Should people get so upset over being told Merry Christmas?

1. 69

   katherinethorellposted 13 years ago

   Should people get so upset over being told Merry Christmas?
   
   Merry Christmas is supposed to be a respectful wish of good will to others. So should people take it to a level that it's not intended,as a derogative put down towards their individual faiths? Seems a silly misunderstanding to me but what do you think?
   
   

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2. 72

   IntimatEvolutionposted 13 years ago

   Respect is a two way street.
   
   I don't think they should.  Much of the meaning of Christmas has been lost to materialism anyways... So its more of kind gesture nowadays.  My husband is agnostic and my son is an atheist, both say Merry Christmas and neither think twice about having it said to them.  People like the people you're asking about are obviously looking for a fight to pick.

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3. 59

   Pete Maidaposted 13 years ago

   No people should not get upset when someone says Merry Christmas.  However, Christians should also respond respectfully when people talk about their holidays.  If you want people to accept Christmas then please accept all other holidays in the same manner.

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4. 60

   NiaLeeposted 13 years ago

   Why??? Any occasion people have to get together, be nice to each other and give and receive presents is merry one!!! We live in a part of the world where Christianity is dominant, like you would say happy Hanukkah in Israel or happy Eid in a Muslim country. When you are at peace with yourself, nothing positive should do that. It is more about how people feel about themselves and their relationship with different cultures and religions.

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5. 0

   nikashi_designsposted 13 years ago

   This a great question and one that I thought about the other day when creating my Christmas Cards. Saying, " have a nice Holiday" is so generic and blah. I always say Merry Christmas or something along those lines. People have become so sensitive about every innocent comment and seem to forget that you are just trying to wish them happiness during the festive season. If you know the person well, you more than likely no what religion they follow and can modify your good cheer. Otherwise, just say what is comfortable to you and hope that it doesn't offend. From my experience, 99 percent of the people are very happy with your Season's Greetings. The 1 percent left will always say something, and get all crazy and explain the entire history of their people, and how dare you.... That's when I bit my tongue and walk away...

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6. 60

   clara kish@yahoo.posted 13 years ago

   I will always say Merry Christmas  and I see no reason for anyone to get upset over it .I k now some people  don't believe in Jesus  but it would be just common courtesy to just accept the wish as it is intended  .I believe   I would just t smile and say ,"Thank You "and probably say, "Merry Christmas  to  you ."

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7. 65

   Billrrrrposted 13 years ago

   You said it perfectly K.  I wouldn't even try to amplify.  Peace  on Earth.

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8. 76

   Uninvited Writerposted 13 years ago

   No one has ever gotten upset when I have said Merry Christmas to them. I use it and I consider myself an atheist.

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9. 61

   6hotfingers3posted 13 years ago

   Now a days, everything must be politically correct. Its a shame we can't embrace the many beliefs that come past our front door. It does not mean we agree with them it only means the individuals feel differently about the same thing I am embracing. We just choose to demonstrate it differently. In this case it is "Merry Christmas." Well, I will continue to say Merry Christmas. It may offend some people and it may acknowledge others. You can't please all the people all the time.  "Merry Christmas.

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10. 69

    onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

    I really do not understand the offense........
    
    Halloween, is a custom that I never welcomed,
    ( letting  my children go door to door, asking for candy!)
    but YOU go ahead and have a good time.

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11. 39

    Borsiaposted 13 years ago

    I'm atheist, I know that Christ wasn't born on the winter Solstice nor did he rise again on the Spring Equinox.
    I still say Merry Xmas and Happy Easter as often as I say Merry Solstice and Happy Equinox.
    If I had the funds I would probably go to China for the holidays just because it is so relaxed.
    Down here it will be insanity as always. They tell me that the holiday crime spree has already started so we have to be more careful.
    Personally, I really don't care. I'll be happier when it has all blown over.
    To all those who get uptight because your holiday isn't the one referred to the most,,, get over it, it isn't going to be next year either.
    So; let me be the first to wish everyone a Merry, Happy, Joyous,,, Whatever.

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12. 67

    xethonxqposted 13 years ago

    Absolutely not...just as I (a Christian) would not get upset if someone told me Happy Hanukkah. Both are greetings to share the spirit of rejoicing and celebrating in something larger than us.

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13. 60

    Leanna McCarthyposted 13 years ago

    No. "Merry Christmas" is said by many as a simple holiday salutation, not as a particularly religious greeting. I do think, however, if you know someones celebrates another holiday that time of year (say, Hanukkah) then wish them a happy Hanukkah instead.

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14. 60

    style-of-lifeposted 13 years ago

    IntimatEvolution said it!
    
    People get aggrevated too easily these days. Last year a colleague of mine got seriously upset because someone had written 'Merry X-mas' on the whiteboard. He went on a rampage about how it should have been 'Christmas' and how people we're no longer true to their roots and beliefs.... Even if I would agree, getting all hot and frustrated is not the way to convince and motivate others.

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15. 80

    Escobanaposted 13 years ago

    I would get upset over being told Merry Christmas, if my father just died, or I'd have to spend Christmas in a mental hospital. If I had just lost my baby, or my dog just died.
    
    This has nothing to do with faith or respect. I can understand the well meant wish, I'm looking forward to Christmas every year, but sometimes you just don't know, why someone gets upset over a simple.....Merry Christmas to you:-)
    
    We can't look into someone's head or assume their reaction, is all about religion or 'silly misunderstandings'.

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16. 85

    Millionaire Tipsposted 13 years ago

    I have said Happy Mother's Day to childless people and men, because I want them to enjoy the day, even if it isn't directed at them.  Although I think I did wind up hurting someone who could not have a child.
    
    But no, I don't think it would be an issue to say Merry Christmas to everyone, no matter their religion, as long as you wouldn't be offended if someone said Happy Hanukkah or Eid Mubarak to you.
    
    But if I did know someone's religion, then I wouldn't send them a card that threw my religion in their face.  I send Happy Holidays cards, so I don't have to buy a separate set.
    
    No one I know has been offended by being told Merry Christmas. They understand the sentiment.  Most of the people who tend to get mad and show up on the news are not mad because they were offended about a Christmas tree at the statehouse or wherever. They were offended that their religion wasn't represented too.

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17. 60

    Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

    I would get really upset if you did not wish Merry Christmas to me. I am so sick and tired of these people who think being "Politically Correct" is right. Right for who?  These people come to live in Canada or the USA. We did nto invite them yet we welcome them. All we ask is that you try to fit in to our ways. After all we were here first. This is our country and our traditions. If you don't like our ways, the door is open, leave and go back to where you came from where you can have all of your customs you want.

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18. 61

    smilingjimdicksonposted 13 years ago

    If they do take it as derogatory then that's their problem. I'm an atheist and still wish people a merry Christmas - and I do hope they enjoy themselves, whatever their beliefs.

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19. 56

    rgardner74posted 13 years ago

    I think people wear a thin skin on purpose.  The world isn't the way it is (If indeed you see it as negative) because people say Merry Christmas.  My only gripe is that more people don'y say Happy Tuesday or Merry Saturday.  We should be celebrating every day!  Take the materialism out and acknowledge the good in the Christmas season.  If it makes you feel less offensive to say happy Holidays, then by all means...  Otherwise, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good Tuesday!!

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20. 82

    cabmgmntposted 13 years ago

    No. I think that it should be accepted as a nice greeting like "How are you?" would be. If someone wished me Happy Hannukah I wouldn't be offended just because I am not Jewish. Or Happy Kwanza because I am not African American.

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21. 58

    AllSuretyBondsposted 13 years ago

    No, If someone were to say Happy Hanukkah I would not be offended.

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22. 74

    PlanksandNailsposted 13 years ago

    Yes they should. If we had people trying to control other individuals personal feelings, we would live in a "Big Brother" society. Then again, maybe we do.

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