To say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?

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   thomasczechposted 10 years ago

   To say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?
   
   Some people say that we ought to say "Happy Holidays" to not offend some people. Others say that it offends Christians to not say "Merry Christmas" and that there would be no holiday this time of year if it were not be for Jesus. What is your opinion? Let us comment respectfully please.
   
   

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2. 0

   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   I say Merry Christmas unless I already know for a fact that the person I'm talking to follows another religion. If they do, I say Happy Holidays. No matter which we say, I'm guessing there will still be people who will be offended because we chose one over the other. That's the way the world is today. If we really don't want to offend people, I guess we shouldn't say anything at all. But then again, not saying anything will offend someone.

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      thomasczechposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That is true, there are those who will find offence in anything and everything.

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3. 44

   Ericdierkerposted 10 years ago

   If I am making the comment one way or the other it is not like "Hi" to me. If I do not know I ask them if they celebrate any particular holiday. The response tells me what to use.
   My brother the atheist like to say Merry "Christmess". On the other hand he is a great big Santa that does all kinds of good for Christmas.
   So I do not just say either willy nilly.

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4. 0

   cjaroszposted 10 years ago

   I say Merry Christmas. I don't think that I should cater to everyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas. I see at as my bright to celebrate my holiday. If you don't or do not like it. Go on. Its a sayimg . I, not forcing anyone to do anything. I think people look to much into "respecting" others. This is just another way of taking things too far. To me its Christmas. That's all that matters. I'm not personally trying to for and anyone. I am simply being polite. There is no reason to get offended over a phrase. Its been around for a lot of years. Its not something that just recently started. Meant to offend people. Its a shared saying that many people like.

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   junksellerposted 10 years ago

   I can honestly say that in my entire life I have never been offended by a "happy_________" or a "merry__________" no matter what has been in the blank. whatever the case it is merely an expression of good cheer and to find offense in that makes no sense to me.
   
   Personally, I don't celebrate the season at all. The only date that really stands out to me is the winter solstice, so if I were to say happy or merry anything, it would be "happy solstice."
   
   When people say one of these to me, I generally just repeat what they said back to them. It's like when people ask how you are, you respond with "fine, and how are you..." To me it is just basic and simple politeness. Really I suspect it is only the media that makes a big brouhaha about it. 
   
   For people in the public eye, I think "Happy Holidays" makes more sense. Not because of offending or not offending, but because it is simply more inclusive. The entire season is celebrated and enjoyed by people of many different faiths. There is no reason to exclude anyone from an expression of good cheer.

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   edhanposted 10 years ago

   AS for me, I will send my wishes as Merry Christmas & Happy New Year at the same time.
   
   Ending with enjoy your holidays! Since most people take time off during these days!

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7. 46

   thomasczechposted 10 years ago

   I say "Merry Christmas" as this time of year is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is more than just a holiday to me. Thank you all for your comments, I enjoy reading the differences we have.

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