What is so awful about “Merry Christmas”?

Question

So many people are willing to embrace the time off work, the gifts, the parties, even the good cheer and general joy of the season, but why is it so bad for stores to say Merry Christmas? Why and how could people be offended? I’m not Jewish, but I will gladly share a “Happy Hanukkah” with those that are. Are people threatened by such a harmless happy greeting?

Answer 1

Its just another thing thats being done to coddle people in our politically correct world where anything goes and if anyone is offended by it they must be prejudiced....all this politically correct nonsense has gotten way out of hand if you ask me.

Answer 2

How many holidays are celebrated by different religions this time of year? Just about every major religion has a celebration of some sort.
What I think is sad is that in a nation that is predominately Christian or claims to be Christian that the few who aren't have such a voice in our celebration. I think that stores should not be afraid to use Christmas in there advertisements and stores. But while they are afraid of offending the few they offend the majority. So sad. I refuse to shop any where that refuses to use the word. I know of cashiers who have been written up because they tell their costumers Merry Christmas instead of the pc Happy Holidays. I think is just sad that stores cater to those who want Christ out of Christmas! Merry Christmas to you!!!

Answer 3

I work at a bank and we all say Merry Christmas! If I personally know that someone does not celebrate Christmas then I will not say that to them.

But we are in America and America was based on many cultures living as one.

I would not get offended if someone stated Happy Kwanzaa or Happy Hanukkah to me.

By the way have a Holly Jolly Merry Christmas! :)

Answer 4

It's not about that at all. It's about being more aware and accepting of other religions and celebrations. Not everyone celebrates Christmas or is all about it. As we become more aware of the world around us, this is a natural progression.
However, I see nothing wrong with Merry Christmas. I say it all depending on the circumstances. Just keep the love and tolerance there and you shouldn't have a problem. We are all in this world and lifetime together.
Merry Christmas to you and I hope it's all that you want it to be. I hope your family is happy and healthy too.

Answer 5

I am pretty much a seasons greetings type of person even though I don't celebrate any of it. Then again I don't go around asking people what their religion is either. I find people are more offended if your not saying Merry Christmas. Which in December that is not the only holiday celebrated, so I am not going to say it as a greeeting.

Answer 6

I don't mind receiving a Merry Christmas from an individual any more than I mind a Happy Hanukah or a Good Afternoon. The problem is when companies only focus on one faith's holiday. They need to include everyone so what is so insulting about Seasons Greeting or Happy Holidays? It's all-encompassing. Besides, if you're a business owner, it's in your best interest to make an effort not to disclude anyone.

But I agree, I have no problem hearing Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah. It's the pleasant spirit of your holiday that you're wishing on me and why wouldn't I accept that?

Answer 7

Well because not everyone is of the same religion so it's really improper to say Merry Christmas if you work in a public store.. or if you are an employee of a place like a hospital or city hall. Some are celebrating Hannukah or Ramadan.. and not everyone believes in God. It's more proper to say Happy Holidays.. but I say Merry Christmas to people I know celebrate Christmas. I am definitely not threatened by any friendly greetings.

Answer 8

I think some people are irritated when a stranger or business acquaintence presumes that everyone celebrates Christ's birth. There are even Christian sects who do not participate in the hoopla surrounding commericialized Christmas.....
It really doesn't bother me that some businesses are not using Merry Christmas to help sell things.

Answer 9

Congratulations for your openness.

Unfortunately, the world has gone stupid in terms of political correctness, and people are offended at absolutely harmless, happy things like "Merry Christmas!"

I can already hear it, "What makes you think I believe in God!?" Well, folks, our country's motto is what... printed on all our money... come on, you can remember... YES: "In GOD we trust."

If you can't believe in God, do you stop using money? It's a basic tenet of the founding of the United States and much of the world, and even though no one says people are forced to believe, how can they feel so small and insecure in the world that they think there's anything wrong with "Merry Christmas!"

And oh yes, these people certainly will take the time off... in the name of...???

Political correctness going to the extreme of making people paranoid about two little words that are supposed to bring joy and express happiness in humanity's future....

Sad.

Answer 10

I completely second your statement. I think when you get to the heart of it, retailers and gov't are just SCARED! Afraid on the off chance that they may offend a certain religion or someone's beliefs. I know plenty of people who are christians and do not celebrate Christmas, but they are not offended by 'Merry Christmas', or our joy of this time.

Answer 11

I'm not offended by someone saying Merry Christmas. What offends me is people and businesses who try to hard to be PC and go overboard (i.e. saying stuff like holiday trees instead of christmas trees, etc).

By the way... Merry Christmas! :o)