Are all holiday greetings created equal?

By Robin P.

Over the past few years, there has been a lot of emphasis on being politically correct during the holidays. Last year was the first time I heard that "Merry Christmas" was no longer acceptable. It was replaced with, "Happy Holidays." I couldn't help but ask myself, "Is this the most important thing we have to worry about?"

As a child, the people who knew that I was Jewish wished me a "Happy Chanukah." If I was wished a  "Merry Christmas" I didn't stomp my feet and point an accusing finger at the well wisher and say, "I don't celebrate Christmas" and walk away in a huff. I accepted their nice greeting and wished them the same in return.

Last year, there was a nearby school that banned students from wearing clothes with a red and green combination for their yearly holiday song festival. It was too "Christmasy" and might offend those who did not celebrate Christmas. The students could wear that color combo during the regular school year, but not during Christmas or during the concert. I laughed when I first heard that and then I wanted to cry.

What is wrong with this world? I like to wear blue and white during Chanukah and I proudly wear my Chanukah jewelry the whole eight days. I have menorah and dreidl earrings, and I have a beautiful blue Star of David pin. If someone told me I couldn't wear this because it was too offensive, I'd still wear it. Whatever happened to freedom of expression? Who is actually offended by this?

I also enjoy wearing my Christmas jewelry once Chanukah is over. My husband Rich isn't Jewish and I have celebrated Christmas with him and with our friends for many years. It's fun and gets people into the holiday spirit. Isn't that what this is all about?

We live in such a stress-filled world. We are all trying to do our best and we feel like we are falling short each day. When December rolls around, we try to get into a better frame of mind. We sing holiday songs. We decorate our homes. We give food and money to charities because we don't want people to go without. We think less about ourselves and more about others. It's a great feeling.

Instead of honking our horn in rage at a car that wants to pass us, we let them go ahead. We smile more. We love stronger. It's December and the holidays put us in a different mind set for a short time. It's uplifting and we should enjoy it.

Why, then, are we hung up on the holiday greeting? Why are we so quick to be offended? When someone wishes me a happy anything, I translate it this way: "I hope you spend this holiday with people who love you. I wish you joy and peace and I hope you can carry this in your heart the whole year through. Enjoy!"

That's a beautiful message and I hear it every time someone says,"Merry Christmas," "Happy Chanukah," "Happy Kwanzaa" or "Happy Holidays." I hear the same message in every greeting because I listen with my heart.

Do you think all holiday greetings are acceptable?

Robin P. lives with her husband and daughter in a suburb south of Boston.

Comments

[MK]

Personally, the reason I get so uptight when wished a Merry Xmas (I'm atheist) is because of our current "you're either with us or you're against us" mentality, in this country. I feel not like I'm being offered good wishes for the holiday season, NO MATTER WHAT persuasion I might be, but like it is ASSUMED that I believe in and worship god, and I'd BETTER believe in and worshop god. I live in the south. Having a Darwin fish on your car gets you accosted by "missionaries" in public parking lots. We tend to be a bit defensive, here.

[Jamie]

The holiday season is not just about Christianity. In fact, what the world is absorbed with during this season is mostly pagan. Santa and Christmas trees have nothing to do with Christianity, Christmas itself does. I think that any holiday greeting is acceptable... this is the holiday season. Being as I work in retail I often find myself asking customers if they are out "Christmas Shopping"... I wonder if I may offend someone with that suggestion. Maybe I should revert to "holiday shopping", but then, I haven't had anyone proclaim that they don't celebrate Christmas. I guess I could alternate... "Are you Christmas shopping today?" with "Shopping for Chanakuh?" or perhaps "Kwanzaa?"... the point is... this is the holiday season... everyone knows it regardless what, if any traditions you celebrate. As human beings we are warm and fuzzy this time of year. We want to be nice... DEAL WITH IT or stay out of the mall :)

[shaz]

You know I am not christian, and I really don't celebrate christmas, but I also wonder the same thing as you... what is the big deal if people sasy merry chistmas???!

To be honest, I think that it's just about making it more commercial and secular, and less 'religious'.

I do agree with sally that it is a bit over done in north america, but really, I don't think it bothers me at all... you are right, is this the most important thing to worry about?!!

I mean really! And, I know people like to say that Muslims are offended, but as a Muslim, I don't even know anyone that is "offended" by Christmas, or Christmas greetings! The whole thing is a bit absurd.

[Sally]

Hi,

I think the reason you find people getting their shorts in a bunch about things like Christmas greetings or holidays in the public schools is because they come from a presumtion of Christianity: everyone goes about assuming every one is just like them I am not Christian and I get tired of the invisibility of being not so--I get tired of the complete and total and complete permeation of all public spaces with things Christian for the entire month of December. Of course I know people mean no ill-will by a holiday greeting--but I also know that it comes from a place that isn't as aware of difference as I would like them to be. A bit rambling...but maybe you get my point. Sometimes people may want a little bit of life that isn't about a Christian holiday, which is what the USA in December feels like.

[Eileen]

I couldn't agree with you more! Thank you for posting. I hope those who are too politically correct will just relax and enjoy the holidays...no matter which one they celebrate.

[Karen]

You hit the nail right on the head! In fact, I'm going to print your post because you echoed my sentiments exactly!!

[ruth]

Excellent post, Robin!
Your translation or any greeting is just perfect. Everyone should have as much class and graciousness as you!