Why the big issue over 'Happy Holidays'?

1. 76

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   Why the big issue over 'Happy Holidays'?
   
   The Month of December is home to many different celebrations from many different faiths. But I've seen a lot of people getting up in arms about people using 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas' - and something about a 'war on Christmas'. December isn't a Christian only celebratory month - so why the issue?

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2. 61

   Link10103posted 10 years ago

   Because people are dumb.
   
   That's not me being a jerk or a smarty pants either. It's a sad fact that only dumb/ignorant people get offended for being given a greeting that applies to everyone, rather than them specifically.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I know what you mean.

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3. 58

   DJ Andersonposted 10 years ago

   Jacqui, some people just have a little Pitt Bull blood mixed in with their DNA.  They come out looking for a fight.  It doesn't matter if it is Cheery Christmas, Happy Holidays, Be Kind for Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukah.
   And, for Atheist, they should have "Awesome Atheist"!
   
   I am not trying to sound factious.  You have made a valid point. 
   December is not a month celebrated only for Christians.  However, it should be a time to shout out cheerful greetings and they should be received as such.
   
   We are a people with many different cultures with many different celebrations.  As long as a greeting is in good faith, it should be taken as such.  We have "Happy St. Patrick's Day" in March.  I don't see people who
   are not of Irish heritage getting upset.  We say, "Happy Valentine's Day!"
   We mean no harm to the person who just lost the love of her life, or the
   woman who had to bury her husband of 25 years.
   
   Let us not become more sensitive to the situation
   as we should be to the person.
   
   Jacqui, I like that you and I can speak candidly.  I appreciate the fact that
   we are different.  No matter what you do on Dec. 24th and 25th, I hope you enjoy your time together with your family.  One day you will come to realize that 'family'; that is what it is really all about.
   
   From the other side of the world, I wish you love and peace,
   DJ.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      DJ - thanks for that. I agree. And yes, for me 24 & 25 Dec are about family - always have been. The issue with the statement is confusing for that reason! Wishing you and yours love and peace from Nz

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   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   
   
   I never really have grasped the issue with people saying happy holidays. Those who think every one should say Merry Christmas are a bit delusional, because every one is not a Christian. It's kind of funny, my son has gotten really into the whole idea of him being Jewish by birth, that this year every time we have been anywhere and someone says "Merry Christmas" He automatically says Happy Hanukkah. The look of shock is hilarious. People seem to be insulted that everyone doesn't share their own personal view.
   With that said I don't think companies should force their employees to say Happy Holidays. The employee should be able to say whatever represents their beliefs. If the customer doesn't like it they should shop elsewhere or reply like my son does.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly - one should not be forced to say what the employer wants unless it's a standard industry wide greeting like 'welcome to Joes' - Xmas isn't I'm thankful that someone took the time to think of giving me the greeting regardless which it is!

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      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree. Why should it matter. It seems to me the "enforced" political correctness just adds fuel to the fire of the "war on xmas" crowd.

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   Aime Fposted 10 years ago

   I never understood this. Likewise, I don't understand why people get upset over "Merry Christmas". I like the picture that peeples posted, that's pretty much how I feel about it. Totally a non-issue to me.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Same here - I don't get the issue, hence the question! The pic Peeples posted is very good.

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6. 76

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   
   
   My question was triggered by the picture I've provided.
   
   So many different cultural and religious celebrations are in December, yet it's seems that all bar one are forgotten, or at shoved aside.
   
   And then those who feel very strongly about the one that isn't pushed aside then have the attitude that there is a 'war on Christmas' totally ignoring the other celebrations.
   
   I'm not begrudging anyone their Christmases if that's what they wish to celebrate, but I'm advocating for those whose December celebrations are shoved aside without a second mention, let alone a 'war on Kwanza' or a 'war on Yule'
   
   I feel gratitude that someone has taken the time to think about wishing me a Happy something, rather than attitude cause they 'got the wrong one'
   
   Like DJ said - it's about family regardless.
   
   (Pleas note - I don't agree with every word on this pic (I agree more with Peeples' pic) but this is what triggered it - there were more holidays than I knew about as well)

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      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree and the only one who gets up in arms are the people who feel they have to be victims of some alleged "war" on Christmas.  It's laughable considering in some countries being a Christian would be punishable by death. that's the real war

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   Jodahposted 10 years ago

   I don't have a problem with any greeting. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, whatever the particular person's belief and I take it a them wishing me well. Just like everyone is not a Christian, everyone doesn't have holidays then either. I personally prefer any other greeting than Happy Holidays...you could say that at any time of the year. Why not happy festive season?

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Could be one - you could try and start it as a saying!

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      Jodahposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have started using that more than anything else.

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8. 61

   Sarah Siddonsposted 10 years ago

   There is no issue, we are just made to feel there is. I don't need to say something so as not to offend anyone. Everyone that knows me understands that I embrace all faiths and traditions, no one jumps to non existent conclusions about what I meant to say because I make it abundantly clear to anyone with half a brain that if they take issue, it is with themself, not me.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree Sarah - if they take issue, it's on them not you or me.

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   jfischerstoneposted 10 years ago

   What do you say at Easter. Happy Sunday? Let us break this down. There is no Christmas without Christ. Christ---Mas! What is the big deal in saying Merry Christmas. Do you have a problem with saying Happy Thanksgiving? Or Happy Hanukuh? It just seems to me that some non-believers want Jesus' name taken out of their sight period. But I guarantee you will be having your cocktails, partying and having a great time on our saviors day.

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   1. 76

      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I don't say anything at Easter. Did u read the question - Dec is not just home to Christmas. I have no problem with Merry Christmas - it's people getting offended by Happy Holidays or greetings other than Meri Xmas. Xmas 4me is abt family.

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      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's the sentiment, not the words that should count. If someone wishes me Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays - I accept the sentiment behind it and well wishes.  Many traditions share the same day - read pagan history for example, many similarities.

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      jfischerstoneposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed Christin.

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