What do I say to customers this season?

Question

This is a serious question. I am an atheist, and I don't celebrate Christmas in any way, shape or form. I work as a cashier on the weekends, and pretty soon customers are going to start saying "Merry Christmas" to me before they leave. I can't figure out how to handle this. I don't want to say it back. I can't just stand there and say nothing. My son tells me that "Happy Holidays" seems to anger a lot of his customers. Just wondering what to say. Any ideas?

knotaknight: We do not sell religious items in our store, and we are not allowed to wish customers "Merry Christmas" because we have know way of knowing what, if any, religion they are. There are other religions besides Christianity, and they might celebrate Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, or nothing at all. This doesn't stop customers from assuming that everyone on Earth shares their faith and wishing US a Merry Christmas. Yeah, I'm an atheist, and enough of one to know that I'm not imposing my LACK of belief on anyone, they will be imposing their beliefs on my by assuming that I share them, and I'm trying to find a tactful way to deal with it without selling out. If you can't be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem.

Answer 1

Say thanks and smile a lot. If there's no tip involved don't say anything at all. Pretty easy stuff.

Answer 2

That's a toughie, and one I've struggled with as a Pagan working with the public. "Happy Holidays" has been the polite thing to say for quite some time. You can't always tell what religion somebody is by looking at them, and in this day and age you can't go around assuming that everyone you meet is Christian anymore. It's not about being "Politically Correct," it's about respecting the other person. In recent years, however, Right-Wing radio has been promulgating the myth of the "War on Christmas," so "Happy Holidays" is seen by some Christians as an attack on their faith. Some even try to boycott companies that use "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." You can't win, you're going to offend someone no matter how hard you try not to.

But try not to be offended yourself. Take it in stride, and try to take the greeting in the spirit it is usually meant -- it is a warm and friendly greeting intended to warm the heart. Think of it as they're trying to give you a seasonal hug. Also, by giving you the greeting, they've just identified themselves as Christians -- so it is safe for you to return the greeting. OK, you don't celebrate Christmas. That's OK, as far as I'm concerned. But, they do, so go ahead and wish them a Merry Christmas. Also, if you see them wearing a cross, crucifix, WWJD bracelet, Steven Curtis Chapman concert teeshirt, etc., go ahead and wish them a Merry Christmas. You'll only make their day. Likewise if you see a Yarmulka on their heads,or a Star of David or golden Hebrew letter around their necks, you know you can wish them a Happy Hanuka. If they are wearing a Pentagram (as I do), Ankh, Thor's Hammer, or Goddess Pendant, you can wish them a Happy Winter Solstice, or Happy Yule, either are acceptable. Beyond those obvious outward signs of faith, I wouldn't assume anything, but stick to "Happy Holidays." For example, I'm not going to say, "Happy Kwanza" to every Black person I see, they might not celebrate Kwanza, and may find my assumption that they do offensive.

And when someone says "Merry Christmas" to you, they're only trying to be nice. Just smile, and at the very least say something like, "Same to you."

Answer 3

Well for one who doesn't believe, what exactly is the problem with Merry Christmas? I mean you don't have problems selling the calenders with Christmas and Easter on them? What an Atheist book store can't sell a Bible? Or maybe you not really an Atheist after all, you just like to disagree?

Or do you really think that the words "Merry Christmas" never came out of an Atheist's mouth to your ears?


Edit: Merry Christmas by the way!

Re Edit: Now, I don't considered a calender a religious item, but yet they do list holidays on them even more now a days (and not just Christian ones). And your question clearly stated that the customers are saying it first, so I think that saying it back as a "non believer" should not be a problem (you didn't say it was against store policy originally.) And when I say Merry Christmas I don't care what faith you are, I'm expressing joy for the Day I recognize Jesus's birth.

This is my favorite part though, "I'm trying to find a tactful way to deal with it without selling out." Selling out to whom? Did all the atheist start a religion of disbelief? I missed that one. I'm sorry if my original answer upset you but that selling out part is priceless.

Answer 4

Say nothing, you or your company might be sued for offending them.
If someone talks about Christmas, I think it is appropriate to wish them a merry Christmas. If they mention another holiday that they are celebrating you can give them your wishes about that. Your greeting is not about what you believe, but it is about what they believe. It is just like if they were going on vacation, you would wish them to have fun on vacation, even if you aren't going. The same goes for holidays you don't celebrate. It is about what they are doing, not what you are doing.

Also, you don't need to be offended by their comments, they have no one of knowing any differently. I know many atheists who still observe Christmas as a holiday to bring the family together and to give to each other.

If you are really offended, you can simply wish them a happy holiday.

Answer 5

OK you are in sales and after cashing out the customer's purchase they look at you and say "Merry Christmas".

I think the appropriate response is "Thank you, please come again!"

If you are not comfortable saying Merry Christmas then do not say it. Christians would not return "Happy Diwali to a Hindu" lol so why should you cater to anothers belief?

Answer 6

I say say "Happy Holidays." Not only does it cover those celebrating religious holidays like Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Yule, but it also covers New Years Day as well. If people get annoyed by being wished happiness, then they are grumps and that is their problem.

Answer 7

Well whatever you say say it with a smile and don't worry if they get angry. I would think your a happy-go-lucky type of person and enjoy life so just wish them a wonderful season and don't ruin it for them.(You could always grin and wish them a Merry Christmas anyways.)
I hope that you have a wonderful season and enjoy the time you will have with your family and friends.

Answer 8

You can say Merry christmas back to them if they say it first. You can say happy hannukah to them if they say it first. Happy Yule, etc...

You should say happy holidays or season's greetings if you are saying it intitially since you don't know what faith they are/if any.

Answer 9

I still just say thank you. I indicate no holiday but still act polite when greeting them and saying goodbye. People think nothing of NOT hearing anything extra surprisingly less than those who get "happy holidays"... at least that's how it works for me.

Answer 10

I would still say happy holidays. Seriously, Why should it anger someone? If it does, They have the problem.

Answer 11

Maybe something like - " I hope you have a great one!!" This way your acknowledging their beliefs and wish them well without having to explain yourself or feel angry. A Win-Win situation I think.