[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: What's wrong with "Merry Christmas"?

[Kathryn Lambert]

<<SNIP>>

Carol, who would rather be wished a sincere Happy *Father's* Day when
 she's obviously not a father, or a happy Ramadan or happy Kwanzaa,
 which she doesn't celebrate, than a generic, empty, meaningless "Happy
 Holidays" by someone who is afraid to offend me by naming a holiday
 which ought to be synonymous with peace on Earth, goodwill to men,
 erm, humankind



***Katie: I have been abstaining from this discussion, but I need to chime in. Carol, 'ear, 'ear! I am a very liberal person, as most of you probably have, um, guessed... ; )  But this whole "Happy Holidays" thing really gets on my nerves.


Yes, there are other holidays being celebrated during the winter months. But, you know what? I would rather have a Jewish person wish me "Happy Hanukkah", even though I am not Jewish, than wish me a banal "Happy Holidays". It means nothing - to me, or to the person saying it. A hearty "Happy Ramadan" comes from the heart, even if I don't celebrate it. A PC and useless "Happy Holidays" neither comes from the heart, nor touches one. 


I guess my feeling is, Christmas means something to people. Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice MEAN something. "Happy Holidays" means nothing to no one. When I wish someone "Merry Christmas!", I say it with a smile, with love, and behind that message is 29 years of trees, lights, cookie baking with my grandmother...and all the lovely and loving things that I associate with Christmas. If the person I am wishing to doesn't celebrate Christmas...that doesn't matter. That's not really the point. I am wishing them all the good things I associate with Christmas...and that comes through, because the greeting is genuine. I *mean* it.


When I say "Happy Holidays"...it has no meaning for me. So it has no genuine warmth or genuine wishes, unlike my "Merry Christmas" wish. I think wishing people "Happy Holidays" is fine...if that means something to you. Because then it's a genuine message of love and warmth. However, if I wish someone "Merry Christmas", I would hope that person would realize I am wishing them nothing but good things...and please don't get offended because I actually named the holiday I celebrate. 


There is a point where tolerance for difference becomes intolerance for the traditional...and I think this is one of those cases. There is nothing wrong with wishing a Jewish person a hearty "Merry Christmas!" and if that person responded with an equally enthusiastic "Happy Hanukkah!"...I would certainly not be offended. I would be happy that they had wished me all the goodness that Hanukkah brings for them. 


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! KATIE


       
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