Do you think it's politically correct for people around the holiday season to say, "Happy Holidays" instead

Question

of "Merry Christmas?" I'm a 34 year old married white guy who lives in New Jersey, and I remember as a kid, most storeowners during the holiday season would always say Merry Christmas to you, etc. However, since the Politically Correct era has blossomed into full effect from the mid 90's - present, I have noticed that most of the greetings are more watered down and generic, like, "Happy Holidays!" Also, did you know that many towns aroud where I live in Northern New Jersey have, "Holiday Tree" lighting ceremonies? In the old days (1980's) these were called Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, but now, it's a holiday tree. This is so politically correct. The majority (Christians) are being punished because the minority (Jews, Muslims, etc) want to water-down all of the holiday greetings. They have gotten the Jesus nativity manjor scene removed from Town Hall. The kids can't sing, "The 12 days of Christmas Song" anymore in school. Don't you think this has all gone too far? I DO.

Saying Happy Holidays is so boring. I'd rather have some say to me, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year or Happy Chanukah. I have no problem with Jews, I have tons of Jewish friends. I have a problem with the majority being punished because of the minority.

It's totally politically correct. Can you imagine a Santa Claus guy in a mall, saying , " Ho, Ho, Ho, Happy Holidays boys and girls" instead of the traditional, "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas" This is where things are leading to, mark my words.

Answer 1

Before I went on maternity leave I use to say "Merry Christmas" once my customers have finished their order (I worked in the deli) Until one year I was verbally abused by a man saying that he doesn't celebrate Christmas and sick of being told "Merry Christmas" Ever since then I haven't said it to another customer. I agree that it has gone WAY to far. Kids at school don't sing carols or make Christmas things like what I use to any more. Due to "hurting" other nationalities. It's pathetic. I live in Australia and think that it's gone WAY to far. Yes we live in a multicultural society which doesn't bother me. But now we can't even celebrate Christmas with our children the way our parents use to do.

Answer 2

The phrase "Happy Holidays" has been around for a LONG time. There is a song from the 1940s that was a big hit entitled "Happy Holidays". There are many celebrations this time of year. Happy Holidays is an all inclusive greeting, especially if one doesn't know the religious affiliation of someone. I was a kid in the 70s. I remember signs in my small Kansas town that said Happy Holidays. We would get greeting cards that said that and Seasons Greetings all the time. I also have some old postcards from the 1900s. A LOT of them say Happy Holidays. It's been around for a long time. If I were you, I'd be more concerned about the people who don't have enough food or a place to live than I'd be about how something is celebrated.

Answer 3

hmmmm. Politically correct. first of all friend there is no correctness in politics only corruption. It is my opinion that political correctness has pointed this nation in a downward spiral. We use to stand for something. Now we stand for everything. ( think about that youll get it after a while ) There are somethings you should stand against, however "political correctness " teaches us not to offend. Some people need offending. Stupid cant be cured, but ignorance can.

The best way to wish someone Merry Christmas is very simply "Merry Christmas" and let the chips fall where they may. Freedom of speech, and religion is in the constitution. Seperation of Church and State is not in the Constitution. You wont find it. It was an opinion of an ignorant Judge many yrs ago taken from a personal letter written to a church by our second president.

Merry Christmas

Im just sick with all this. Not every child is a winner. Not all men are equal. If you dont beleive me just spend an afternoon at the ball park, or soccer field 50% of all atheletes are loosers on any given day they compete. Yes all men are created equal, what drives them to succeed is what seperates the winners from the loosers.

Im against Political Correctness, Participation awards, and the silencing of the conservative christians of this nation, and not all religons that believe in God are Christians. Satin beleives in God, you can bet on that, but he is not a Christian.

I will get down off my soap box now.

You say Merry Christmas however you choose and to whomever you choose, if they are offended then they have the right to walk away offended...

Merry Christmas

Answer 4

Is your life so f-ing boring that you need to rant about whether people say Happy Holidays or Merry f-ing Christmas?

Seriously - who gives a spit? Pathetic. You want to say Merry Christmas - then go ahead. Regardless of what the Constitution says about the separation of church and state - it does absolutely grant me the right to say Happy Holidays and for you to say Merry Christmas - FREEDOM OF SPEECH!!!!

How wonderful your life must be is this is the only thing you have to worry about.

Why don't you spend some time and energy putting together care packages for the soldiers who are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan or working to help alleviate hunger in world - maybe even in your own home town.

Happy Holidays - best wishes for getting a life in the New Year.

Answer 5

I live in Jersey too, but I say Merry Christmas to everyone. I don't have a prejudice bone in my body, but the fact is, this is America, for those of you live in the States.

So, in America, we celebrate Christmas and always will. I will not change what I say to accommodate other people's religion, I know Jewish or Muslims do not celebrate Christmas, but I do not care what other people's religion is, nor is it none of my business what there religion is. I have always said Marry Christmas, and always will...

Now, if I had a friend that was Jewish or Muslim, I would not get them a card that said Merry Christmas.

If I were to go to another country, they would not accommodate me with there religion, so why should we accommodate other people from other countries?

So it is not politically correct for people to say Happy Holidays. I'm apologize, well I don't apologize, I take it back, but it's not right to say Happy holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Captain, Chris W T
ATP- Lear 45, B747- A318 - A380
CFI

Answer 6

As a true believer in Christ, I wish blessings upon my customers (I am in retail) every single day - not just during this particular holiday season. I wish them Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays, et al, and never, ever have I received a cross word or rebuke from anyone or anyone not wanting to receive the blessing.

To la buena bruja: please do not bring out the ridiculous separation of church and state argument when talking about this issue. The separation of church and state our never mentioned in the US constitution. That phrase came from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in response to a situation where a particular local church body was attempting to take over the city government of the particular small town and Jefferson's opposition to the idea of a religious entity and its laws (i.e. doctrine) being set forth as the rule of law for all the citizenry in that particular municipality, or any other attempts similar to it, within the boundaries of US soil.

Answer 7

Merry Christmas

Answer 8

people think that the constitution calls for a separation of church and state, but in reality it just assures that the state doesn't mandate what the official religion is. Christmas trees are just that. if the Christian majority would quit buying products from the happy holiday stores you would see merry Christmas banners on every store. sadly Christians feel they must be meek and not stir up trouble. when we see a travesty such as this we must unite, our power in numbers would speak volumes to merchants everywhere. merry Christmas to all and if the celebration of the birth of Jesus offends you uhhhhhh oh well

Answer 9

I personally don't say it. It's not because I'm not in the holiday spirit I just don't feel like it. If someone says Merry Christmas to me or whatever I would just say thank you and take care. Maybe we should just start saying "Happy December or Happy Winter".

Answer 10

What about Kwanzaa? and Jehovah witnesses? People have many different ways of celebrating the (HOLIDAYS). Personally, I like when people say happy holidays cause, I know they may have beliefs different than mine but there wishing me happiness during the (HOLIDAYS), No matter what I believe in. Saint. Nick or not. That's what the season is about. Happy memories with family and friends.