of the Shopping mall or mass mailing for "holiday" cards.
Heck we live in America the land of the Free and the home of the Brave so Celebrate !
2006-12-03 22:23:38 · answer #2 · answered by its me 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that our nation has become too politically correct and too many people complain that they don't celebrate Christmas (I'm Jewish but I love Christmas) and it offends them. This mainly came from greetings at stores. Happy Holidays is supposed to cover all holidays(during November and December) so no one is offended.
2006-12-07 00:20:01 · answer #3 · answered by sarah_sunshine_73 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In todays Politically correct world i suspect they would be refering to any of the religions specific term for Christmas or that time frame as there are several ways to celebrate this time of year according to your particular religion. And of course New Years.
Perhaps the term "happy" should be your key so as not to scrutinize the particular holiday in your case. Hows that for being a "Thinking Man".
2006-12-03 22:18:02 · answer #4 · answered by viphockey4 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they mean whichever holiday or holidays You will be celebrating in the near future...this part of the year contains a lot of holidays, both religious AND secular...it's a lot easier than trying to figure out which one(s) you celebrate and wish you a happy whatever-i-t-is...try not to get all worked up about it...just enjoy!
2006-12-04 13:03:35 · answer #5 · answered by spike missing debra m 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to me happy holidays refers to the christmas holiday and the new year holiday.
2006-12-07 13:01:16 · answer #6 · answered by sherrelu36 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the new "merry christmas" since ppl get offended by that! usually thanksgiving/hannakuh/christmas/new year..HAHA
2006-12-07 10:29:46 · answer #7 · answered by Tiffani 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone knows it means CHRISTMAS!
The height of the "holidays" is December 25"; Christmas Day.
2006-12-03 22:12:59 · answer #8 · answered by swissmiss620 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Usually Christmas as well as New Years
2006-12-03 22:18:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I have wondered this myself. And why is this called the "Holiday Season" when we have holidays year round?
2006-12-03 22:14:10 · answer #10 · answered by denim 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋