On January 1, I wish my family and friends a Happy New Year. I do not wish people a happy holiday. On the third Monday in January I am glad that all Americans have civil rights. We ought to give respect to Mr. King and to those who have ensured our civil rights, but I don’t wish people a happy holiday on that day. Some people are hoping a bit too much in our future president. They voted for him without a clear understanding of the consequences. Yet, if in fact the Obama citizenship objection is overcome and it turns out he was born in the United States, then he will be our president and I will honor him as such along with the rest of our presidents. I may refer to this as Presidents’ Day, but I probably won’t wish anyone a happy holiday.

My wife knows when Valentine’s Day rolls around that she can expect something special from me. As I offer her a token of my eternal affection she would be surprised to hear me say “happy holidays”. The same goes for Mother’s Day. Does your mom want to be replaced with ‘holiday’? She deserves a day called Mother’s Day.

On the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ I will not walk into church and wish anyone a happy holiday, although it certainly is. The very word holiday means Holy day. Nor will I say happy holiday to the bereaved family members of our honorable military personnel who gave their lives for our freedom. People who died for this country deserve a day of Memorial, not just a ‘holiday’. But thanks to them we have a reason to celebrate the birthday of this country on July fourth. I have yet to purchase, use, watch, hear, or enjoy “holiday fireworks”.

Although it is fitting to honor the presidents of this county it is impossible to have a country without those who labor for a living. As we honor the working class with parades and such we use the name Labor Day to signify which day we are talking about. The timing is important to county fairs and schools and the business of American life. We plan a lot around that day. And we may not have had the country we do if it were not for Columbus, back in 1492. So he deserves a day with his name on it.

When October comes to an end do your kids dress up in holiday costumes? And since we can never honor war heroes enough, let’s do it in November too. But let’s call it Veterans Day, not holiday. Some people prefer to eat and watch TV on the holiday. I believe it has a name for a reason. We should give thanks to the One who provides these things for us. (God, not Obama)

How many of you hear the word ‘holiday’ used so often throughout the year? I tend to hear ‘holiday’ used a bit too much around holidaymas. Why is that? I am not again Kwanzaa (although I admit I don’t have a clue what it is) and I respect those who celebrate Hanukkah. But come on people, the day most Americans are celebrating is Christmas. It may be Santa and reindeer for many but Christmas starts with Christ. It is a celebration of the birth of the Son of God. He deserves more than a generic ‘happy holidays’ greeting. He deserves honor, respect, love, admiration, and yes, he deserves a holiday with His Name in it. So, from our family to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas. And if that offends you, well then, “Ba humbug”.