Happy Holidays - or not?

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

So, tell me your thoughts.

"Happy Holidays."

Do you care that it isn't "Merry Christmas" or not?

What do you say?  And what have the responses been?


Upfront Note:  This is not intended to cause tempers to flare, for 1 religion (or no religion at all) to put down anybody else's choice, I'm expecting no negativism, no name calling back and forth, and the like.  We have such a varied membership, that I was just curious.  And remember -- we are family here. Please respond appropriately.  Thanks.

[Lady Nicolette]

I think it's much better to acknowledge ALL of the holidays for everyone rather than pretend that they're not there in the first place.  I don't think anyone should be taken to task for saying "Merry Christmas," or "Happy Holidays..." or "Happy Hanukkah."  After all, it's meant to be a pleasant exchange not a confrontation!  I think that if it really bothers anyone to that degree, they ought to go and volunteer at something worth spending their time and energy on.

After years of working 911, however, I sometimes cynically refer to this time of year as "suicide season!"  The commercialization of it and the ways that people who may not have friends or family or loved ones end up feeling left out and saddened (not to mention the generally bleak weather this time of year) can be just too much to take sometimes.  Just remember that for some people, the holidays aren't as happy as they're cracked up to be and be kind to everyone.  That's what the holiday spirit is about, not which words you choose to use about them.

I tend to say nothing at all (in answer to your query)...And this is working retail (although I'm off for a few weeks right now).  I just respond in kind with whatever someone says to me with a "Thank you, I wish the same to you!"  With people that I know personally, I use whatever I know they are comfortable with, as I'm comfortable with all of it (we do both Christmas and Hanukkah at my house and primarily give to charities each year rather than individual gifts).

[Tipsy Gypsy]

It's "Merry Christmas", for me. And doesn't "holiday" mean "holy day"?

[Whistler Fred]

It depends.  At church or among my Christian friends I'll say "Merry Christmas."  But I'll often say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" in other situations.  It's not that I'm very PC, but that "Happy Holidays" covers all Yule-time celebrations, including New Years.  So why not offer a greeting that can include everybody?

[Noble Dreg]

I am only offended by those who are offended by any polite expression of ANY faith.  I am thoroughly disgusted by PC.

Bless me in any language or faith and I'll thank you for the sentiment.

[Lairde Guardn]

Happy M'Crackmas......I just get a lot of wierd looks for those that don't know of the Clan or go to Renn faires.

[Ferret]

I think my happy ones are behind me.

The MNRF people staging the Fezziwig Feast, friends and family. So much to do and look forward to.

Now I seem to dread them more every year.
Ferret

[Celtic Lady]

Noble Dreg, you found the words I was searching for. I too am totally offended/disgusted with all this political correctness.
I wish people a Merry Christmas or for them to have a Wonderful Holiday.

[maelstrom0370]

I find that a hearty "Happy ChrismaChanuKwanzamas" usually fits the bill.  Or draws confused looks.  Both are good with me.

[Anna Iram]

I generally say "I hope your holidays are wonderful". It's more personal than just Happy Holidays and acknowledges that the other person may not celebrate the same holiday as I, but I wish them happiness all the same.

I like to save Merry Christmas for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It makes the greeting more special for me as I feel it is kind of like an announcement of it's arrival. Silly I guess, but it makes me happy.

[DonaCatalina]

Sometimes I say Merry Christmas and sometimes I say Happy Holidays. I don't really give it much thought unless I'm already aware of the recipient's preferences.
The important part is the attempt to spread some cheer.

[LadyShadow]

It's "Merry Christmas" for me.  I see a lot of time that people of other faiths say their tiddings.  And I greatly appreciate it.  Although I dont follow them, it shows that they are strong in their beliefs and ways.

Most of the PC stuff gets under my nerves.  Sometimes it seems that it is just pointed to certain groups and religions and I cant stand it.

[Taffy Saltwater]

I save Merry Christmas for those I know well & Happy Holidays for store clerks, etc.  If that person responds w/Merry Christmas I'll say and the same to you.  Earlier this year at the DPS there was a Pakistani family in line behind me dressed to the nines.  I got to talking w/them regarding the special occasion, the mother told me it was a holy day & they were pleasantly surprised when I wished them a happy eid.  In any event I don't feel Happy Holidays is anything more than an all-inclusive wish.

[Trillium]

It varies depending on where I am, who I'm talking to, and my mood.  If you tell me Merry Christmas, I'll most likely respond the same.  Personally, I celebrate Yule, but I'm not at all offended by Merry Christmas, my family has always blended it together.  All the celebrations are the same to me - joy, kindness, & family.

[Capt. Morgan]

I usually say "Merry Solstice, Happy Yule!" but have gotten quite alot of chuckles with "Merry Chrismahannakwanzika" from most if someone in a group tries to push one side over the other....