Why do the Americans say happy holidays?

Question

and not HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Answer 1

In the 1980's the concept of Political Correctness first surfaced and Americans began to worry that our country's Christian heritage would offend the minority who do not practice Christianity. As time passed, the spelling of "Christmas" was replaced with "Xmas" to remove the concept of Christ from the holiday. The phenomena of wishing people "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" formed simultaneously. Now, we have a loud minority of Americans with fragile emotions whom we must tiptoe around and wish "Happy Holidays". Hopefully, these people will not realize that the word "Holiday" is derived from the words "holy" and "day". Once they do, we will have to wish everyone a "non-offensive winter".

Answer 2

Americans usually say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Christmas. Probably popularized from the carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Happy Christmas is more British.

Americans like to show respect for their diverse population and realize that not all Americans celebrate Christmas. Many Americans are Jewish, Muslim, non-religious, or any combination of various religious persuasions. So instead of assuming that everyone celebrates what I celebrate, it's more polite to give a more generic greeting like "Happy Holidays."

Funny, I think people's responses to this question say so much about their individual view of the world - it's easy to tell who is a cynical misanthropist, who is polite and kind, etc.

Answer 3

Here in the states there are many religious beliefs and cultures. Its a way to wish people well without risking offending them. I think its a good idea for those in business to not risk upsetting someone who is not Christian.

I do want to say, though, as an atheist, someone saying Merry Christmas doesnt bother me a bit. I see Christmas as a secular holiday that involves renewing ties with family and friends. I think the sensitivity is more towards people of other religious beliefs.

Answer 4

Because Christians are not the only ones who celebrate a most holy time of year this time of year and it's easier to wish an all-purpose greeting. Besides Christmas, there is Channukah, Rammadan, Kwaanzaa, and many people who believe that other people of diverse cultures deserve to be treated with equality and respect have finally stepped out of their narrow-minded world and embraced the remainder of this great big world.

Answer 5

Because it IS America, people exercise freedom of religion. Therefore, not all celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, etc.

To remain politically correct and aware of others belief systems, it is more appropriate to say Happy Holidays, and is offense to no one.

This is especially handy with those you do not personally know.

Answer 6

MERRY Christmas

Answer 7

Political correctness crap.

Merry Christmas!

Answer 8

During the 90s, we had a Political Correctness movement that pretty much put a stifle on anything white, male or christian, or any combination thereof. For some stupid reason, and I don't know why, many companies adopted PC measures, and thus restricted certain words or phrases. Hence, we can no longer say "Merry Christmas", as someone who isn't a Christian may take offense to it. On the other hand, people can go around and say "Happy Ramadan" with out any worry of persecution.

It really blows chunks!

Also, other things that blow chunks are the morons that gave me a thumbs down rating.

Answer 9

Merry Christmas, not Happy in our area. Oh and "Americans", which is really buisnesses, say Happy Holidays so they won't get sued.

Answer 10

Because Christmas is traditionally a Chrisitian holiday and other holidays are celebrated at this time of year, like Hanukkah.