2006-12-22 12:50:55 · 31 answers · asked by ? 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
I think it is sad that our society is so concerned with terminology rather than with the spirit of season. What difference does it really make if we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? I can only wish that I had so little to worry about that I could worry about such things. For those who believe in Jesus, he was one of the most understanding human beings ever. I don't think he would mind as long as people followed the rule "Do unto others" and "As long as you do it to one of these, the least of my brethren, you do it to me."
2006-12-22 13:02:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not ALL of them, no.
Employees of privately owned businesses can say whatever they want to, and well they should, but public or government owned businesses are subject to separation of church and state, and thus should be secular in their holiday greetings (if for no other reason than because not all employees there may celebrate Christmas in the first place).
Now, a story, if I may:
Just a few minutes ago, I was walking home from the store, and in the middle of the shopping center was a group of carolers. Their voices were BEAUTIFUL, so I stopped to listen to the end of their song. I clapped in appreciation and when they said, "Thank you," I replied with, "Merry Solstice." At this, I was met with silence and a few confused looks. Taking that as a cue to leave, I continued walking, and I could have sworn I heard one of them mutter, "I think she meant to say, 'Merry Christmas.'"
I find this sad.
Yule is the reason for the season, people. Christmas wasn't even celebrated until the 300s, when it was fashioned after "Natalis Solis Invicti," the Mithraism Solstice celebration that marks the "Birth of the Invincible Sun God." If there's anything that EVERYONE should be saying, it's "Merry Solstice," or something of the like. Otherwise, leave everyone to say what they prefer, and don’t give people problems if it’s different from what you want.
Don't be naive. Jesus wasn't born anywhere near December. He had nothing to do with the season then, and he has nothing to do with the season now.
2006-12-22 13:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by Lady of the Pink 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it is a store in the USA then yes. Why is it that we have gone so far to protect the cultures of everyone else that we are losing the most important one, BEING AN AMERICAN!!! I am a 5th generation american, if you go way way back I have past family from England, Finland, Ireland, Poland, Norway, Scottland & Frace (and those are just the ones I know of). So what does all that mean? Not a damn thing cuz if I go to any off those countries I will be viewed as an american. I do not know their tongues, money, or ways. The irony is being viewed as an American with no culture cuz it was destroyed to please everyone elses. It is funny we are the country who has no people. At what point are we Amreicans? The greatest country on the planet means nothing, the flag means nothing, being from the US means nothing, if the country has no people. In all 5 generations it was christmas, we speak english, use dollar bills with what I thought has pictures of "American" people on them.
2006-12-22 13:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think they should say whatever they feel like saying. And those who respond can respond in any way appropriate to them.
I am a Christian, and if someone says "Happy Hannukah" I'll say thank you, and the same to you. I mean, really, why make a big deal about it? It's just a greeting with good wishes for the holiday. And if someone says "Happy holiday", well, "Same to you, too".
What bothers me is to see some people upset because someone says "Happy holiday", and others upset because someone says "Merry Christmas". It sounds an awful lot like bigotry from all sides to me. I really resent being told how I can or can't greet people.
2006-12-22 12:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Even though it's natural for nearly everyone to say "Merry Christmas!" to everyone you past by, it's religiously not right since not everyone is Christian, like me. So saying "Happy Holidays!" would suit everyone, not just a fraction of the people you say "Merry Christmas!" to.
Happy Holidays everyone =)
2006-12-22 13:00:09 · answer #5 · answered by The Lil Ho 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. I prefer to say "Happy Holidays" when greeting people, and I think they should too. Because you never know if the person is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc. However, if the person that they are greeting shows signs of being Christian, then they can say "Merry Christmas".
2006-12-22 12:57:05 · answer #6 · answered by hokis99 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think stores should not have a policy that dictates exactly what their employees say to greet customers. It should be up to the employee as long it's cheerful, friendly, and not likely to offend a reasonable person.
There's always going to be someone who's going to be offended no matter what the greeting. Pretty hard to avoid it if you're dealing with the public.
Reasonable people will take any pleasant greeting at face value and understand that whoever said it has good intentions.
2006-12-22 12:56:51 · answer #7 · answered by Jimbo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think saying "Merry Christmas" is a great gesture. But I more importantly believe they should also add Hanukkah and other holidays at this time as well then.
2006-12-22 12:59:20 · answer #8 · answered by Min 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i am all for stores saying merry Christmas. but for some reason ppl who dont celebrate get all offended? maybe just happy holidays.
2006-12-22 12:58:52 · answer #9 · answered by BrittanyxAriel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO! i do celebrate christmas but i could celebrate hanuka or kwanza just as well.today i was at the store and the lady said merry christmas..well how did she know thats what i celebrated. .. i was really tempted to say no lady i celebrated hanuka..ppl should say happy holidays that way no one gets offended
2006-12-22 12:53:25 · answer #10 · answered by Chelsea O 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋