Perhaps the most ridiculous concern of those who howl about the mythological “war on Christmas” is the claim that the greeting “Happy Holidays” undermines the religious origins of the season.
Swing and a miss.
Webster’s Dictionary refers to the origin of the word “holiday” as “holy day.” Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hAligdæg, from hAlig holy + dæg day. Info.com offers this definition “. a religious feast day” or “holy day.”
Thus the greeting “Happy Holidays” is the equivalent to “Happy Holy Days.”
Because there is ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that the etymology of the phrase “Happy Holidays” has theological origins, one could accurately conclude that those who find the greeting unacceptable don’t reject it on its lack of religious affiliation, but rather because it does not EXCLUSIVELY accommodate their particular religious affiliation.
That, my friends, can only be regarded as an example of intolerance.
So "Happy Holidays" to one and all!
2006-12-14 23:12:32 · 17 answers · asked by Timothy B 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Well, I'm no expert, but it could be because it is the celebration of Christ's birthday. CHRISTmas. See the play on words there? God Bless You and Merry Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
2006-12-15 00:24:29 · answer #1 · answered by Jade 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The whole argument is that, since the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, December 25th was changed from the observance of the Winter Solstice to the celebration of the birth of Yeshua Ben Josiah.
The Jewish High Holy Days are usually in April. The Jewish celebration of Hanukkah is actually a minor holiday but it sort of coincides with Christmas and I think that's what brought it to the fore. After all the whole celebration is about a miracle that allowed 1 day's worth of lamp oil to last 8 days while they removed the mess the Arabs left in the Temple.
Kwanzaa? Who knows where that came form and it seems to be a very recent addition to the lineup.
I guess my point is that the MAJOR celebration at this time of year is Christmas so why shouldn't it be acknowledged with a "Merry Christmas" greeting?
Happy Holidays may be politically correct, but I've had political correctness up to here.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
(and I'm Hebrew)
2006-12-15 08:11:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I prefer Merry Christmas. I don't like it when some stores or schools say Happy Hannukah or Happy Kwanzaa but not Merry Christmas. I feel left out. Happy Holidays doesn't bring the sentimental value Merry Christmas has.
2006-12-15 15:24:07 · answer #3 · answered by cynical 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Merry CHRISTmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, WHATEVER!!
2006-12-15 07:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by Tofu Jesus 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its not the use of 'Happy Holidays', its the refusal to allow 'Merry Christmas'. And for the record 90+% of those who insist on 'Happy Holiday's' have no idea that the word comes from 'holy days'.
2006-12-15 08:58:47 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Happy Holidays to you as well. And have a wonderful Winter Solstice.
Your point is well made, and you are obviously living ahead of your time. Come back in 1000 years and post the same. Perhaps by then, humans will be more advanced, or extinct.
Peace.
2006-12-15 07:33:36 · answer #6 · answered by -Tequila17 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both of them are religious expressions so whats it to ya? Holiday came froma Greek word meaning Holy day.
And thats NOT the complaint, its people who dictate to other people they CAN NOT say Merry Christmas. Well when like 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas you should very well be able to say it.
2006-12-15 07:17:03 · answer #7 · answered by delgados12 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Fundamentalist Christians and some Conservatives have a deep-seated need to feel persecuted. Like all ignorant bullies, they try to make it look like THEY are the victims, rather than the oppressors.
2006-12-17 04:49:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are appropriate for the season, but the reason many are pushing the use of "Merry Christmas" more than "Happy Holidays" is in response to the effort to remove the person of Christ from ANYTHING public.
The season of Christmas is about the birth of Christ. I know liberals try and use history as proof that this claim is false. They say that the origin of this holiday season is found in the winter solstice or some other secular explanation, in many instances this is the case. However, centuries ago the meaning of this season was changed to focus on the birth of Christ, and this is how it has been accepted for hundreds of years. Many liberals can't except that fact.
The "war on Christmas," as you referred to it, is nothing more than the extension of liberal efforts to separate God and government. Rather than a mere separation of state government & a church denomination, they would wipe God out of America's history, and public square.
The push for "Happy Holidays" over "Merry Christmas" is just another example of the liberal intolerance for anything pertaining to Jesus Christ.
You are right in saying that we are intolerant, and sometimes you need to be. Especially when it comes to people who try and kick God out of America.
2006-12-15 07:54:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
because that is what it has been called for ages, and changing it for no good reason sends the wrong message.
besides - the 4th of July is not a "holy" day (holiday)
2006-12-15 07:56:38 · answer #10 · answered by sooxcited 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋