2006-12-25 16:34:28 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Halloween
This is a discussion that has come up a lot lately. On the one hand people argue that Happy Holiday's promotes tolerance and respect for other cultural celebrations because It does not make the assumption that everyone is Christian and celebrates Christmas. Which I feel it would be an error to single out Christmas as the only legitimate holiday in December. However, on the other hand I do not feel that "Happy Holiday's" promotes understanding because it is a generic term which really has no meaning. By replacing the word 'Christmas' or 'Hanukkah' with 'holiday' you are in fact stripping these celebrations of their context. Instead, I say, if people truly want to move toward a more diversified and multicultural society then you should get to know the major holiday's celebrated by the groups in your area. Take the time to find out a little about the history of Hanukkah or Diwali, Ramadan, or Christmas. Then, the next step is to wish someone a happy _________. The worst mistake that you will make is that someone may not be of their cultural background but what is the real harm in wishing someone happiness. In fact, not only will you learn something new you may be helping to bridge cultural differences and thus be promoting true tolerance and understanding.
2006-12-25 17:34:21 · answer #1 · answered by lifeasakumkwat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Pagan, I celebrate Yule, which is the first day of Winter. I have no problem with "Happy Holidays". I don't think people should "assume" that everyone is Christian and that it is the only Holiday celebrated at this time of year.
Wishing people a "Merry Christmas" when they are not Christian actually shows your ignorance towards those who are not Christian. Therefore, it reflects more on the person saying it, not to the person it's being said to. I usually reply with "Blessed Yule".
Unless I know for certain what religion the person practices, I wish them "Happy Holidays"....which covers their holiday of religious choice and also New Year's. If I know a person's religion, then I wish them a "Merry/Happy/Blessed __________", addressing their religious holiday.
I find it amazing, in this day in age, that the Pagan celebration of Yule is still ignored. This is like our New Year. It is a new cycle or life and a time for renewal. It is a time of releasing all that is negative in our lives and replacing it with new hopes and wishes. It is a celebration of light, love and peace.
2006-12-26 01:51:21 · answer #2 · answered by rightys_wife 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always wonder which holiday people are talking about. If someone wants to wish me a Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah, then fine.
However, the other day, someone was talking to me about the "holiday tree" at school. I asked the person, "Which holiday? I'm thinking about putting up a tree for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and the 4th of July."
2006-12-25 16:40:09 · answer #3 · answered by salsera 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After rightys answer, I feel I've entered the twilight zone. Why doesn't he just wish us all a happy saturnalia? When Adam ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge, mankind became too smart for it's own good. An example of this is our pagan friend. If he's offended when I wish him Merry Christmas, then he's got a problem. Maybe he needs to stick another yule log in the fireplace and chill out. If somebody wishes me a happy holidays and I'm offended, then I've got a problem. Either/or is fine with me.
2006-12-26 03:32:51 · answer #4 · answered by Bill G 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I honestly couldn't care less. It doesn't matter what the clerk at the department stores say to me. It has no bearing on my beliefs whatsoever. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. I think there are more important things in life to worry about than whether or not the clerk says Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.
2006-12-25 16:46:56 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work in a retail store. They did not specifically tell me to say happy holidays or other such nonsense. I don't say anything other than have a nice day when they leave.
When they say happy holidays to me, I reply, "Happy holidays to you too."
When they say merry Christmas to me, I reply with "Merry Christmas to you too."
If somebody were to come into the store around October and say happy Ramadan, I'll reply with "Happy Ramadan to you too."
Why? I've determined what they want to hear from me by what they said to me. Not one thing along those line is offensive to me as I'm a practicing Atheist and have no problem paying lip service to a customer so long as the customer is happy and eventually comes back into the store.
Sabot Shalom [yeah, I know it's not Friday. Shut up.]
2006-12-25 17:20:15 · answer #6 · answered by Jack Schitt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine but I think people are getting way too sensitive and politically correct. I'm Muslim and no one ever acknowledges our Eid (I guess, unless it's included under Happy Holidays) but it isn't like Im gonna complain about it. It is obviously the Christian's time to celebrate Christmas and other bickering bass terds shouldn't have to ruin it for you guys. Sure, throw a happy Hanukkah in if you remember, but you don't have to crush the whole Christmas spirit and take down the signs. Happy Holidays! and New Year. Peace.
2006-12-26 08:10:02 · answer #7 · answered by justmyinput 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I feel fine about it, its the shopping centers that ban decorations & the festive season altogether that bugs me.
Some people don't believe in Jesus Christ but do celebrate Christmas as a time to spend with loved ones & treasure the moment.
I think its a good move to be honest with you!
2006-12-25 16:45:18 · answer #8 · answered by Mrs D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will be unfair to all the other religions happy holidays provides equality to all but merry Christmas is just for one belief...
2006-12-25 16:37:44 · answer #9 · answered by X 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE STATE OF GEORGIA PASSED THE LAW THIS YEAR THAT SAYS THAT EMPLOYEES IN WAL MART CAN GREET PEOPLE WITH MERRY CHRISTMAS,BEFORE THEY HAD TO SAY HAPPY HOLIDAYS
2006-12-25 16:43:39 · answer #10 · answered by PEACHES 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋