There is no point in being offended?

Question

Whether you like it or not, Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated this time of year. So why get offended when a stranger says Happy Holidays?

Think about it, you should be happy. They don't know what religion you follow, and to avoid offending you by labelling a religion to you that could be false, they wish you Happy Holidays.

For example, just because someone may look Muslim, does not mean that they are. There are thousands of arabic people who are Catholic or Christian.

See what I mean?

I, myself, celebrate Christmas (not because of religious ideologies, but because I was raised celebrating it) and don't get offended by Happy Holidays. I don't even get offended if a Jew wished me Happy Hanukkah. Why? Because these holidays are celebrated with love and peace.

And that....is my two cents.


Oh! And not to mention that people say Happy Holidays to include New Years. Two birds, one stone.

I am not saying one MUST say Happy Holidays. I say Merry Christmas all the time, but what I am saying is that having being told Happy Holidays should not be offensive and that people should be allowed to say whatever they like.

Answer 1

Very nicely stated. I agree. It's not an attempt to "water down" anyone's religious heritage, it's just an inclusive term. When I know a person is Christian (or a non-Christian who celebrates the secular aspects of the holiday), I say "Merry Christmas." When I know a person is Jewish, I say "Happy Chanukah." When I know a person is Neopagan, I say "Have a Blessed Yule" or "Happy Winter Solstice." When I know a person is Humanist, I say "Happy HumanLight." But when I don't know a person's religious or philosophical affiliation, I say "Happy Holidays!" for this is a season of many celebrations.

May you and yours enjoy a very Merry Christmas.

Answer 2

Some people start using "Happy Holidays" back in Thanksgiving so that could be 3 birds with one stone.

There are some people who are offended that people not of their religion is using a holiday of their religion. Stealing thunder or something like that. Christmas is not a religious holiday to many people. That offends some. Frightens others.

Answer 3

I'm a Muslim and i don't get offended when people wish me a merry Christmas even though i don't celebrate it. I just thank them and return the gesture. People in the UK don't say Happy Holidays. I don't find it offensive in any shape or form for others to be celebrating it, seeing decorations people giving me Christmas cards, why should it offend me?

Answer 4

There is more than one Holiday in the Christian faith, too!

South American Catholics have dozens of important "holy" or "holi" days between November 1 (All Saints Day) and February and it all revolves around Christmas.

It's Americans that just center on that ONE day.

Even Canadians, Australians and English have TWO primary days, Christmas and Boxing

So saying Happy Holidays is quite approraite. It means may all the holidays be happy!

Answer 5

Exactly. It is Happy HolidayS. Plural. It includes Christmas, Hannukah, Kwannza, Yule, New Year's, and any other holiday that falls around the time of the winter solstice.

Now, if someone said to me, "Have a rotten Christmas," then I would be offended even though they said Christmas!

Answer 6

Exactly. The phrase 'happy holidays' was intended to be interpreted by the listener as relating to whatever holiday they might be involved in at the time. But of course many Christians get worked up about not being treated as special and pretend it's some sort of persecution.

Answer 7

I think it's a small minded person who becomes offended by a simple greeting.

So, next time someone says "Merry Christmas" or "Joy! He has been born!" it's the same as "Happy Holiday". They are all simple greetings of peace; like you said!

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I don't care a whit about "Happy holidays." I don't - however - see any point in renaming a Christmas tree a Holiday tree. It isn't a "holiday candle", it is a menorah. And it isn't "grape day" - it is Eid Al Fitr.

Answer 10

absolutely!! youre right on all accounts. i didnt think people got offended though by "happy holidays" i thought they didnt want "merry christmas" to be said!