The cashier was pleasant and friendly. He joked around with the kids, and easily made small talk while he lovingly rang up our toothpaste and toilet paper. He carefully bagged our baubles and breakables, and he made sure to ask if we wanted the drinks we’d just grabbed from the cooler left out. He offered the three year old a sticker. He smiled amiably while he handed me my cash register receipt, and he told me to come again.
And then, he said it.
The thing that would cause me to roll my eyes and hurry home to write the store a scathing letter detailing exactly why I would be hereby boycotting their store forever.
He said, “Happy Holidays.”
In front of my children. How dare he say such a thing to me? How dare he try to take the Christ out of my Christmas? What is the matter with our stores, and our society, today?? I felt so offended and disrespected that I couldn’t even utter a word. I angrily snatched the receipt from his hand. I gathered the kids as quickly as I could, grabbed my groceries, and hightailed it out of there. I vowed never to return again.
* * * * * * * * * *
No. What I actually did was smile – sincerely – and thank him. I wished him a happy holiday as well. I got my groceries, counted my kids, and went about the rest of the day…. feeling good about a friendly and positive interaction with a kind stranger.
To be clear, I celebrate Christmas. I have celebrated Christmas all of my life. I love Christmas. But it doesn’t even begin to bother me when somebody – be it a person or a website or a store – says Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. For that matter, it wouldn’t bother me if someone mistakenly thought I was Jewish and wished me a Happy Hannukah. Why? To begin with, I take it for nothing more than it is: a hopefully sincere and friendly good wish from one person to another. They’re showing me a kindness and they’re wishing me happiness. Which really, is supposed to be the whole point of the season (and for the whole year, if we’re living the way we should aspire to be living)
More than that though, is the fact that nothing anyone else says can take away MY meaning of the holiday. Nothing anyone else says will change what I believe. Nothing anyone else says will damage my own personal walk as a Christian. “Happy Holiday” wishers are not – as so many believe – “taking the Christ out of Christmas.” The only one who can take my Christ out of my Christmas is me.
Let me say that again, rephrased:
The only one who can take your Christ out of your Christmas is you.
How do you take Christ out of Christmas? You take Christ out of Christmas every time you:
Don’t take the high road.
Are less than loving, and patient, and kind.
Gossip, complain about, and judge others.
Are slow to listen and quick to anger.
And yes…. grump and moan and cry about everyone taking Christ out of Christmas, instead of simply showing the people kindness and goodwill and grace, and letting them see through your actions that Christ cannot be taken out of your Christmas because Christ is living in you. No one can take that away from you, no matter what they believe or what they celebrate or WHY they celebrate.
And if you’re going to split hairs about who should and should not celebrate Christmas, it’s worth noting that 1) Jesus was most likely NOT born on December 25th, and 2) most of what we all do at Christmas time – even as Christians – are things we borrowed and adapted from pagan traditions, not the other way around.
Every year I hear more and more people complaining about what’s become of Christmas, how commercialized it is, how far it’s gotten from its true roots…. which very well may be true, but is making a big stink about it really the answer? If, like me, you believe in Jesus and His birth, then simply live it.
If you believe in having a simple Christmas, then have a simple Christmas. If you believe in giving, then give. If you believe in kindness, be kind. If you believe in boycotting big businesses and Black Friday sales and midnight deals, then by all means, stay home.
But don’t forget that “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” (Emerson)
Just a couple of hours ago, I saw a Facebook photo of a group of tents set up and camped out at the entrance to a Walmart, waiting for the Black Friday sales. One of the commenters said, “People like that are nothing more than disgusting, materialistic losers.” That there is some real holiday spirit. Now I can think of about 7,253 things I’d rather do than camp out in front of a Walmart (or in line for a Twilight movie opening) but you know what? If that’s your thing, I love you just the same. I happen to think that the world is big enough for all of us, with all our beliefs and our differences and our traditions and our celebrations.
The best thing I can do to honor my God and my beliefs and my Christmas is to live my life the way I purport to want to live it, and not worry about what anyone else is, or is not, doing. There are actual problems in the world, and whether someone says “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” is not one of them.
And don’t get me wrong. Since you know that I celebrate Christmas, I would love and appreciate a “Merry Christmas” from any one of you. But I would love and appreciate a sincere “Happy Holidays” just as much (and the diehard Seinfeld fan in me would be ever indebted if you wished me a “Happy Festivus” while you were at it.)
The Christmas cards we send every year say “Peace, Joy, and Love” on them…. partly because that was the default greeting on the design we chose several years ago and it resonated with us, and partly because it just sums up the meaning of the season – and our lives – in three simple words.
I know it sounds trite, but I really do wish you peace, joy and love… whether you’re a believer, a non-believer, or even a Walmart parking lot camper.
Love, love, love it!
Thanks Mia 🙂
Dear Jen,
What a wonderful and well written article. Indeed, peace, joy and love do sum it up beautifully.
Happy Festivus
think this hits home on many levels – kudos to you!!!! Merry Christmas, Merry Festivus and happy holidays abound!!!
Thanks for a thoughtful response to the “they’re taking Christ out of Christmas” crowd.
Terry Kepner
http://www.FlyingChipmunkPublishing.com
Thank you for a pleasant note on a subject that has become so sadly controversial. For my take on this, go to:
http://thinkfaithfully.blogspot.com/2011/11/governor-chafee-and-holiday-tree.html
Thank you! The rants about Happy Holidays have already been bugging me this year, and yours is a lovely, positive response. Wasn’t Jesus, after all, the one who decided his way should be shared with everyone, not just Jews? Somehow I don’t think he would have a problem with people being inclusive.
It never bothers me what greeting I am given as long as it is sincere. I do have to admit though that I am a tad annoyed when businesses pass offical rules saying their employees can ONLY say a certain greeting (no matter what greeting that is). I would equally be annoyed with a business saying their employees could ONLY say “Merry Christmas” as I am when they say their employes can ONLY say “Happy Holidays”. I never try to dwell on it though and would definitely never boycott anyone. I just find it eye roll worthy is all.
Love the over all message of the post. More people need to put actions behind their words!! We would live in such a better place if they did 🙂
Before I posted this, I asked my husband what he thought about all of it, and he used the same word as you: “annoyed” 🙂 I can see your points with annoyance, but I’m glad you don’t boycott over it 😉 I see people get downright angry about it… and it just isn’t something that’s worth being angry about!! And thanks for the encouraging words. I agree that the world would be a much better place if people really “walked their walk” instead of just talking about it.
I love this article! Thank you and a hearty “Amen”! I would like to address the comments about retailers though. I have been in retail for about 14 yrs.
At NO time have I been forced to say “Happy Holidays” or any other holiday greeting. If you knew me, you would know you wouldn’t force me to say anything. (G).
So, I do not know where people are hearing this , but it is simply not true.
Well said. And Merry Christmas 😉
However, I gotta’ comment on this… Shame on the grinch who hated on the Walmart, BestBuy, FutureShop, Target, or other store campers! For some people, that is the only way for them to get some stuff affordably. Not everyone who camps out is materialistic. Some people just might like to get something nice and not pay full price. Not everybody can afford to pay retail prices. And then there are people like my coworker who have bills to pay who went to BestBuy, picked up a TV for 80% off and sold it on Craigslist so he could take his wife on a honeymoon (he got married last year).
Excellent points!
Sorry I had to disagree with you those people are materialistic. I would be extremely upset with any of my family who gave up Thanksgiving to buy anything. I’m sorry that is Greed. I’m sorry the co worker could not afford to initially take his new wife on a Honeymoon. People today live to much out side their means. I have bills to pay my self. No I don’t live pay check to pay check but money can be tight, and in those cases I do without. Christmas is not about what you get or what you can buy for each other. It’s about the selfless love that is behind the gift. Have either read the Gift Of the Madji maybe you should.
And a Merry Christmas to you. 🙂 Yes, I’ve read that book… it’s a lovely story. And I absolutely agree with you that Christmas is not about what we get for gifts. I’m very certain that I never said it was. I’m afraid that you might have missed my point entirely… and it’s too bad, because it was a good point. 😉
I think that saying those people are materialistic is an unfair general label. Sure, some of them are likely to be, but for some of them that is their version of a holiday tradition. Just because they aren’t home having a meal with their family and celebrating the way you are doesn’t mean they aren’t celebrating. I know it’s easy to assume otherwise, especially when you see all the craziness that is associated with Black Friday, but I do know some families that have limited funds, choose to shops when they can get deals, and do it together as a tradition. Just another side to the story. 🙂
If people want to give up their Thanksgiving, that’s their perogative. If they live outside their means , that’s their choice. If you choose not to do either of those things, good for you. If you have problems with their choices, those are your choice of problems, not theirs.
True, if a family chooses to give up their dinner to camp out, it is their choice. However, by doing so, it affects the families of employees of those stores. They have to miss their family traditions in order to open a store at midnight (toys r us opened at 9pm this year) and stay through morning so that people can purchase a TV a few hundred dollars cheaper. My husband is a manager at a retail chain and has to miss nearly every holiday with our family. (I know this is his job and am thankful he has one; but I would be pleased if shops closed on all holidays). Why choose to start sales on Thanksgiving or early Friday morning? Why not Saturday? Why not just shop Cyber Monday? I include Thanksgiving as part of the Christmas season in which I strongly feel is a time to enjoy family. Causing our fellow peers to miss time with their family so that we can shop is sad.
Everyone has their own perogative, and people that choose to work at reatail stores do so with the knowledge that they will be working on some Holidays. If Thanksgiving is that important of a holiday tradition to that person than they should choose to find another job. It’s their decision to work in a place that offers “Black Friday”. It could also be said that the person working on a Holiday is just as materialistic to choose to work on that day for money rather than stay home with their family. JS
Thank you, Jen, for raising the point about families of retail employees. Both of my sisters had to leave dinner (which we had to schedule early this year for them) as soon as it was done this Thanksgiving because one works for Dunkin Donuts and one works for Toys R Us. Both sisters missed time with their in-laws. My sister that works for Dunkin Donuts worked a 12-hours overnight shift so DD could have their lobby open early for Black Friday shoppers, and Jen already explained why my sister that works for Toys R Us was in to work right after dinner. Whether we agree on Black Friday behavior being materialistic and wrong o0r not, I feel it is important for us all to remember that our choices for holiday shopping go far beyond affecting just us and our immediate families. Black Friday shoppers and the push for retailers to open earlier and earlier took time away from me, my family, and my sisters’ extended families from seeing them this Thanksgiving. That’s time my spouse, son, and I won’t likely get back with them because we only get to see them a couple of times a year.
Those who choose to camp out are not causing anyone to have to work. They didn’t start to camp out until the store made the decision to open. If the store decided to wait until Saturday to open then the camping out would be done on Friday night, not Thanksgiving. Just sayin!
I’m sorry, but I disagree with people being upset over others being forced to work on Thanksgiving. They have made their life decisions which have put them in the place they are. I previously worked at a gas station that was oper 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year, except leap year when we added an extra day. My family understood that in order to have gainful employment I had to make sacrifices. I currently have a brother in the military, who thankfully can come home for most holidays, but thousands of other military personnel do not have that ability. I have a mother that works at a hospital and is forced to work many holidays. We choose to celebrate when we can and if that means having Thanksgiving breakfast instead of dinner, then we do it. Last year we had a Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration since my brother would not be home for Christmas. Unfortunately most of us at some point in our lives will be forced to miss a special occassion due to work or other pressing matters. You do what you need to do to get by, and if that isn’t worth it, then it is time to move on.
I agree, Bob. For the first few years of my marriage, we were young and broke. We were both in school, my husband worked two jobs (and at one point three) and I worked in retail. Granted, I didn’t *enjoy* having to work nights, weekends, and holidays, but that was part of the job so I accepted it. It helped put food on the table. So we did what we had to do and we were creative with celebrations. And I think having done so makes us even more thankful for the fact that we’re able to spend all of our holidays together now.
I could not agree with you more, Jes.
I work in retail and have for over 15 years. I feel like I have to almost defend the 24 hr retail stores and their employees. I would love to be able to close the store and give everyone off the holiday, but that would put my store (or larger corporations especially) at a definate disadvantage when trying to compete for income, and would therefore put a strain on finances, and possibly even employee paychecks. Its not always about greed, sometimes its about staying competitive. We do what we have to do, and its not about when we celebrate the holidays, but how. Sometimes its not as easy as going out and finding a new job just so that you can have off Thanksgiving and Christmas, as maybe insurance and 401k takes a priority over getting off 2 holidays. Please do not judge employees who work holidays. Some don’t want to work, some do because of the holiday pay, some want to avoid family, and some do because they have no family, and no where else to go. Do no judge businesses that open their doors at midnight on black friday because it might be their last chance to make a profit, and keep their business open another month. Be happy with yourself, and hope that those around you find happiness in their lives. Merry Christmass, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and Happy Livng Everyone!
I work in retail and I personally LOVE working Black Friday. I know every year there are horror stories of situation getting out of hand, however I have never experienced this. In the MANY years I have worked on black Friday (and even requesting to work it) I have seen nothing but FUN! People go out on Black Friday not only to get great deals but to have fun. Some people get enjoyment out of shopping. And as a retail associate I have seen people at their best. People come into the store strangers and leave friends. People passing out email addresses and facebook pages to keep in contact. Yes I’m sure some people hate working on holidays. But like someone else pointed out they chose to take that job. Personally I am just happy to have a job, whether I have to work on a holiday or not. Life is what you make of it. If you chose to be miserable because you are working then you are going to have a miserable day. If you chose to see the best in the situation then you will have a great day.
Agreed.
This comment was in response to David W. I’m getting all confused on my own comment thread. 😉
David, I agree until you get the the point of living beyond your means and it now means I have to bail you out. Yes, charity is good and while I know I fall short in this area putting your self in tight finacnes is one thing, but to spend more than you can actually repay is another.
“Choosing” to spend too much (on anything/ anytime not just Black Friday) and leaving the mess for others is not a choice that one is entitled to make.
This may come as a shock, but there is a large portion of the population that doesn’t really celebrate Thanksgiving. I know some Native Americans who abhor the holiday (think of how their ancestors were rewarded for their generosity at the first celebration and you might get it). There is also a large immigrant population for which it isn’t a traditional holiday. I’m not talking illegals here, there are 2nd and 3rd generation citizens of immigrant groups that don’t celebrate it.
Then there are those who forfeit spending limited resources on a feast so that they can camp out in a parking lot to be able to afford to buy, at discount, that one special gift for their 3 year old so Santa really will come this year.
Judge not, lest ye be judged.
Great points, Kathy.
I was reading a blog this morning by a mom of a sweet little boy who is very ill, and in the final stages of his disease. He is bedridden, and one of the ways they have helped make him more comfortable is to play DVDs for him, in a portable DVD player she says she was “blessed to be able to buy on Black Friday.”
We don’t know the stories of everyone shopping on Black Friday, or everyone *working* on Black Friday. We just don’t. A blanket statement of it being all about greed and materialism just doesn’t seem fair.
To put a blanket statement that Black Friday shopping is about greed is pretty unfair. While I, like the author, can think of hundreds of other things I would rather do than go Black Friday shopping, I don’t look down on any of those who do. I recently had a friend tell me that, while she loves getting the deals, her main reason for doing it has been so she can have bonding time with her mom. She and her mom live in different states, don’t see each other as often as they like, lead very busy lives, and this is the time when the two of them can bond like mother and daughter again, without anyone else. Isn’t THAT the spirit and meaning of the holidays, to be with those whom we love and cherish most? So what if they grab a few deals along the way? I also think it’s sad that you missed the point of the post!
I would not say that this particular co-worker is materialistic. If anything he is very selfless to spend his personal time in the cold for hours to give his wife the honeymoon she never had. I wou;d call it selflessness and pure love.
I agree, Abby. I think it’s interesting that the story The Gift of the Magi was brought up, because that man’s act was a perfect illustration of the heart of that story! Selfless love, and the desire to give to someone else. I love that he found a way to give her her honeymoon. 🙂
That’s a very good point, but it’s also about perspective. While I’m not trying to judge your co-worker, if you consider the underlying expectations that those retail workers had to be there to have the store open for him early so he could get in and get the deal on a television, and consider the sacrifices those retail workers made in spending less or no time with family on Thanksgiving, it doesn’t look as selfless. It’s important to consider our decisions from more than one perspective.
I have a family of friends I know that makes it part of their holiday tradition to do the whole Black Friday thing. It is PART of their holiday celebrations. They have traditions within it and truly enjoy spending that time together, shopping for others. How is it greed or materialism when they are able to buy gifts for more loved ones and enjoy each other’s company doing so? Selfish is demanding that other people celebrate in the exact way YOU find acceptable. When you could just save your energy and love all of them as well as those around your Thanksgiving table. Do not judge lest ye be judged
That’s true, but also think of the demands they make on others who have to work on that day and spend less time with their families as a consequence of their tradition. Selfish could also be demanding that people who need to keep their retail job(s) just to earn enough to pay the bills must open the store and be present to offer shoppers good deals very early in the morning to support their tradition. We should be loving of all, yes, but let’s also not gloss over the nuances of choices and consequences.
when things like someone having to work on a holiday have happened in our family in the past, we all just get together to celebrate our tradition on the day before or the day after, because we understand its not as much about doing it on the ‘exact’ date as it is about all of us getting together to enjoy a great meal and a visit.
I disagree with some of the things you said. I agree that I’d be unhappy with family who chose to buy something rather than spend Thanksgiving with the family, but many people don’t have to make that choice. I hosted Thanksgiving this year, and I went out at 4am the following morning to do some shopping. My husband and I don’t have much money, but I work hard at finding bargains and freebies to recreate the Santa experience for my children. Last year, I was able to get all of my son’s presents for $7 (link here: http://becky-shattuck.blogspot.com/2010/12/7-present-pile.html).
Of course, I could have just used that $7 to buy him one item at full price. I could have shrugged it off and said that it was all we could afford, and my son needs to learn and appreciate what he gets. I could have used Christmas as a lesson to him, but I chose not to.
My grandmother had nine children. They didn’t have any money to speak of. In fact, my mom said that my grandma would cry when the phone bill came in each month. But, somehow, every year, my grandma managed to put gifts under the tree for all 9 of her kids. It was the only time my mom (one of the youngest in the family) got anything new because everything she ever had was a hand-me-down. She still talks fondly of the year she got an umbrella and matching rain boots. Of course, at the time, she thanked Santa for the items, but as an adult, she marvels at what all her mother was able to do for her every year.
I can say the same thing. My parents did not have any money to speak of when I was a toddler. My mom stayed at home with us and went to school. My dad worked the night shift at a hot dog factory. Every Christmas, though, there were always gifts from Santa. I looked forward to that special thing every year. I couldn’t sleep, I’d be so excited! One year, I puked from the excitement of it all. My brother, sister and I would wake up at 4am and go tearing into our parents room. They never made us wait! They got up at 4am every Christmas with us and let us tear into our stockings and gifts. Those are some of my fondest memories.
So, maybe you look at those examples and see materialism. I guess I can’t argue that. But when children who usually don’t have much have a day when Santa Claus comes and delivers them new, wonderful packages, it creates happiness and excitement for the entire family. Materialism? Possibly. But I have so much fun creating the experience and memories for my kids, and I’m able to do it by bargain-hunting.
Are you kidding me? Who are you to judge? If someone needs to buy an appliance, and they’re lucky enough for it to be around black friday…and you DON’T HAVE MUCH MONEY, why WOULD you NOT buy a BF deal???
I’m glad you are rolling in the cash, but I’m not. Our TV has been broken for months. I made thanksgiving dinner, ate it, and then went out to wait in line at about 10:00 pm. Saved myself $300.
It’s called being SMART with the finances God gave you. Don’t be so JudgyMcJudger.
I would have to say that I think Black Friday is all about greed and materialism. It is nice for people who cannot afford things otherwise, ( I am one of those people by the way, and I spend my money on things besides a big screen TV since it is NOT in any way a “need to have” item. If you can afford to buy a huge TV, on sale or not, then you are not “poor”.), but what about the workers who are forced out of their holidays to serve the general populations need to buy buy buy? If shoppers would stay home and enjoy their holiday instead of having a mad rush to the shops as soon as dinner is over, then maybe EVERYONE could enjoy the holiday.
Okay, but how is calling those shoppers greedy and materialistic going to help anything? If you’re against it, simply stay home. 🙂
But…I didn’t call them anything, and I do stay home. I was just pointing out that that is pretty much the theme of Black Friday these days.
I agree wholeheartedly with Julie. Why not wait a few days and put some money into the local economy by supporting a local business, and maybe buy something thoughtful that was made locally, or globally in a fair trade situation that is set up to help others make a safe, livable … living, escape violence or crushing poverty. Why not donate gift money to a reputable charitable organization, like St. Jude’s or Farm Sanctuary (to name just two of many)? These people are buying cheap crap, for the most part, made in China or elsewhere in the third world, often in deplorable conditions, that they don’t really “need.” Gifts can be simpler. Smaller. Handmade. Gifts can be time spent together, coupon favors. If we all simplified our notions and stopped living in a sea of beeping electronics and glittery plastic what-have-yous … maybe more folks would be able to enjoy the holiday with their family. maybe more people in less fortunate countries would not be living in danger and squalor. rampant consumerism and camping outside of chain stores that could care less about galvanizing local communities and about who is making their products for pennies a day or less … that’s just not “holiday spirit” to me. just my two cents. maybe instead of shopping we could actually do something that would really help another human being. just food for thought. thanks for letting me have my say.
As a part time retail worker, if my company decided to close for Black Friday (or at least not open early) then I would be out that pay. I don’t get holiday pay since I’m part time. So not only am I out the pay for Thanksgiving I don’t get the extra hours on Black Friday… I’m sorry but that sounds like the crap end of the stick.
I care not for holidays, & often want to work them, even when I worked retail. It is possible that those workers don’t mind going to work on holidays, but if it takes your family away from dinner, maybe they should just quit & collect unemployment =/ …oh but wait, you have to be fired for that…nvm
I agree about the shoppers. Most of those people are not there buying things for themselves. They are shopping for others and many are buying presents for their kids. It seems more like a sacrifice to camp out in the cold for your kids to get what they want for Christmas than a selfish act.
I personally think it is silly too. I would rather stay home with my kids on Thanksgiving night then worry about standing in line to get people presents that they don’t “need”.
True, but it also comes at an expectation that people that need to keep their retail jobs just to make ends meet must be there to support that ability to shop. The shopper had more choice and less to lose by being there than the retail worker had in not being there and refusing to work. One doesn’t get the perfect gifts on the cheap for their loved ones by changing their behavior while the other can’t house, feed, or clothe their loved ones by changing theirs.
I have a lot of family members who work retail jobs and have to work Thanksgiving day and Black Friday. It complicates our holiday planning to be sure, but we all know those family members won’t likely get time off on the “right” day. We just don’t hold our celebrations on the “right” day. We find the time that’s best for everyone and go with that. Typically it’s a few days before the official holiday. It doesn’t make any difference to us.
It’s not just retail workers who have to work holidays. A lot of services have to be open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, etc. Some people might begrudge working holidays, but I never have. I used to work overnights at a treatment center for children. Some of the kids there couldn’t go home on holidays, and I personally loved working holidays because I got to spend them with the kids. Easter and Christmas mornings were wonderful times with those kids, and I wouldn’t give those up just to be with my family on the right day at the right time.
Thank You! I thought I was the only person on here talking about Holidays being celebrated on other days. Everyone seems to be so concered with “the Day”. Retail stinks, but if spending time with family is whats is important to you, you will find the time. 🙂
If you want to lay blame somewhere and call people materialistic, then blame the companies and corporations who make the decisions about when to open and the number of shift hours each person has to work, therefore taking away family time and holidays. These companies/corporations are doing it to make more money in the event to “stay in the red” and make more profit (do these employees even see the benefits of the profit other than jobs, meager salaries, and benefits?). If people stayed home (which is impossible for every single person to do so), then companies/corporations would lose this money in which then they would have to cut hours or lay off people anyways. This would then open another whole can of worms about people being too frugal to support jobs and maintaining a living. It also then could be said that more domestic disputes, fights, violence, seperations/divorces, etc. would be a result of too much family spending time around each other. Then Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, etc. would rarely be uttered from mouths in the first place. This argument is a viscious cycle that someone will always make in order to make their viewpoint the one most important and therefore thinking that everyone else should “follow their example”. The world and people and traditions are what they are and they are not going to completely change one way or the other. As with anything else in the world, this subject is not black or white, but a HUGE gray area that each person blurs the lines with and therefore, keep your opinion to yourself or write it in a journal if you need to get it off your chest. Some of the things that people write in these replies are really the same thing that they are doing themselves. Even as I write this, I know that I don’t always keep my opinions to myself and this is the farthest thing from keeping them confined to a journal. For my “the end” I recommend that you listen to the song, “Christmas Shoes” to gain perspective that there are various reasons behind the people’s retail madness, and they are not always materialistic views. I cry every time I hear this song, but I still pause to listen to the whole song until its over, even if it makes me late for work, dinner, or meeting my family on time somewhere.
Thank you. What you said stood out. It resonated. Thank you, from Florida to where you are.
In the black = profit
In the red = showing a loss
I am not bothered that someone wishes me “happy holidays” I do, however, respond with Merry Christmas since that is the holiday that I celebrate. I think it’s fantastic when people wish me a happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or whatever they celebrate because that means they are including me in THEIR celebration, just as I include them in mine. It doesn’t diminish my love for Christ one bit.
Emily, I love that way of looking at it. 🙂
I love that way of looking at things.
Usually I am almost of the reverse practice, however. If I know what the other person celebrates I prefer to wish them a happy holiday of their preference (my Jewish friends receive Happy Hanukkah’s, pagans a Happy Yule, etc.) If I don’t know, I’ll go with Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (whichever happens to come out.)
But why wish them a Merry Christmas if THEY do not celebrate it? Why would I wish my Jewish or Pagan friend a Merry Christmas? Why would I assume everyone celebrates my holidays? Seems a little, I don’t know, just not quite respectful. I think as Christians, it is too easy to just try and pretend everyone else is our religion. Imagine growing up a Christian in a country that is predominantly another religion and having everyone assume that you celebrate their religious holidays? I think that is how Jews, Muslims, Athiests, and Pagans (and Pagans must get so annoyed this time of year knowing how many of these Christian traditions were taken from them without any acknowledgement)might feel in the U.S. By the way I loved this post because the spirit of it was so kind and decent.
I would love to start by saying the post is awesome and I completely agree with everything that was said in it! I am also a little disappointed by how many people are fixated on the fact that Black Friday does exist. That was completely besides the point!!!! It does exist and will likely continue for generations to come. I would finally like to point out that America is a Christian country. Should I travel to Iran, or rather, the Islamic Republic of Iran, I would never expect for someone to say Merry Christmas to me! That would be naive. It is impossible to determine what religion a person is unless in a specific garment worn by that religion. While assuming things is generally not a good idea, I think that Merry Christmas is a great way to actually personalize the holiday greeting without being offensive. Happy Holidays does have a tendency to be over-used by people trying to be politically correct. That is not a bad thing but I will always says Merry Christmas. It does not take away if I am told Happy Holidays. I smile, thank the person and reply Merry Christmas. (Many will repeat it after I have!)
Me too!! 🙂
WOW! So agree with all this! Wow! Thank you so much for posting these insights!
Thanks! And, you’re welcome. 🙂
Happy Holidays Jen! Love this piece ….glad I took the time to read it and very glad I shared it …you know the bell ringer at a store said to us … Happy Holidays…. and my first instinct was to say Merry Christmas …but that’s what I believe…and regardless of what the bellringer believes or not ….it is about sharing that heart of gratitude …that sincere well wishing that comes from the heart….maybe we should have such a thankful heart more than just once a year ….
Thanks Edna! And absolutely, we should have that giving and thankful heart all year round. <3
Thanks for a great post. I totally agree. I love Christmas and part of Christmas cheer to me is letting my light shine to others. I try to use the appropriate greeting for the person I am speaking to. If they celebrate Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Christmas or whatever. But when you are a cashier for thousands of people you shouldn’t be expected to know the life story of everyone or read anyone’s minds. Happy Holidays is nice, after all there are a lot of holidays, even for Christians. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years… I wish you happiness for all of them. So, happy holidays to one and all.
Holidays does come from holy days. Right?
Peace,
Sharon
Sharon,
That is exactly the way that I have always seen it! Even if you are a Christian, there are multiple holidays during this time of year. But you are exactly right… it’s just easier to say “Happy Holidays” to a stranger because there is no way to know what Holiday (if any) he or she celebrates. How can the words, “Happy Holidays” be offensive? I just don’t get it!
Well said!!! Thanks for sharing!! Since we are all about Grace, and that comes to us through Immanuel, our lives ought to be Grace-Full. So often, though, we don’t stay connected with Him enough so that His Grace overflows in all we say & do…including a Grace-Full attitude! Thus, our need for humble repentance daily, and a measure of sitting at His feet daily. Then, and only then, can I properly live and care for others with His love…at their feet, so to speak. Afterall, He humbled himself & washed my feet. I need to do the same! This sure helps put a Grace perspective on our Christmas/Holidays, and that’s what it’s all about!! Thanks for the great article, linked to by a FB friend.
Beautiful perspective Martha, thanks for sharing!
I LOVE this post. Thank you for sharing.
While it saddens my heart that many corporations have required their employees to use the statement “Happy Holidays” I don’t find it worthy of boycotting either. We would be hungry, cold, and without clothing (or worse) if we boycotted every industry that boycotted our Jesus. I simply smile, and return with “Merry Christmas to you too”
Thanks Stacey! And I agree… we still need to live IN the world, just not be OF the world. We can’t very well be in it if we’re going around boycotting anyone, rather than showing them kindness. 🙂
and I absolutely believe that ‘Happy Holidays’ is the exact right thing to say in that venue. Companies wish to extend greetings to ALL their customers/clients, not just the Christian ones! And that is as it should be. There is nothing anti-Christian about the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’. Nobody is trying to take Christ out of YOUR Christmas. They are simply wishing you a happy season. How can that be the wrong thing to say to ANYBODY????
How about if I’m a Bruno Mars lover???
Oh yes. I was remiss and accidentally left that off the last sentence. It SHOULD have read, “whether you’re a believer, a non-believer, a Walmart parking lot camper, or even a Bruno Mars lover.” 😀
Thank you for this! Well said, and I agree completely.
“I take it for nothing more than it is: a hopefully sincere and friendly good wish from one person to another.”
I love that line – perfect!
Thanks 🙂
Possibly the best blog post I’ve ever read. By anyone. Ever.
Wow! Possibly the best comment I’ve ever read. By anyone, ever. Thank you. 🙂
I agree! 🙂
great post! sums up my feelings exactly!
Thanks, Erica! Glad you liked it. 🙂
I’m not a Christian but I really enjoyed reading this, the message is universal for people of all faiths: Just be a nice person.
Also, I’ve always understood “Happy Holidays” to simply be a more efficient way of saying “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” (substitute Christmas for whatever holiday your faith celebrates). People forget that no matter WHAT religion you follow there are still multiple holidays this time of year that EVERYONE celebrates. If it’s said before Thanksgiving then that’s obviously included to.
Thanks Nicci, and absolutely… love and kindness towards others (during holiday seasons and at ALL times) should be universal indeed. 🙂
Jen, I was right with you until the very end. I was truly enjoying a Christian’s view that I–as a non-Christian–could be wished peace and good will without the “C” word. But then you divided the world into “believers”, “nonbelievers” and “Walmart campers”… I am a strong “believer” in my own faith, but I don’t think that’s what you meant. That divisive statement created a big conflict with the lovely sentiments of your previous words. Sorry.
I am sorry you found my final words divisive. My intent was just the opposite. What I meant – and perhaps I didn’t word it well – was that I truly wished happiness to EVERYONE, no matter *what* they believe in.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this! Not being a Christian myself, I have to say that the anger and intolerance of certain Christians toward the kind saying “Happy Holidays” (which is more inclusive of every walk of life, anyway) simply tarnishes their faith in my eyes. It certainly doesn’t encourage me to become like them.
So thank you for this post. I hope it reminds others to actually live the season they’re celebrating. Wonderful!
Thank you, Rebecca! 🙂 And this: “the anger and intolerance of certain Christians toward the kind saying “Happy Holidays” (which is more inclusive of every walk of life, anyway) simply tarnishes their faith in my eyes. It certainly doesn’t encourage me to become like them” plays a large role in why I felt the need to write this. I don’t think people realize that when they act this way that the message they are sending – about themselves, about Christ, about Christians in general – is the exact OPPOSITE of the one that Jesus himself would want them to send.
Well said!
Shouldn’t we just be thrilled that someone is wishing us well? Think about the people we meet in stores, on the streets, in our day to day lives. We don’t know what may be going on in their lives, that day, at that time. Our small words of cheer and a smile may be the nicest thought they get that day. We should always be our best regardless of what time of the year it is. Smile. Be happy. Share love. Return the salutation with your own “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays” and “Happy Festivus”.
Thanks 🙂 And absolutely!!! We never know when a simple kind word or gesture is going to change someone’s day, or even their life. It’s all about live and kindness 🙂
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy Festivus to you!!! Sending much peace, joy and love your way. 🙂 🙂
🙂 🙂 And to you!!
A very Merry Christmas to you! As someone who is not a Christian, I can’t tell you how nice it is to find a Christian displaying Christ-like qualities through her blog. Great post! Thank you!
Thank YOU. 🙂
Thanks for this article. It will be so much easier to just link this, rather than attempt to explain every time.
You’re welcome! 🙂
As a Pagan myself, who aims only to try to get people to respect me as much as I work to respect them, I find this attitude so incredibly refreshing and honest. Thank you.
Thank you! And, you’re welcome 🙂
Jen – THANK YOU. What annoys me is when people get high and mighty “IT’S CHRISTMAS – SAY IT!.” While I do celebrate Christmas – I have friends who celebrate Hannukah, Kawaanza, Eid, and other traditions – think how they feel when they see those take the Christ out of Christmas posts – Happy Festivus. G.
People getting high and mighty over just about anything annoy me…. but I wish them peace, joy, and love too. 😉 It doesn’t make sense to me to waste an ounce of energy over getting upset over something like that, when it’s just taking time away from concentrating on living what it is they say they’re celebrating. And a Happy Festivus to you. 😀
In his defense, it depends on when he said it – we say Happy Holidays up to the first of December, switch to Merry Christmas once we actually GET to the date. We’re not in the Christmas season until after Thanksgiving.
Depends on your view of too much emphasis on Christmas pushing by the big corporations which had decorations up before Halloween.
I don’t worry about corporations pushing Christmas too early, or how they greet me or when they do it…. it’s all good to me. 🙂
My teens have an issue with people saying “Happy Holidays”, but I don’t have a problem with it at all. I alaways feel a little awkward when people say “Happy Hallowen” to me (especially when my kids are with me)-because we don’t celebrate Halloween. I usually say “thank you” or “or same to you” because I know they are saying it to be friendly. I think it’s the same at Chistmastime. I think about those people who don’t celebrate Christmas-like my SIL’s family who are Jehovah Witnesses-and how it must be a little awkward for them. I rarely say “Merry Christmas” to someone unless I know that they celebrate it.
I was just saying something similar over on Facebook and a friend pointed me in the direction of your excellent post. There are a lot of anti ‘Happy Holiday’ posts being copy, pasted and passed on over there and I had a bit of a rant about it.
I quite like ‘Happy Holidays’. There are, after all, a lot of winter festivals and holidays in December so it covers everything and everybody. It really should be about the intent behind the greeting, if the intent is positive then what does it matter? I’m Pagan and I don’t mind what anyone is wishing me, as long as it’s positive and friendly.
As I was reading this I started to say oh no not another Christian getting up set about the happy holidays stuff ( I am a follower of Christ). Then when I got to the true message ( How do you take Christ out of Christmas? You take Christ out of Christmas every time you:Don’t take the high road.Are less than loving, and patient, and kind.Gossip, complain about, and judge others.Are slow to listen and quick to anger. ) I thought that is great, first it made me think wow I should not judge ( good inspiration). Second it is just good words of wisdom thanks for sharing. God Bless.
Yes, I sometimes like to start out with getting people’s attention. 😉 Thanks, I’m glad you liked the post! And God Bless you too.
“Peace, joy and love”? Did you run out of cash when buying Christmas cards?
Not being a religious person myself, this really was a nice read! I come from an incredibly religious family and I’ve tried numerous times to enlighten them about the pagan traditions a lot of the pastimes are based on but they hear none of it. It’s so nice to see someone with such a refreshing, clear-headed and open-minded perspective. Good job!
Thanks, Shawna 🙂
I was dispirited when I began reading this post, but after the first few paragraphs, I was happy that I had continued reading. I agree with every statement you made. We live in a pluralistic society and Christians are not the only ones who celebrate a holiday in December. Why should we shove “Merry Christmas” down the throats of people who celebrate other religious holidays, or none at all? Your statement that only we can take Christ out of Christmas is brilliant. Let’s not be “Ugly Christians,” which is what we’re being when we demand that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Agnostics, Atheists, and other believers and non-believers wish us a “Merry Christmas.” Merry Christmas!
Thanks! And Merry Christmas to you too. 🙂
Thx for writing. As a devout Christian, I like Christmas, but it’s actually Not a “Holiday” – that is derived from “Holydays” which are found in the Bible & set apart by God, for God. Christmas is a man-made celebration that is about Winter Solstice. And I love it for that, bc God created Winter Solstice & it is a promise that the seasons will continue forever until He returns. So, just relax & enjoy 🙂
Relax and enjoy indeed. 🙂 Thanks for the perspective!
Personally, I approve of retail businesses insisting that employees use “Happy Holidays”. I think Twilight Mom captured my thoughts well. She wrote:
“Let’s not be “Ugly Christians,” which is what we’re being when we demand that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Agnostics, Atheists, and other believers and non-believers wish us a “Merry Christmas.””
Allowing employees to choose “Merry Christmas” disrespects all those who are not Christian. Why is being disrespectful considered acceptable? Simply because there are more self-identified Christians in the USA?
With a country so strongly structured to avoid the influence of any specific religion on our governing, using “Happy Holidays” is just one more way we embrace the diversity that helps make our country exceptional.
If we think the complaining is loud and annoying now – try to imagine the uproar if employees were each assigned proper greetings for a different religion’s winter holidays! “Oh NO! I was wished a happy Hanukkah!” “Ack. He said something about Eid!”
Thank you for a wonderful thoughtful and truly Christian essay on this topic.
I loved her “ugly Christians” comment as well. Thanks for the encouraging words!
I just wanted to thank you for this post. I grew up in a baptist church in the south and I remember people back then wishing each other Happy Holidays as well as Merry Christmas and I’m still unsure of what’s wrong with this greeting. To me, Christ, as well as love, peace, and joy, is in the spirit in which the words are offered much more so than the words. There is more of Christ in a simple and sincere Good Morning! in the middle of July, then there is in an angry Merry Christmas in response to my offered Happy Holidays.
Several years ago, right around the time all this brouhaha over the semantics and rules on the “correct” way to wish someone the joy of the season, I held the door for a woman at a department store, smiled, and said brightly, “happy holidays!”. Instead of thanking me or returning a friendly greeting of her own, she stopped, gave me a very ugly look, and snarled MERRY CHRISTMAS!!” Instead of rising to this or letting her unpleasant demeanor ruin my good mood, I smiled even more brightly and said happily, “That’s the spirit!” and went on with my day.
I fail to see how this person’s ungracious behavior could ever be seen as Christlike and why anyone would feel this was the way to reach out to those who don’t believe. I am not a Christian myself, but I’m very glad I know many people who really do walk with Christ and know Him in their everyday lives, or I might judge all Christians by this type of behavior, which I find all too often. Luckily, I’ve lived long enough to know that this bad behavior isn’t a Christian thing, it’s simply an angry, unhappy human thing. I just wish people didn’t use their religion as an excuse for it.
Anyway, I really do hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a very Happy Festivus!!
That story – about the woman snarling Merry Christmas – made me laugh, except it’s not funny; it’s sad! I see it way too often, and as you said, it’s hardly Christ-like behavior, but angry unhappy human behavior. I love that you just responded with kindness. 🙂 And thanks!!
Love this:
Luckily, I’ve lived long enough to know that this bad behavior isn’t a Christian thing, it’s simply an angry, unhappy human thing. I just wish people didn’t use their religion as an excuse for it.
Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Your article touched me and I plan to share it with my friends. I wholeheartedly agree in your sentiments… for all traditions. I do not feel that Christians of today “stole” the various traditions from the Pagans of today and many times I just feel happy that people are finding a reason to celebrate (let’s be honest, Paganism of today is still relatively new, just borrowing from old traditions. Yes, I can say that. I am Pagan and I have been studying it for over a decade.)
With all of that, I truly wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you.
Thank YOU 🙂
Happy Festivus, Jan!! Thank you for this open minded and full-hearted reminder that this season means many things to many people…but it means family, love, togetherness and thoughtfulness to most of us. Every time I see negative comments about the season or hear that people are being forbidden from saying this or that I think about our troops overseas who would give just about anything to be standing in that line on Black Friday, to hear the Salvation Army bells…to be home. May everyone celebrate or not as they choose, I personally will be lighting the menorah and gifting my friends and family on the eight crazy nights!
Very well said, thank you!
As a “non-believer” I have often felt totally befuddled by the completely overblown reaction of believers when I say Happy Holidays. It makes no sense to me, and seems so counter to the message Jesus was spreading. No one is trying to take anything away from believers by using that phrase. When I look at someone coming through my line at the store, how the heck do I know whether they are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindi, Muslim, Pagan, or simply a non-believer? Yet 99% of these people are celebrating something during this time of year. So Happy Holidays is the phrase I choose to say. It is inclusive, it recognizes that not everyone I meet is going to have my belief and THAT THAT IS OKAY, and gives everyone a warm fuzzy feeling. Well, everyone except those that think they are having their Christ taken out of Christmas. And for those people? I can’t help them, really, I can’t. When I say Happy Holidays, it is because I’m wanting you to have a happy holiday, whatever holiday you’re celebrating.
Thank you so much for writing such a joyful, compassionate, but ultimately hard-nosed and practical post. Yes! The only person you can change is yourself, so spend your time “being the change you want to see in the world”, not wasting it lamenting about things you cannot possibly change. I’ll remember your post when I’m tempted to fall off the wagon of holiday cheer while being elbowed in the street by eager shoppers – hopefully it will get a couple more holiday smiles and well-wishes out of me. 😉
I’m honored that my post will help keep you on that wagon of holiday cheer. 🙂
What a well-written & beautiful post! As a Pagan, I don’t celebrate Christmas, and I do say, “Happy Holidays” at this time of year. I’m not trying to offend anyone or to be politically correct, or even take Christ out of Christmas. I am not offended when someone tells me “Merry Christmas,” I assume it’s a greeting given sincerely & joyfully, smile, accept it & move on. I don’t expect the world to change because I have different beliefs, we all have a right to our own. There are a lot of holidays that fall in November & December, I want everyone to enjoy whichever ones they choose to participate in. For me, it’s better than trying to guess & mistakenly offending someone even more.
You are so right, there are so many other things going on in everyone’s own lives, why start a war on what people should & shouldn’t be allowed to say to you during this most peaceful & joyful time of the year?
I, too, could not care less if someone wishes me a Happy *Insert Holiday I Don’t Celebrate*, but I often wonder if those who are offended by the nonspecific “Happy Holidays” have thought about whether the person saying it shares their faith or *gasp* assumes that they are not Christian.
This is a wonderful post. If the world were full of Jens, it would be a much more pleasant place to live. You have inspired me to work a little bit harder to tolerate annoying drivers, jay walkers, and grumpy salespersons – to be more like you. I’ll be a Santa-loving, atheist version of you, but more like you nonetheless.
This was a nice article. We waste so much time worrying about little things and what other’s think. If something is said sincerely accept it as a kind gesture. I really don’t think companies should dictate what employee’s say as far as a Christmas greeting, but like Jen says,
only you can take Christ out of Christmas. If you are a true believer He is always with you and in your heart.
Oh my goodness, that’s just about the best compliment I’ve ever gotten. Thank you!!
Dear Jen,
As a christmas-season loving neopagan, let me just say Merry Christmas to you my friend. This is the most awesome covering of this silly issue, and you are just AMAZING! More Christians in the world like you would make a much better world, and do Jesus proud I think.
And Happy Yule too! 😛
Thank you so much!!
Years ago, I worked with a woman who wished all of our customers a “joyful season” rather than a happy holiday. She said that for some it isn’t a holiday and she wanted to include everyone in her joy. I always thought that was kind of cool.
Oh I love that!
I love this article, Jen! I am pagan and Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I’ve had people ask me how I can celebrate when I don’t even believe in Christ or the Christian god, but my parents (also non-practicing) were big celebrators of Christmas, so I just grew up with it being a very festive, happy family holiday. It just had zero religious overtones. I’ve never known it any other way.
As an adult, it remains my favorite, and I celebrate it with as much fervor as I did when I was a child. My own children (who will one day be educated in the diversity of religion) love the holiday too, and they know it as I do–as a season of love and sharing and family. Thank you so much for helping people realize that IT’S OKAY to make a holiday your own (and in my case, it came from pagan roots anyway), and goodwill toward our fellow humans is what really counts.
You know, I bet our celebrations are very much the same at heart, because it’s all about love and sharing and family for me too. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words!
Your entry is the flip side of my Christmas coin for the past few years. When people wish me a Merry Christmas, I appreciate the goodwill, but it has often bothered me that by wishing me a Merry Christmas, they are making an assumption that I am Christian, which I am not. I like it much better when I am wished Happy Holidays and that is what I wish people myself because it applies almost universally (but not quite). It would never have occurred to me anyone who actually celebrates a December holiday could be offended by a greeting designed NOT to offend. I have always wished Merry Christmas in return to those who offer it first because there’s no chance of making a mistake there. So Merry Christmas!
Thank you!! 🙂
Loved this!
Up until last year, we lived next door to a Jewish family. Our families shared Christmas and Hannukah for 30 years. The idea came from our kids and theirs. We learned about their beliefs and the things behind Hannukah, they learned about our beliefs and the things behind Christmas. But, I think most of all, we all learned how important it is for us just to treat people with kindness and compassion, regardless of their religious or political beliefs. This is what my Christ has commanded, and this is the command I try to live my life by at all times.
Thanks for writing this.
Oh, I love your tradition of sharing both Christmas and Hannukah with your neighbors! What a lovely thing for the kids to grow up with. We can learn so, so much from other people/cultures/religions etc if we’re just open to it, and remember what’s really important. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you don’t mind if I quote you (with credit) for a sermon on Christmas morning.
I would be honored!! 🙂
Love it! Sharing all over. 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I *love* this post. I love it so much I may write my own post about it! I, too, wish everyone joy, peace, and love. It’s not about not offending for me. It’s about being inclusive. And “Happy Holidays” is much easier and faster than “Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa …” ENOUGH! I wish you – and everyone out there – happiness, peace, joy, and love. Period.
Thank you! Peace, joy, and love to you too. 🙂
I did write a post about this. I was fired up about this all day long! Holiday Monday
Excellent post, and thanks for the shoutout! I also enjoyed your post about profanity in blogging. 🙂
I’m an atheist friend of Becky’s (posted just above) who has been trying to figure out how to respond to people who are so angry about this. I’ve sort of came to the same conclusion, which is to just remain true to my own convictions about being loving and good to one another and let other people work their own stuff out. That’s what I tell my kids to do when they are drawn to start tattling on each other, it’s the least I can do as a grown up.
But as someone who makes a thought out choice to be inclusive and say “Happy Holidays” to people, I appreciate the benefit of the doubt. Thanks. I’m sure a whole lot of other people do too, regardless of their convictions.
<<...which is to just remain true to my own convictions about being loving and good to one another and let other people work their own stuff out>>
Yes, exactly! I was reading a thread on FB about this topic, and someone said something that really resonated with me…. that if someone gets offended or put out or angry that it’s THEIR issue, not ours, and that we should just continue to wish them well and live our lives the best way we know how. It’s sad that so many people choose to react that way (especially over something like this) but like you said, they need to work out their own stuff.
Well said, and much kinder and gentler than my usual annual rant on the same topic, which you can read on my FaceBook at the above link you want to. Huggs and Merry Christmas!
Thank you, and to you!! 🙂 I wasn’t able to access your link… would love to read it!
As an atheist, I try and explain this very concept to people who don’t always understand why I not only celebrate Xmas, but love it and look forward to it. Yes, it’s commercialized and materialistic in general – but that isn’t how I celebrate it. I celebrate with good food and gatherings and thinking of clever ways to surprise the folks I love.
And if someone wants to wish me “Merry Christmas,” then I interpret that as a blessing and a wish for pleasant things. What other response is there but “Same to you!”?
Exactly! I wish you a wonderful time of good food and gathering and surprising of your loved ones. 🙂
Love it!!!! I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one that feels this way. God has been putting it one my heart for a while to put something similar on my blog and seeing yours confirms that I should.
Be Blessed,
Staci
Thanks Staci!
Merry Christmas Jen!
As an Atheist it is often assumed that I have no belief system. Au contraire mon frere, I tell my inquisitor, I believe in YOU. That usually scares em. But I assure them, YOU have never let me down, though YOU have at times tested me, as faith often does.
The lovely, sane, inclusive and kind sentiments expressed in your post is what affirms what I believe and indemnifies what others would take away. YOU are good hearted people no matter what religion or lack thereof, and YOU make up for all the Scrooges.
I can’t imagine being offended by a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza or Happy Hanukkah when nothing but goodwill is intended. Why do so many find it so hard to give consideration to others? How can they denigrate anyone’s religion or beliefs in order to live in peace with their own?
If I know a person’s religious affiliation I don’t hesitate to wish them well on their specific holiday. I genuinely hope other people’s special days bring them comfort and community. A happy YOU, makes a happy ME.
May you all find peace and joy within. –Lynne
“A happy YOU, makes a happy ME.” I love that thought, thank you for such a great perspective!
This is really beautiful.
Never read your blog before – but this got posted on Facebook by a friend and I have to write to say THANK YOU. I love this.
As an agnostic teetering on the edge of atheism, I think yours are the sentiments that our world needs more than anything.
(As a writer, I say you really should shorten this up a bit and send it in to the New York Times. It’s quite excellent.)
Thank you so much, on both counts!
I am so happy to read this. Lately I have been feeling awkward because so many of my Christian, church family have been asking people to like/share their posts about people taking Christ out of Christmas. I have always felt like I cannot, nor do I have the right to, tell others what to call these holidays. However, as a Christian, I can take a stand and call mine Christmas and live as Jesus lived.
Your blog post is so refreshing. I have posted this link on my twitter and facebook accounts.
Peace, Joy, and Love to you in this Christmas season and all year round!
Thank you! Peace, Joy and Love to you too. 🙂
Thank you. As another self-identified neopagan, it’s refreshing to see this point of view. I don’t like to say Merry Christmas, it’s not my faith. I celebrate the winter solstice. I don’t believe in the divinity of christ.
Wishing someone a Merry Christmas when I’m not a believer feels disrespectful. It’s paying lip service to a religion I don’t subscribe to. I don’t want to disrespect anyone’s faith or deities by doing that, and it baffles me that people who seem to connect so deeply to their god want me to.
By wishing you a “Happy Holiday” I’m showing respect for your faith.
So I wish you all the happiest of holidays, no matter what your faith.
Dawn Mcilmoyle,
http://www.dsafire.net
Congratulations on getting over your self! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more Christians could? I believe that it’s OK for anyone to great anyone in the manner most appropriate to them. And our replies can be whatever is most appropriate for each of us. When someone wished me a Happy Holiday, I hear it as “enjoy your celebration”. I have no qualms about replying with “Merry Christmas to you, too!” The meanings are the same to me.
Great post! I’m sure you’ll want to know it was Thorreau, not Emerson, who said, “Who you are thunders about you so loudly that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary”. It’s one of my favorite quotes.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks!
I did some googling, because it’s one of my favorite quotes too, but I’ve always heard it credited to Emerson. Here’s a link about it. 😉 http://quoteinvestigator.com/2011/01/
Excellent post! Have a Happy Festivus, and a Merry Christmas, too!
Thank you! And to you 🙂
Thank you for speaking so eloquently on my behalf.
I am not disturbed by “Happy Holidays”. Should I expect the clerk to know I’m a Christian? What if he’s Muslim? or Hindu? or Jewish? Appreciate the fact that he’s wishing you happiness and wish him the same. Say “Merry Christmas” if you want. But don’t blame a store which is trying to make all of its customers welcome by asking the clerks to use the generic “Happy Holidays” instead of a more religion-specific greeting.
Exactly! And you’re welcome 🙂
Fantastic blog post. The timing was excellent, as I’d just been having this very discussion – or something like it – with friends on the yearly ramping up of angry “attack on Christmas” articles and online posts. They have become as ubiquitous as Christmas lights on houses, have come to herald the season in a much less attractive manner.
From an non-believer to you, sincerely, I wish you a Merry Christmas.
Thank you!
Just a quick note to say thank you. Your post was very well thought out and written. I thank you for voicing what I have not been able to. And, have a very Merry Christmas….all year long.
Thank you! And to you as well. 🙂
As an agnostic, this is the most logical thing I’ve ever read. So for someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas for its religious purposes, but more for the spirit of the holiday; that of love, peace, joy and being close with your family friends, I wish you a Merry Christmas! What really made me turn from Christianity were the self-righteous who complain about “Happy Holidays”. To me, Merry Christmas does sound better coming out of my mouth, but if the world is going to the Happy Holidays street, I’ll make the turn. Even it’s mainstream. No need to be a Hipster about it.
Unfortunately, I think a lot of people are turned from Christianity because of the self-righteous (not just on this issue, but many others) But, we’re not all like that. 😉 Merry Christmas to you too. 🙂
Well, you just said what I would have said in tomorrow’s blog post, only you said it so much better than I would have.
Jen: Thank you for your article; Kudos and well said!
I’ll say “Happy Festivus/Holidays/Yuletide/Christmas”
May ANY holiday you celebrate, be full of Love, Light and Peace.
Blessings to you!
And to you 🙂
Awesome perspective! Merry Christmas for sure!=)
I wish more Christians like you would speak up more often.
Thanks Cyndi, that means a lot!
I think everyone here is missing the point. It is not that Whiny Christians want everyone to wish them a Merry Christmas it is the fact that only the Winter Holiday that was/is being marginalized. The Christmas Tree is being coined a Holiday Tree and the Nativity scene is seen to be offensive, but the Jewish Menorah was/is not being mandated to be referred to as a Holiday Candlestick; so not to offend Christians. Why is the only Winter Holiday being made into a generic, all inclusive, politically correct holiday Christmas? Christians are being restricted from wishing people a Merry Christmas, but all other Religions can wish me the best on their Holiday.??? That doesn’t make sense. Why restrict one and not the other? It appears that no one cares if Christians offend, but the Christians much walk on eggshells to not offend anyone elses Religion. Not only is it a double standard but it is intolerance.
You can say Happy Holidays, but don’t mandate that Christians do the same. It is not offensive, it is the Christmas season, and Christmas is about the birth of Christ not Santa Claus. Last year The Kentucky Governor tried to re-name the Christmas Tree, they tried to call it the Holiday Tree…because they didn’t want to offend other Religious Holidays. But in doing so they have offended Christrians and Christmas. No other Religious group has the government and the media trying to make it less exclusive and “less offensive”. That is why the Christians are upset. It appears to be a separation of church and state, but not for the Christian Religion.
Generally speaking it’s because a state or local government is insisting on putting up a tree. I have yet to hear of a state insisting on putting up a menorah, a Yule log, or anything else. That is why we make it more inclusive. Go ahead and enjoy the fact that YOUR holiday is celebrated EVERYWHERE, despite separation of church and state! 😉
P. S. What does a tree have to do with Christ anyway, eh?
http://www.examiner.com/atheism-in-atlanta/the-war-on-christmas-is-a-myth#ixzz1f3EXYL5M
Enough said.
Jen, as an atheist.. I appreciated what you wrote. Merry Christmas or what ever you call this time of the year.
Interesting read, thanks!
Well, not ALL the Christians are upset. I’m not upset. 🙂 Honestly, it doesn’t matter at all to me what they call the tree. Christmas Tree, Holiday Tree, Pine Tree. It’s just a tree (and as the poster below me pointed out, has nothing to do with Jesus) As I said in the post, it doesn’t matter what words we use, or what is or isn’t PC or offensive or exlusive. If I want to celebrate Christ, then I will do just that… by treating other people the way He’d have me treat them.
I don’t care what you call any of it, either! My Catholic-turned-Protestant Mom married my very Jewish step-father and they have a Christmas Tree that is oftentimes called a Hanukkah Bush. 🙂 He wishes me a Merry Christmas & a Happy Hanukkah and I do the same. I just don’t understand what all the fuss is about! Call it whatever you wish — can we just BE happy?? peace*joy*love
“Why is the only Winter Holiday being made into a generic, all inclusive, politically correct holiday Christmas? Christians are being restricted from wishing people a Merry Christmas, but all other Religions can wish me the best on their Holiday.??? That doesn’t make sense. Why restrict one and not the other? It appears that no one cares if Christians offend, but the Christians much walk on eggshells to not offend anyone elses Religion. Not only is it a double standard but it is intolerance.”
I’m sorry, but this is just incredibly silly, and spoken like only a member of an incredibly privileged member of a majority could speak. I really get tired of the persecution complex so many Christians get this time of year. Please, take a moment to do an experiment. I am sure that if you look at each “Holiday Tree” (which is NOT, as many have pointed out, Christian in origin) or denied Nativity Scene, you will find that they were located in what should have been religiously neutral government or public spaces that refused to allow representations of other religions. Also, walk through you local retail store and count how many Christian decorations you find, then compare it to how many you find for other holidays. Look at how many children’s books there are for the season that do not at least pay lip service to Christians (or Holiday CDs, or Holiday films, etc.) I have no doubt that I would say “Merry Christmas” on the day of, but in your post you completely missed the point with your “it is the Christmas season.” Well, no, Christmas is Christmas, and Solstice is Solstice, and on and on; it is a Season of many Holidays, and the rest of us would just like a little acknowledgement that we EXIST.
Thanks so much, Jen, for such a thoughtful, peaceful and loving post!
Jen, Thank you for writing your post. As a friend of mine said (that posted this on FB), you are a true Christian. Instead of bickering and whining, you take the high road, the road less traveled.
I am not a Christian. I am Pagan, but I do know of Jesus, but our beliefs are different. That doesn’t make either of us wrong though. My wishes are as yours, of peace, joy, and love for all of humanity.
Thank you again, for standing your ground and for being “Real”.
Brightest Blessings, Love and Light Ron
Wow, thank you for the beautiful sentiment! Blessings, love and light to you too.
Great post and discussion, Jen! I have so many thoughts and opinions swirling around in my head related to this topic. I get very passionate about stuff like this…
I am a Christ-follower BTW and I agree that it’s how we live (showing love, living out peace and offering grace in tangible ways instead of the alternatives) that counts more than what we say we”believe”.
Peace, Love and Light!
Jess
PS- Thanks for blessing our family with that great son of yours as my boys’ new MineCraft buddy!
Thanks, Jess. 🙂 And they are having so much fun playing with your boys! I love that our kids are growing up able to have the freedom to play a game like that with kids in another country. How cool is that?!
Although I do not believe in your religious sentiments I completely agree with your whole article. So beautifully written 🙂
Have a wonderful holiday season…
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well. 🙂
Thank you for this.
I’ve been trying to get friends of mine to understand this. It’s been so hard to do, it’s quite sad. Mainly, for the reason that they’re claiming it’s one’s right as a Christian, but the fact that they aren’t acting/speaking very Christ-like. It’s bewildering. The biggest thing I try to point out is the fact that Jesus taught us to love God genuinely and not to make a show of it for others. He, also, taught when we give and when we pray, we should do it privately. On facebook alone, ‘Christians’ are always making a show of their belief in God. I am a Protestant Christian and I used to ‘spread the Word’ so much that I drove my friends crazy, growing up. Then, I learned, that He does not want you shoving Him ‘down people’s throats’. After that, if someone was curious, I’d share my thoughts/beliefs and then listen openly to theirs. From this, I started to learn so much more. I was lucky to be of a Baptist church that was pretty open minded, as far as Baptist churches go, and we were always taught to never try to tell anyone that their beliefs were wrong, because we are not God, and we do not have the right to judge.
There are a lot of cult-like Christian religions, now, and people whom used to never believe, whom used to party too much, were addicts, etc, turned their lives around and turned to these cult like beliefs. It’s sad to see these same, once open-minded people, even with their troubles, have become such bigoted people. I’ve been told by these people that the true way to get to Heaven is to spread the Word, their way. I.E. if you know a homosexual person, you are to go up to that person and tell them they have a Demon inside them and they need to find Jesus and take him as his/her personal Savior or they are doomed to Hell. I’ve been told I have to hate certain types of people for being certain types of ways or hate certain people from Biblical times, etc. I try so hard not to judge back, but it is hard to hear. I was not taught to ever hate, ever. Not by my mom or grandma, not in church, not in school, not where I work, but I have parishioners of these cult like churches that have been ‘springing up’ this past decade, telling me to hate and to judge. It’s quite disheartening. It’s these types of ‘Christians’ and the extremist ‘Bible Thumpers’ that has taken the Christ out of Christianity. I do believe Jesus existed and do believe in His teachings, but do tend to not want to identify myself as a Christian. The reason I can believe, yet still not always identify, is because am fully aware and am satisfied in the knowledge that He, Himself, was not a Christian, being Christianity didn’t exist in his time.
He taught his Jewish brethren to think for themselves not to follow men whom appoint themselves as being the ‘all knowing anointed ones’ whom are mostly in it for control and profit. Jesus wanted men/women to love one another and to look out for the lowest of the low person no matter what his/her sins or social status may be.
As for the Holiday, isn’t there something about not celebrating traditions or something to that manner? How about worshiping items, i.e. the Christmas tree, the lights, the angels, the crosses, the statues of Mary, all of these things. Also, to say it wasn’t stealing (re: pagan to Christmas, just from an earlier post), maybe that is harsh, but it wasn’t really borrowing either. The whole pagan holiday was deemed no longer a holiday and its symbols were no longer pagan symbols, they just were ‘made’ Christian by Constantine. (the change was pretty much forced) I do find it important for people to learn not just the Bible when it comes to history, because it helps one to be more open minded about the world around them. If one actually learned a bit about other religions, even, one would see the multiple similarities, especially in the Quaran, the Christian bible and the Torah pretty much begin the same way, they just split in different areas. That doesn’t make theirs more incorrect than ours or vice versa. You will see many mythological stories that were written long before the above mentioned ‘scriptures’, that have a lot in common with stories from each of the above. It’s quite eye opening.
I like to think science fills in the holes or should I say the ‘scriptures’ fill in the holes of science or maybe makes the science story sound more fascinating. After all, science fact isn’t always a fascinating read, but science fiction sure can be, because it’s told as a story, science ‘fact’ is usually not.
For me, I believe all the Holy texts are moral stories and an attempt to explain how things came to be and for what purposes. Once man started dabbling in Science, artistry, literature, etc. not too many new Holy texts have been written, it makes one ponder. And based on Jesus’ teachings, there is nothing wrong with questioning what one is being taught.
Anyway, sorry for the long rant. But I just wanted to show that being open minded does not make one anti-Christ at all. Being a compassionate person whom is tolerant of others is what makes one more ‘godly’. So, Happy Holidays, everyone! 🙂
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you sharing your thoughts on this!
Bravo. Beautiful job. My sentiments exactly. The only person who can take Christ out of my Christmas is me. Wish everyone and very Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season.
This is beautiful. Thank you so much for writing it.
I have “Christian” people in my life who get their panties in a giant twist about the “Happy Holidays” thing. I have Pagans in my life who get cranky when someone wishes them “Merry Christmas” (one of them has SUCH A FIT every year because she’s also Jewish as well as Pagan and OMG THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT IT’S INAPPROPRIATE BAWK BAWK BAWK — so much eye-rolling). Me? I’ll happily accept good wishes any time of the year. And I’ll gladly accept those wishes for any holiday that gives me presesnts, too.
And those people who get in my face about “IT’S CHRISTMAS! SAY IT SAY IT SAY IT!”? Yeah, they get “Have a blessed Yule” from me.
Thanks 🙂 And I agree… any sincere good wishes, or presents, are okay by me. 😉
I totally agree…and Happy Holidays is true…Thanksgiving…Christmas….new years all come so quickly dealing together….as well as all other holidays celebrated……so yes they are all holidays…..right????So why not just say esp. As a salesworker dealing with cranky shoppers who don’t have time anyway to make small talk:…happy holidays!and besides if there boss at a meeting says to the workers make sure you say merry Christmas or happy holidays to every customer than they aren’t say it by choice anyway :)see now I have to get my kids off to school and wanna end this by wishing everyone a merry (there specific holiday but I don’t have time…so I will say Happy Holidays..why because that covers everyone!!! And I leave nobody out 🙂
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My daughter Jamie shared your post on FaceBook. I am so happy to have read your wonderful post!
She (the daughter) has been okay with Happy Holidays for a while now, me being the holdout. You have totally changed my perspective on it. For that I thank YOU!
I will wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas, and a wonderful happy holiday season!
gail
Ahh, I love that I have helped influence a holdout!! 😉 You are very welcome, and a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to you too!!
Very well said. I totally agree with you.
The definition of holiday is indeed ” Holy Day”, so however you say it it is still praising God. Any way you want to say it ” Merry christmas and Happy Holidays”
Very well said. I’m a Pagan and celebrate Solstice, but I always wish my Christian friends Merry Christmas. If I don’t know whether the individual is Christian, Jewish, Pagan, or some other religion, I usually refrain from commenting and make them a merry wish silently. When someone mistakenly wishes me a Merry Christmas or invites me to church or any such as that, I take it in the spirit in which it is offered and thank them. They mean well and are offering to share such as they have — isn’t that what walking in light and love is about?
Also, Happy Holidays wraps Christmas and New Year up in the same package — two for the price of one.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wonderfully written! Sharing your post. You’ve summed up things so eloquently that I’ve been hoping to find a way to say.
As a non-Christian, I’m thrilled to read your message of tolerance. While I have no reason to object to the way other people express their faith, and I have no objection to my children being exposed to those faiths, I often feel fear that the friends who are expressing Christian sentiments will reject us if they find out we’re not the same faith. (I have had people assure me that that won’t happen–allow me to assure you that it *has* happened, to me, with people who had known me for years.) Having the feeling of fear when someone wishes me Merry Christmas is not only saddening–from your point of view, do you want people afraid of your faith?–but also brings anxiety to the season. In addition, I feel isolated, not being able to express my own faith. What a joy it is when I can exchange a “Happy Yule!” with someone who also feels free to say, “Merry Christmas!” and we can both still be kind to one another!
It makes me really sad to hear of anyone rejecting a friendship with someone based on a different faiths, but I know that it happens. 🙁 What a small, small world to create for yourself. I know and love many people with many different beliefs, and my life is richer for it to be sure! Thanks for the perspective, and please know that you are welcome here, just as you are. <3
Jen – thanks for much for sharing this with us. I am sending it to just about everyone I know. In fact, I think it will probably go viral on Facebook! Someone else has written that Christianity has survived a multitude of persecutions and attempts to eradicate it over thousands of years. If these haven’t succeeded, a simple “Happy Holidays” doesn’t have a chance. I am SO looking forward to the next person who says, “Happy Holidays” to me so that I can wish it right back at them. Thanks again.
Thanks for passing it along. And, you’re welcome! 🙂
AMEN!!
I’m going to share this post on my (2) Facebook walls!
I too am a Christian, but believe in not creating conflict.
I have a step-mother-in-law that is Jewish. I love her and wish her Happy Hanukkah as that is what she was raised as and what she believes in. Does that lessen her as a person? Absolutely NOT!
My mother told me as a child, “It does not matter what church we go to as we are all after the same goal. The different churches just go about it different ways.”
Thank you for saying this. Your words really hit the mark. I am going to post “The only one who can take your Christ out of your Christmas is you.” as my FB status.
What a wonderful post! I shared this on my FB page. I say Happy Holidays when I’m not sure what or whether you celebrate or not; I am Catholic yet married to a Jewish man- I welcome the well wishes for a Happy Holiday without taking offense. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season!
Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas. xoxo
Really inspiring post, Jen!
So happy to have just found your writings. Love your insights. I am a “Path” person, too!
Peace for yours,
Robin
I just had a 3 day Facebook argument with the kind of Christian that is royally torqued by the “war on Christmas.” THANK you for reminding me of the Christians who actually listen to Christ’s message of peace. Peace an Love to you and yours. You have unruffled pretty much ALL of my feathers. I have shared this post and will just drop the argument.
Sorry for the typo and Happy Solstice!
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I never understood why people get so angry about “Happy Holidays.” Isn’t New Years Day a holiday too? Isn’t it based on the Christian calendar? Then if I say “Happy holidays” can’t that just as easily mean “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year?”
This was awesome! And I like to remind all those who like to grump about “happy holidays” – it ISN’T Christmas YET…it is STILL Advent. More than that, the word “holiday” comes from “holy day”. So, actually, “Happy Holidays” is appropriate all the way around!
I’m with you – I have never been nor will I ever be offended by “Happy Holidays”. Thanks for this post!
Yes. It is NOT Christmas — YET. It IS Advent. So I have been mulling an appropriate seasonal greeting for devout Christians. “Blessed Advent” sounds right to me.
In actuality, I’m a seeker, a follower of Jesua ben Joseph. I am not a follower of Saul, aka Paul… so I’m not really a Christian when you truly parse the beliefs.
I enjoyed your blog. I also agree in the practicality of the cashier wishing Happy Holidays when he didn’t know what you celebrated. My grocery store has the policy of having a sign up for most of the main holidays for the major religions, (Christian, Jewish High Holidays, Diwali, etc , alas none of the pagan ones yet), the mall will have Holiday AND Christmas decorations, and as we are in a Jewish neighbourhood, they also have a large Menorrah for Hannukah. Isn’t it better to be able to share the joy of our festivities and wish each other well then ban something just because we don’t participate in it?
Love it. Thank you, Jen.
Happy holidays!
Ridiculous. Why can’t you just accept a well-wisher who doesn’t freaking know WHAT your holiday might be? For all he knows you’re JEWISH and doesn’t want to offend.
Get a life.
LOL… feel free to remove my last comment! i should read the entire thing, right???
I was just going to ask if you’d actually read the whole thing! Happy Holidays to you. 😉
HA! I love that you posted a retraction…. 🙂
Yes! Yes, yes, yes!
Thank you, this was so beautifully said.
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Loved the article and agree with you 110%!
Just an historical fact for you:
Christ was not born in Dec. As you know, Mary and Joseph were called for the Roman census in Bethlehem. December was harvest time, and it would have made no sense to call people from the fields to be counted. Most historians believe that Christ was born around August.
Then why December 25th. Here’s an interesting article that explains why.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/news/2000/dec08.html
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy Winter Solstice!
And of course Merry Festivus!
Interesting read, thanks! And a very merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and Festivus to you, too 🙂
Great perspective and I struggle very hard to be more tolerant of others. This was a wonderful reminder to not sweat the little things. It really shouldn’t matter if someone says Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. But sometimes it does matter because so many Christians feel threatened by political correctness. The insistence on saying Merry Christmas seems to be a response to so many restrictions placed on Christians in recent years. The Bible does warn us not to be ashamed of our Saviour. But you are absolutely right that being rude, overbearing, and self-righteous is not the answer. And I do see so much of that. Our former priest did not even like for us to say Merry Christmas during Advent. No Christmas Carols, No Celebrations, No Merry Christmas until most people were taking down their trees. All in all, I agree that these things pale in comparison to Great Commandment.
Thank-You for the very well put point and for a reminder that Christmas and Christianity should be about LOVE !!! LOVE thy neighbor as thy self !!! Does not say anything about if they are Jewish, Catholic, Atheist, Red,Yellow ,Black or White it says simply to LOVE !!! Will be re-posting and wishing you all Happy Holidays and a Blessed Merry Christmas !!!
Merry Christmas and thanks for the very, very good blog entry. Loved it!
I don’t understand the notion that saying “Happy Holidays” somehow diminishes the meaning of Christmas. As our society becomes more diverse, it’s only good manners to try to be as inclusive as possible. Christ himself was all about inclusion, right? I enjoyed your blog and will probably send it to my crazy relatives who get all bent out of shape about things like this. Thanks for your words, which I will steal. Oh, and Merry Christmas.
Thank you so much for this post. Beautifully written, wonderfully put. And most importantly, people can be such grumps. :\
I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, the perfect Christian. In fact, I struggle with all organized religion, most days. This post of yours (and I have no idea who you are) really rings true. Be kind to others. Treat others with care and consideration, no matter what. Christ loved everyone. Even if he were “just a man,” who am I to be less than that?
At Christmas time, the joy that fills my heart, for so many reasons, is enough to make me want to share it with whomever I meet.
I love this article. Its well thought out and well written. It speaks to everyone and every religion. Blessed be my friend
What a breath of fresh air! Thank you for writing this! I know you will catch some flack but you’ll also catch a lot of gratitude. I think the reason why the Holiday Season is becoming more secular is a result of years of in your face bullying by squeaky wheel Christians. As a non Christian I have put up with some pretty obnoxious Christian coworkers and classmates who view themselves as being at the head of the spiritual food chain, entitled to proclaim what, how and when everyone will celebrate anything. My husband is a very devout Christian but is a very quiet, serious man about his beliefs. He wouldn’t ever consider bullying others about their beliefs like he wouldn’t dream of telling married couples how to have sex properly. Religious beliefs are intimate. For goodness sake, does anyone really believe that Jesus would be happy to hear his name used over and over again in a commercial setting? Isn’t there a story about him chasing out the vendors and money changers, etc, out of the temple? Honestly, times are tough enough already, winter is just getting started, and the human condition is not getting any easier. That person who wishes you Happy Holidays at the cash register might just be the person who finds your kid after she manages to sneak away from you as you are leaving the store, jumps your battery in the parking lot or pulls your car out after sliding into a ditch on your way home. I just love No one can take Christ out of Christmas but you. I wonder if those who are so shrill about taking Christ out of Christmas would be so eager to put Christ back in Christianity. You are a wonderful writer and I hope you keep using your talents to keep us on the straight and narrow! Have a safe, peaceful holiday season!
Thank you for such a great post!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the post, love it! It may inspire me to update my own blog. After having my baby over the summer, my attention have been elsewhere…. though I’m definitely not complaining! 🙂
Merry Christmas!
First off, well written article. Secondly, not to say I’m surprised that some religious people are offended by “happy holidays,” but it is kind of shocking that it’s come to a point where you had to write an article about why it’s ridiculous to be offended by such a statement. I had no idea there were so many people who were outraged by such a kind parting phrase. When I think of the phrase itself, I am thinking of both Xmas and the New Year. We’re basically summing up the entire end of December/beginning of January in two words. I am not religious, but I do say Merry Christmas when I’m speaking of Christmas itself, but not when I’m wishing them a happy holiday season. Perhaps this was already touched on in the comments, but there were too many to read. Happy Holidays, all. 🙂
Wonderfully written! Thank you!
A Christian who insists on wishing people “Merry Christmas” is sort of like me wishing everyone “Happy Birthday” on MY birthday. Sure, it might be their birthday too – but in the (likely) case that it’s not, it would be awkward and uncomfortable.
This is fantastic! You molded a bunch of things I’ve thought of for quite some time into a very spot-on blog.
I’m sorry, but this article is sensible, compassionate, calm, and rational. It has no business being on the Internet. Can’t you rant angrily about how the Jews are destroying the world, or how the world is ending because your local grocery stopped carrying your favorite brand of chocolate?
I appreciate your take on this because I’m one of the people who would prefer Happy Holidays, and it’s not my intention to steal Christmas. Rather, when someone wishes me Merry Christmas I am stuck with a bit of a dilemma. I either answer Merry Christmas right back and feel like a fraud or imposter, betraying my own beliefs, or I explain that I’m not a Christian and it becomes awkward. I do recognize the good intent behind it, don’t get me wrong. The thing is, no one is accidentally going to wish you Happy Hannukah (and I’m not Jewish either) in America because the default assumption is Christianity. Perhaps if you go to Israel you might experience that, or if you show up at a Jewish gathering of some kind.
To be assumed, always and everywhere, to be something you are not is tiring. You feel invisible. Christmas is like an onslaught of invisibility with the added push to “SHOP!” even if you don’t have a holy day that includes shopping as part of the celebration. Some even give in and exchange gifts despite that.
So…Merry Christmas! And thank you for understanding “Happy Holidays.”
Well said! I did read an article that stated that some Christians are trying to use Happy Holidays more because they do not want all the other Christian Holidays at this time of year to be forgotten – Advent, Three Kings Day, St Nicholas Day. They obviously don’t get the same publicity as the War on Christmas crowd.
I love Christmas as a non-Christian for the extra time I get to spend with friends and family. I love having an excuse to bake for my neighbors and visit and laugh. I’m not a shopper per-se, but I do love finding the ‘perfect’ gift for someone and waiting excitedly for them to open it to see if it really is ‘perfect’.
To me, the War on Christmas rhetoric was devised as a method to divide people, at a time of year that is traditionally about togetherness. I think that is rather sad. As for me, I’ll celebrate the shortest day of the year with warm thoughts for all as we look to the brightening sky.
Someone who gets it. How refreshing.
To maintain the proper spirit of the holidays, I shall wish you an Acrimonious Festivus instead. Let the Airing of the Grievances commence!
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I don’t think anyone really cares about “Happy Holidays” but I know a whole bunch of people pretend to care for purely partisan reasons. Because scoring political points and making a bunch of noise in the media seems to be the only thing people really care about these days. I mean really, how small is your God that you get offended if some business chooses to include the Jews and everyone else who celebrates a winter holiday? Get over yourself. My God is huge and isn’t bothered by such pettiness.
Thank you for stating so clearly how I feel. I’m not very articulte but I will gladly share your words.
Merry Christmas!
Here via the Friendly Atheist. I agree that the season is about love and goodwill. For some it is a religious holiday, for others a holiday of family. I love that it is a Christian overlay on a Pagan holiday – to me it’s a reminder that the world is a wonderful melding of cultures and traditions. As a non-theist raised in a Christian church, I use Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays pretty interchangeably – because what I mean by both those greetings is simple: I wish you peace and joy.
Jen,
Just wanted to say thanks. I’m a liberal, agnostic, gay Marine, but I still feel that Peace, Love, and Joy are the bedrocks not just of the season, but of the human spirit. It’s my goal to fight for peace, search for love, and bring joy to those around me. Your article made me smile.
Hugs,
Neal
You’re very welcome, Neal! And thank YOU for all that you do. 🙂
Thank you for this. I have a select group of facebook friends (who are lovely people most of the time) that are already hopping on that particularly ugly bandwagon. Sadly, most of these people won’t take anything I have to say seriously or well because I’m an atheist. So thank you for allowing me the opportunity to point to this post and say, “See? I’m not being meanie-meanie atheist-pants when I say that letting go of the “Happy Holidays Hate” is the way to go. I just want everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect.”
I accept any and all winter holiday greetings with a smile, because that’s what you do when someone is nice to you. Merry Christmas and warm Festivus greetings! 🙂
Another atheist here, who came here from Friendly Atheist. I’ll let you in on a little secret: there is no war on Christmas. Or at least, only one side showed up to fight it: the bloviating buffoons at Fox Noise. You know who I’m talking about, the idiots who think their viewers are even stupider than themselves and are constantly searching high and low for something to be outraged about.
I’ve never met an atheist who was offended if someone said “Happy Christmas” to them. And I wish “Christmas warriors” includes Christmas along with Kwanza, Hannukah etc. It’s just a polite way of saying “I don’t know what you celebrate, but whatever it is, have a good one.” Like most Americans, I celebrate Christmas in a secular way, getting together with family and enjoying good food and company. I could point out the thoroughly “pagan” origins of Christmas, but I’d rather enjoy it than start fights about it. Merry Christmas, y’all!
I meant to say, ‘I wish “Christmas warriors” realized that “Happy Holidays” includes Christmas along with Kwanza, Hannukah etc.’
Also via the Friendly Atheist – you remind me of what good Christians are like, in a time when all we hear is the noise of Christians noisily proclaiming how good they are in contrast with the rest of us – and how awful it all is. How other people should be punished, not cared for. How many declare themselves as Christian but also applaud Republicans deriding desperate immigrants, or declaring poor people don’t deserve health care. Frothing about abortion, yet deciding that families in need have somehow bought it on themselves. I’m okay, so sod you, Jack. Teach only my beliefs. Do what I demand!
And treat my wishes as more important than anyone else’s – because I AM CHRISTIAN!!! They use their beliefs as a weapon to get their own way…and ignore the contradictions.
So thank you. Thank you for being like some of my favourite friends, who remind me, quietly, just by their actions, how being a Christian could – should – be a wonderful, admirable thing.
Even people of the non-believing persuasion appreciate this post. I came here via the Friendly Atheist: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/11/30/a-christian-who-doesnt-care-about-the-phrase-happy-holidays/
Happy holidays!
Amen and amen. I so weary of this debate. HAPPY HOLIDAYS just because I want too.
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for such an eloquently said piece!
Another visitor from the Friendly Atheist here.
Thank you for writing this piece. So many of the comments I’ve read already expressed how I feel, so I’ll keep it succinct.
You are awesome!
¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!
(just to mix it up a bit 😉
I was sent here via Friendly Atheist, too, and wow, what an awesome piece this is! I’m not religious, but I’m a “cultural Christian,” being brought up with the secular traditions of Christmas that include the Santa myth, lights, trees, and dropping everything in our busy lives to get together with family to share meals, gifts and togetherness. I love that this piece isn’t telling me that I’m “doing it wrong!” Unfortunately, I have Christian friends who do just that.
Like many others here, I have a number of Facebook friends who get themselves quite worked up about the “happy holidays” issue, angrily filling their posts with ALL CAPS about how whenever anybody dares to wish them “happy holidays,” they shout, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” back at them. Shout? Really? How is that a greeting? To me, what they are showing is intolerance, anger, and perhaps a bit of spite. My other Christian friends on Facebook are silent on this matter, which leaves a vacuum for the intolerant yelly people to fill. As Marcia posted earlier, these angry rants heralding the season are becoming “as ubiquitous as Christmas lights on houses,” and it brings me sadness instead of the joy I used to feel at this time of year. I wish more Christians would follow your example – yours is a view we all need to hear more of. Look how many people, with different beliefs, you’ve brought together in this post! To me, that’s the spirit of the season! Thank you for bringing that back.
(Oops. HTML fail.)
I agree that the “war” to keep Christ in Christmas has taken a very unloving tone with a lot of organizations. I’m not offended when people wish me a Happy Holidays, but I do say Merry Christmas back. I celebrate a God, not a season. Christmas is not about peace and joy and love. It is about a God who loved man and hated sin so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice of Himself to pay the price for sin. He didn’t flinch away from offending people or hurting their feelings. He shared the truth in love because He is love. I think there is more than one way to lose the Christ in your Christmas, you can PC him into oblivion with well wishes.
Well, the God that I worship at Christmas IS about peace and joy and love. 🙂 And it’s not about not offending, or not hurting people’s feeling, or being PC…. it’s just about “walking the walk” and being kind to others.
Perfect in tone and message. Your view on how Christmas should be celebrated is such a breath of fresh air, especially when compared to (a thankfully small minority) of other Christians who believe being offended is righteous.
Thank you sincerely from a non-believer,
mike
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:10 NLT)
We are supposed to do exactly as you said, show God’s love to others just as He showed it to us through the sacrifice of His only Son. Awesome post Jen!
Thanks, Ryan! And Merry Christmas =)
Thank you! Merry Christmas and Gappy Festivus to you!! •<|:)
Oops! Proofreading… Lol.
Thank you for a great post. I agree completely. Any Christmas/holiday/Hanukkah/Kwanza wish, sincerely offered, should be accepted as the gift it is.
As a non-believer (and a rather, shall we say, “strident” one at that!) I nonetheless have to applaud you for both your excellent attitude and your honesty. The truth is that every culture which endures harsh dark winters (as we certainly do in the northern US) has some kind of winter festival, with lights and feasting and cheeriness. Christians celebrate it in their own way, and just as they borrowed many of their Christmas traditions from other religions, us secular folks continue to borrow some of theirs… but the point is that, across all cultures and religions, the dead of winter is a time for coming together in peace, love, and harmony and just simply trying to make the world a little brighter and a little happier in the dark cold nights.
When certain Christians get upset about “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”, they are wrong to think it is the secular who are stealing their tradition. Rather, it is they who are trying to hoard this tradition of winter festivities for their own particular beliefs. For many Christians, the winter holidays are about something even more than a warm coming-together, and that’s fine — as long as they don’t try to rob that warmth from the rest of us by insisting theirs is the only right way of doing it.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Festivus, Seasons Greetings, and an Enchanting Solstice to all, that’s what I say!
Happy Festivus!
Happy holidays
Just another person saying thank you for the good reminder, right as we head into these most precious and holy days. I was raised a a pagan who celebrated Christmas, and always understood it to be about kindness and love, whatever the faith. Merry Christmas to you!
I appreciate your commentary. If the seasonal wish or intention comes from your individual heart and not as a result of corporate policy to be PC, I will rejoice in whatever cultural holiday greeting given. I teach my children acceptance and tolerance of cultural’s outside our own. Corporations attempts to curb use of “Merry Christmas” by employees, in order to protect the few that MAY be offended, have a very low functioning ability when embracing differences! Ironic??? or perhaps the agenda is to diminish the importance of Chrisitianity. I will wish good tidings to those I encounter from my heart, which happens to be Merry Christmas and Love and Peace and Joy!
Well said. Merry Christmas!
Very well said. I’m an atheist, and your blog post has actually made its’ rounds in the secular community. My argument, and that of many, to the constant posts about not saying “Happy Holidays” or taking “Christ” out of Christmas is that people are insisting that everyone who claims to be a Christian should disrespect everyone else. They seem to think that being respectful of everyone’s beliefs or lack of belief somehow lessens their own, which is, frankly, absurd. Most belief systems celebrate something in December and even us non-believers take the time where many businesses and institutions are closed to spend time with family, when we would otherwise be working or teaching or something to that effect. I don’t believe in any sort of god, but I don’t take offense if someone wishes me a happy or merry anything. As you said, it’s the act of wishing someone well, however they do it, that is what matters.
As for those insulting the black friday shoppers…eh, get over yourself. Most of them have a blast doing it, often spending time with family. My girlfriend and I even went to the mall this year when it opened at midnight just to get a snack and watch people. MANY businesses need those holiday sales to keep running throughout the year, assuring that many people remain employed. That’s a big part of how the American system works. If you don’t like it, don’t shop or don’t work in retail. If you do work in retail, be thankful for those holiday sales, because they pay YOUR bills.
Totally right on. Thank you.
…and a happy Yule to you and yours!
HAPPY MERRY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! I WAS IN THE OTHER MIND THINKING ALSO, BUT I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR LINE OF THINKING, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD BE ALOT BETTER IF WE WOULD JUST LOVE EACH OTHER WITHOUT JUDGING EACH OTHER, AGAIN THANKS , AND HAVE A BLESSED LIFE!
Your article was really good, but sadly it missed the whole point.
It has NOTHING to do with being wished “Happy Holidays”
… AT ALL… PERIOD. No one, even a low life Christian, is that absurd.
It has everything to do with official store policies FORBIDDING the expression, “Merry Christmas” because it may or may not offend a few shoppers who hate the idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Well, it still doesn’t change MY point, even though in your eyes I made the wrong one…. it doesn’t matter to me or my beliefs or my holiday what a store does or does not forbid, or why they do so. My faith is stronger than that.
Maybe you did not quite make the point that you thought you had made, if your point was what you stated in your response to me above, because based on the comments, the “take away” that so many seem to be responding to is that those taking issue with the so-called “war on Christmas” need to stop being so intolerant, ridiculous and stupid, since Happy Holidays is a perfectly respectful greeting and anyone with any good sense and (based again on your response to me) a smug self righteousness in the strength of their faith, would have no issues with it.
I took exception to your subject matter, since I felt it was based on subjective misinformation and partisan politics-which I cannot abide.
The writing itself was very good, but the subject has nothing to do with a person’s personal faith at all. It is policies that forbid faith based public greetings, which is not only wrong, but unconstitutional.
So, though you may have had a different point than I commented on, you did not “say so” throughout most of your article.
Anyway, it is your site and your right to “write” from any angle that you wish. Your comments were open, so I assumed that I was invited to give mine.
I do not wish to upset you in anyway. I enjoyed the article other than the points that I have already made, and will wish you a very heartfelt, “Happy Holidays” to you and yours.
I’m not upset, though I don’t know that anyone enjoys being called smug and self righteous. You have every right to your opinion, to take issue with what I have written, and to share your opinion here. I wish you and yours a happy holiday as well.
Almost stopped at the ********* with the thought “get over it!”. Glad I didn’t stop. Thanks for some good sense. Take note, a lot can be learned about people by what they most complain about or find fault with.
http://www.facebook.com/ErikaLOVEPapa
I didn’t want this specific URL to be published for all but I wanted to share how I can be found by *you* nonetheless!!
I saw you entry by a “share” of a “share” on Faceebook and I’m SO glad I linked to your original for the full read. I have to say, with all the different types of opinions I’ve been seeing & hearing from folks all around the country -too many of them hateful- you really *GOT* me with the last paragraph before you become yourself again. I thought without question that what was said here with the appalled & assaulted: “in front of my children!!” was not atypical of things I hear what can feel lik all the time. I had two immediate thoughts to the writer who felt those responses and they came so quickly I can’t separate which was first…but you will see why my relieved & diffusing LOL followed when I stopped seeing red & could read on.
Thought #1: (Remember that thoughts come in whole even in split seconds…LOL) The employees may be told to give a non-religion-specific message …To be *inclusive of all* and mindful of the fact that not everyone is Christian but that does not make them evil or less ‘good’ or non-Spritual in any way. There are several main world-over religions observing Holidays, Celebration, Rites, etc.. and a good business or person working at a business (and everyone, really) should keep this on mind unless one likes to do a russian roulette offending of people throughout their day.
Thought #2: My thought came so clearly & immediately (transcribed with the 1st & 3rd sentances written *almost* verbatim: “OH, COME ON!! The *only* one who could take Christ out of your Christmas is YOU!!! What the frick!!” and then some other things no longer pertinent because you are not that “sadly lost in the wrong aspect of her faith” person who you captured too well, it was scary. 🙂
Many Blessings to you this Christmas and surrounding Holidays which you may enjoy/observe as well. I thank you, very sincerely, for this writing of yours. God Bless. 😀
Poorly written article, not impressed.
Happy or Unhappy Holidays!
….however YOU CHOOSE to create them.
Thanks for taking the time to tell me. And a Merry Christmas to you.
For what it’s worth, I thought it was a well-written article, and I’m a journalist.
Am sharing this story with my wife. We both work in retail, and she would agree with you whole heartedly! She also points out that while there is nothing wrong with saying “Merry Christmas”, she chooses not to simply because there are other holy days that are observed around this time of year (Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Hanuka) and she chooses not to offend someone who might be of a different faith.
For myself, I do choose to wish people “Merry Christmas”. Many of my customers break into big smiles, and only one has ever said anything about it. That one, an elder lady, responded by saying “Shabat Shalom.” I took no offense to her reply and from the look on her face, she took no offense at mine.
As to my employer, Meijer Stores based in Michigan has never said anything one way or another. Some of my coworkers (like my wife mentioned earlier) choose to say “Happy Holidays”, some will say “Merry Christmas”, and others will simply treat the day as any other and thank their customers without mentioning any holiday.
Thank you, Peace, joy and love to you!
Thank you! You said this far more eloquently that I ever could have! I have never understood how people could have so little to worry about (or so little to be joyful about) that they could resent the polite, kind wish of a stranger just because it wasn’t worded to their liking. If someone smiled at you and said “Happy Wednesday!” would that offend you? I think sometimes God listens to us and smacks himself in the forehead in frustration.
How do people really care this much…? To me this is as pointless as worrying about if someone said “Have a GOOD day” v. “Have a GREAT day” Something as small as this shouldn’t bother anyone for more than 10 seconds. Can’t we all just move along and stop trying to push our opinions on one another?
Happy Holidays!! And Merry Christmas!! And Happy Festivus!!
To to admit, when I first started reading this, and got to where you said you angrily snatched the receipt from his hands, stormed out, and wrote a scathing letter promising to boycott the store, I rolled my eyes! However, I kept on reading and was glad I did! You wrote so much common-sense there, it’s hard to fathom! However, I regret to say that the folks that REALLY need to read this probably never will. Still, thanks very much for writing it! Take care!
This is something extremely silly to get mad about. It’s the season of cheer, and nitpicking over what is said is pretty sad.
That being said. Remember back when you were young (i’m almost 30) and everyone said Merry Christmas? Well, because of people that get overly offended at everything, and due in large part to political correctness, Merry Christmas had to be changed to Happy Holidays so it wouldn’t “offend” the people who didn’t like hearing Merry Christmas.
So in short i agree that it is childish to get upset over getting told Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas. But it is equally childish to get upset when someone tells you Merry Christmas.
When I was growing up, in the 50’s and 60’s, Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings were said JUST AS OFTEN as Merry Christmas! So those sayings are nothing new. It shouldn’t be an issue now either.
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You are made of awesome! Faith is one of those things that you can’t look at someone and just KNOW, so yeah, “Happy Holidays” is the safe good will wish for this time of year. Blessings to you and yours!
Blessed Yule and Happy Festivus!
I shall see you at the Feats of Strength. We clearly have no grievances to air between us.
😉
🙂
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Excellent article,very well written and one can tell it comes from your heart..I wish more people thought as you do.It matters not which God(s or goddesses) a person believes in,as long as they believe.Nor does it matter the greetings any person gives you,as long as it comes from the heart with true feelings.
I am a born-again Pagan that believes in the old Norse Gods and Goddesses.I say “Happy Holidays” not to take Christ out of Christmas,but to be politically correct,which in this day and age,it’s the way to go as to not offend anyone..If it offends Christians,it is not my intent to do so.
Peace,Love,and Joy—-three words we all should live by..
I wish “Happy Holidays” “Merry Solstice and Happy Yule” to all people on Mother Earth,but to you that posted this,I would like to wish you a very heart-felt-
“MERRY CHRISTMAS”
to you and yours…
Peace,Hagar
lol I just remembered a hilarious, though rather sad in a ‘tsk tsk’ kinda way, thing I saw at the doc’s office the other day; an above comment from one of the Athiest’s about saying Happy Holidays & having people shout back Merry Christmas back! Okay so there was a sign in the bathroom w/ insurance & Christmas office hour reminders & then at the bottom it said “Happy Holidays.” Well some dork monkey crossed that out & wrote “Merry Christmass! :).” to which I wrote, “Really?! It says ‘Christmass’ right there, ya freaking spazzoid!” Why are people so weird? I’m replacing “Christ” w/ “Monkey,” & see how many FB friendsies go crazy @.@ Happy Monkeydays!!!
Oops! I didn’t mean to reply to a comment…meant to post just another comment separately :o. My bad
If the cashier wished me a Happy Holiday, I would say “Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you!” You would be surprised how many cashiers appreciate your boldness to express what they believe but can’t because of store policy.
Totally! & yes!..the Happy Holidays means many holidays, including Flag Day :p. Now Merry Monkeymass, dorks ;p
Seasons Greetings!!! 😀
Merry Christmas everybody. Enjoy the Holiday Season in your own way.
I would not be mean or rude but last yr when people said happy holidays to me I answered them with it is Christmas not a holiday & smile at them but I knew they were told to say that or they could loose their job but this yr luckly people are saying merry Christmas to me or just just thank you. which works fine but It is the stores making people say holiday & it was always Christmas & always will be Christmas to me I was in a hurry yesterday & the lady said merry Christmas & I stopped smiled & yes merry Christmas to you too had she not said that I may not have even noticed holiday but she said Merry Christmas ( thank God for people like her) just as I would have if I were in her shoes & I did when I was a cashier on 2nd job most of my last 43 yrs of my life
Thank you Jen for posting your wonderful article about such “puffed” issue.
Just a short word to all those Christians (or who think they are one) to stop and think about 1 little aspect of faith here.
Now look at you crying: “Oh that salesperson didn’t say “Merry Christmas” to me! Thats a discrimination of my beliefs… I might get so upset I stop believing in Jesus altogether!! ” If you forgot or you didn’t know not that long ago people had their hurts cut out live just for whispering Jesus Christ name. Talk about discrimination. You certainly have no idea what that is.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays for you all!
its too bad not all the comments make it to publish on the page. thanks Jen for blocking it maybe it was too much to handle for somebody.
its too bad not all the comments make it to publish on the page. thanks Jen for blocking it maybe it was too much to handle for somebody.
I’m not sure which comments you are referring to. I have approved every comment made on this post, all 300+ of them. Including this one, which you sent twice under a different name.
Sorry for overreacting like that 🙁 I probably checked it too fast and couldn’t see it. Thanks for posting it. Have a Joyful Christmas !
Well said. When wished “Happy Holidays” I just smile back and say “Merry Christmas.” Most of the time their eyes light up and they smile and whisper “Thank you.” Can’t ask for more than that.
Do you even understand where the term “holidays” comes from? It is a shortened form of the phrase “holy days.” Christmas is a single day, December 25th. The “holidays” or “season” is far more extensive and encompassing: it includes, among others, Kwanza, Hannukkah, the feast of the circumcision, and my favorite of all of the seasonal offerings — the Feast of the Three Kings which is also known as Twelfth Night (most people mistakenly think the 12 days of Christmas come BEFORE December 25; they actually come after), or Epiphany. In some cultures, Feast of the Tree Kings is a bigger deal than Christmas. Because I have friends of many faiths and from many cultures, I like my felicitations to embrace them as well. Christians do not have a lock on “holy days” in December. Getting your knickers in a knot because you do not understand the term “holidays” and from whence it came it just silly. And excluding others from felicitations is simply narrow minded.
Did you actually read the whole post? No knickers in a knot here.
I think that was meant for the commenter who did get her knickers in a knot.
Wonderful article. When someone says “Happy Holidays” to me, I hear “Happy Holy Days”. The holy days of Advent lead up to the holy day of Christ’s birth (I agree, not factual). These days should be happy as we seek to acknowledge Christ in all we do, draw closer to our Savior and be a light to the world. Happy Holidays!!
I preached on Christmas morning (I’m a music director who gets 1 or 2 chances to preach each year), and I did reference your blog and read excerpts from this post. You said it much more eloquently and politely than I could have. I got a very positive reaction after the service, but of course the people who disagreed with me probably headed for the exits. My main point was to lift up the transforming power of Christ, as evidenced in life stories but also in symbols like the Christmas tree, which began as a symbol of pre-Christian cultures, but now has a new meaning in Christ. I used your blog to make the point that we must not try to direct the transformation in the opposite direction, e.g. don’t take a simple heartfelt greeting like “happy holidays” and try to give it a new sinister meaning. Anyway, thank you!
I am honored that you used my words, and I’m glad that you got a good response. Merry Christmas to you!!
I was beginning to get a little uncomfortable with your opening, mostly because I was thinking, “Now, wait a minute, I thought she didn’t get upset about ‘Happy Holidays’.” I have to say, I smiled brightly when continuing to read. Growing up, my aunt and uncle: Christians, were against celebrating Christmas because it was NOT Christ’s actual birthdate, and the holiday itself was taken from a pagan holiday. What I learned from that (because they were adament, and maybe even rude about letting people know), is that, if you are not graceful, merciful, loving, and yes (Godly) righteous, you will close the door on people who are, at least once a year, ready and willing to talk about Jesus.
Like you, I hope/try to live a Christ like existance on a daily basis. I do not, however, succeed in being perfect. THAT is when I am thankful that Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again – because He covers my shortcomings, and I am holy and perfect in God’s eyes (through Christ)…to that I say: THANK YOU!!!
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I’m for sure giving you an internet high five for this!~! And I’m sharing it everywhere!!! Thanks, from a non-traditional believer in many aspects of many traditions!
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Your opening had me rolling my eyes. So glad I read on. I LOVE this post because it speaks so much TRUTH. This is my first visit to your site but not my last. 🙂
That’s all well and good…but taking the high road does not mean “hiding your light” either. You could have easily responded “Merry Christmas” back to the clerk because that’s who you are. You actually did just take the “Christ” out of your own Christmas.
But maybe he doesn’t celebrate Christmas, she really couldn’t know that. I bet you would be pretty frazzled if someone wished you a happy Hannukah just because THEY celebrate it. When you give a greeting like that it means you wish the OTHER person enjoys their holy day, you’re not talking about yourself. That’s the whole point of saying “Happy holidays / Holy Days!”, it basically means ” I wish you love, peace and joy during whatever feast you celebrate” without making any assumptions or trying to impose your views. It’s a sign of tolerance…you know, something that Jesus taught. Now you could nicely mention that you, in particular, celebrate Christmas, if you really feel the need to say something, but don’t go around thinking that your Holy Day is the only one that counts. BTW I celebrate Christmas, but I don’t bat an eye at Happy Holidyas. To me Happy Holidays= Merry Christmas, Happy New year, and basically just encompasses all the celebrations of this time of year.
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