What's wrong with "Merry Christmas"?

[Carol]

Catlady wrote:
> I've stolen it so much that I dare silently get a little annoyed at
> the slogan "Jesus is the reason for the season" because whatever
> god(s) one believes in (such as Jesus, for the people who use that
> slogan) is the reason for *all* seasons, not just winter, but
> Christmas is not a season. 

Carol responds:

Actually, Christmas *is* a season, at least in the Episcopal and
Anglican churches, and, I assume, in the Roman Catholic Church, as
well.  Posters from other denominations are welcome to enlighten me as
to their views.

At any rate, in the Episcopal Church, December 1 through December 24
is the season of Advent (awaiting the coming of Christ, a season of
penitence and hope). December 25 is, of course, Christmas Day, and the
first day of the Christmas season, which lasts twelve days and ends
with Epiphany (January 6). The season of Epiphany ends when Lent
begins (variable because the date of Easter is variable). Lent ends
with Easter, which begins the Easter season, which lasts until
Pentecost (fifty days after Easter). I'm not sure how long Pentecost
lasts, but as it only affects church services and no one celebrates it
at home (to my knowledge), it doesn't matter.

At any rate, by my calculations, today is the fifth day of Christmas,
that is, the Christmas season.

Question for Alla: I thought that Rosh Hahanah was the day of
Atonement. Is it proper to wish someone joy on that day? It seems
rather like wishing someone "Happy Lent" or "Happy Good Friday." (Not
that I would take offense at such a greeting. I would just consider it
odd.)

Carol, wishing you all joy and a Merry fifth Day of Christmas, with no
offense intended to those who don't celebrate it (which is probably
everyone but me)