is this rude?

Question

to say Merry christmas to someone who is not used to celebrating Christmas and you don't know them?? because i did that and i got negative responses

Answer 1

I think that's a cheerful and happy thing to do. Sorry that those people didn't agree.

Lots of people that I don't even know have greeted me. And gotten a smile and a greeting back.

Answer 2

I can certainly be seen as rude, depending on the person to whom you are talking. If you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that a person does not celebrate Christmas, then wishing them a Merry Christmas is the same as saying, "Yeah, I know you don't celebrate the birth of Christ, but you know what? That means you're going to hell and I'm going to lord it over you as much as I can so maybe you'll stop being a heathen and see the light." I'm fairly certain that's not how YOU mean it--few people ever really mean it as a snide and cruel statement like that. They just see it as a way of expressing their joy during a holiday that has great significance for them.

If you do not know what holiday a person celebrates, it's best to err on the side of caution and say, "Happy Holidays." It's not selling out your faith or your holiday. It's being respectful that there may be someone out there who is different from you. If you know someone to be Jewish, say, "Happy Hanukkah." If you know someone to be a pagan, say "Merry Yule" or "Happy Winter Solstice". Chances are, they will appreciate the gesture and wish you a Merry Christmas back.

I know about this from personal experience. My husband and I are both pagan and the rest of our family is Christian. Only my father will wish us a Merry Yule. Most of the family says Merry Christmas and when they say it, I know it's because they just don't remember what we are (and some of them can't remember or pronounce the words "Yule" or "solstice"!) I'm okay with that because I know they love us anyway. But I have one family member that uses the words "Merry Christmas" as a weapon. I take offense to that. When a stranger wishes me a Merry Christmas, I don't mind. They have no way of knowing, so I take it for what it is: a joyous holiday greeting. If I happen to be wearing anything that identifies me as a pagan, I'm a little irked when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, but I just smile and return the greeting. It's not worth getting into. Others are not as docile or as understanding as I am, though. So to avoid any problems, "Happy Holidays" is best.

Answer 3

Go ahead and say Merry Christmas all day long. Too me, happy holiday's is just taking Christmas out of Christmas. Without Christmas, their is no holiday to be wishing. This is not a big deal to the Jews (uncle, brother, and grandmother is Jewish) They tell me it's passover and their new year that's their big deal.

When you think about it, Christmas is just a really big birthday party and for that we should feel bad?

Don't let them get you down. Just keep on celebrating Christs' birthday! It's just a birthday party that everyone knows about. They are just jealous that they are not part of it.

Answer 4

I work at a grocery store and I'm always careful about who I say Merry Christmas to because I dont want to make people angry who dont celebrate it. If they have Christmas stuff in their basket then I will say Merry Christmas to them after I check them through, or if they say it to me then I say it back, but other then that I dont say it.

Answer 5

Well ya see.... here is how I look at it... I am not offended when the news writes HAPPY HANUKKAH across the screen during Hanukkah so when Christmas rolls round, I think it is just dandy to say Merry Christmas. I mean seriously, do the American Asians get mad when we say Happy New Year at 12:00:01 on January 1st? No, not typically so i see it as the same idea.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Ty

Answer 6

You have done brilliantly and I do that all the time.
Over 95% of the time, you get a good reaction.
Even Muslim people {and there are plenty near where i live!] respond well, because the real genuine human knows that even though you are from a different background, you mean it as a compliment.
It is only when you hesitate as you say it, that you also then set up doubt in their minds, as to your real intent for saying it.
If it is done cheerfully and sincerely, they will pick that up spontaneously - in an instant, and respond appropriately.

Besides which, I have always found that regardless of the so-called claims of the atheists of our society that we offend others not of our religion, it is they who are the only ones offended!
Genuine souls from other religions are only too ready to respect a person who truly believes what he says.

Our Muslim people next door on one side of us said, 'Merry Christmas' to us first, because they respect us and know we are Christian.

Answer 7

I think it is fine to wish someone a Merry Christmas if it is what you celebrate.

I love that my Jewish friends wish me a Happy Hanukkah.

I tell all my employees to give customers whatever holiday greeting is most appropriate for them....without trying to guess what the customer may or may not celebrate.

Since we have a wonderfully diverse staff you can walk through the store and hear several different wishes and I LOVE that!

Answer 8

I think the negative responder is the one that was being rude... The nature of the sentiment is what matters, you are wishing them happiness and well-being, and that is how a civilized person should construe your well wishing...By the way,
MERRY CHRISTMAS, have a HAPPY HOLIDAY !!!
If that does not apply to you who are reading this, just try to get over it.........

Answer 9

It should not be considered rude. It's the thought that counts.
I celebrate Christmas, but if somebody wished me Happy Hanukkah for example, I would just say thank you.

People who give negative responses are just rude, thin-skinned and not worth getting to know.

Answer 10

Had you wished me a Merry Christmas I would have smiled and said and to you too. I am Jewish and I find it a lovely wish because it is said with peace. Yes who ever said that to you was very rude

Answer 11

no, it's sweet but make sure you've seen them around home and you'll tell by the decorations. some are offended by people assuming they celebrate christmas when they have other celebrations to have. take no notice and go your merry way!