Does it matter to you? Do you get offended when people are told NOT to say Merry Christmas?

I read an article recently, and it really hit the nail on the head, IMO. When people get all in a huff over not being "able" to say Merry Christmas (in the work place), it really has no bearing on their Christianity. No one is taking away Christmas or taking Christ out of Christmas. The writer went on to say, when exactly did Christ ask us to celebrate his b'day anyway?

It went on to say that really people getting upset over this are just upset at not being able to flaunt their religion (basically). It reminded me of the gay marriage debate. People that get in a huff over it probably see it as a threat to their "superiority" and being able to flaunt how wonderful they are.

JMO, of course.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

It doesn't bother me, but I am just used to saying Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays is still a nice thing to say as well though.

On a flip side, I think this country is getting TOO P.C. I don't want to hurt or offend anyone, but by the same token I'm not going to over analyze every word that comes out of my mouth in fear I may step on a toe.

It seems like too many people get offended too easily anymore. Grow a skin for Pete's sake. I'm not Jewish, but if someone thought I was and said Happy Hanukkah to me, I wouldn't be offended! My thoughts would lie more in the fact that someone bothered to wish me something nice.

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It wouldn't bother me. I don't even associate Christmas with religion anymore.To me it's just a time of year for spreading joy ,being extra nice and just letting people know you appreciate them with gifts.
All the decorations and lights make it even more fun and appealing.I think even most athiests will celebrate Christmas despite what their true beliefs are.

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I say Merry Christmas because that's what I grew up with. I don't care what other people say - I take it all as spreading holiday joy - whatever holiday you celebrate!

The only offense I take is when someone doesn't want ME to say what I want to say.

Lisa

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"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

I ususally say " Have a nice holiday"..it covers everything and good wishes are expressed, which is the intent of it all.

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Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

E. Roosevelt

Happy holidays is inclusive, safe, and encompasses the whole season. That being said. if someone wishes me Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah or any other holiday, I'm fine with it. If you know someone is Jewish and you wish them Merry Christmas deliberately, then you are being petty and churlish.

Also much ado about nothing. This happened where and when? And is it still going on or are there just the constant postings and emails to keep the myth alive and rile people up?

awe BahHumBug!


Happy Holidays, because I don't have to think....
Happy Halloween!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Merry Christmas!!!
and Happy New Year!!

for me it covers them All!! And I've been say Happy Holidays for over 30 years.

I usually say Merry Christmas simply because that's how I grew up and that's what I celebrate. That being said if I know for a fact someone doesn't celebrate Christmas or celebrates something else I'll greet them in a different way.

I take no offense to any way anyone wishes to greet me. Whether it's "bless you, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, have a nice day" or whatever.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

LOL!! I did this last year. One of the doctors at our hospital is Jewish and walking past him one day, I smiled and said "Merry Christmas!" He didn't miss a beat, smiling back and wishing me the same in return.

I had said it 20 other times that day, it just didn't dawn on me. We have talked about religion, me Catholic and him Jewish, but it was maybe a once a twice thing a while ago? It wasn't a normal course of conversation.

Anyway, I realized it a few steps past him and I felt a mental "Ooops". But it wouldn't have occurred to me that he would get angry (and he didn't, he's not like that), and he knows me and that I meant no malice.

Good example of what kindness of the season is about.

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That's one of the dumbest statements I've heard in a long time

I absolutely say "Merry Christmas".

If I know the person I am addressing is Christian, I say "Merry Christmas!" Otherwise, I say "I hope you enjoy the holidays." I don't want to wish someone a joyous Christ's Mass unless I know that person celebrates Christ.

I'm a person with a strong Christian faith, but didn't grow up celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday. The reason for instituting "Christmas" wasn't Jesus' birth - it was an attempt to counter Pagan celebrations that occurred at that time by giving 'new Christians' - who became such because their government instituted Christianity as the national religion - something Christian-related to 'do' at that time of year that had previously been filled with non-Christian activities.

At least that's how I remember it... lol

I'm certainly not opposed to Jesus being highlighted during December, or to people celebrating that he was born when Dec. 25 rolls around. But in my religious tradition, that holiday was more secular than spiritual, and a time for family, friends, and gifts.

I don't mind that it's called "Christmas", and I always say Merry Christmas. I live in a rather homogenous area and that's what everyone says.

Huh? Much ado about nothing in regards to what? Am I missing something here?

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

So, do you think that only Christians should say Merry Christmas? I need some clarification on this statement.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

This is a "manufactured rage" topic, like flag burning, and many others. A hot button issue that was manufactured to get the right worked into a tizzy. It's amazing, but it continues to work. Take a non-issue, give it some air time, and behold the wrath. And the wrath can last for ages because people will latch on to the supposed affronts and keep the subject alive long past it's expiration date. Much ado about nothing IMO. People must enjoy the feeling that they are being picked on, because so many leap on the bandwagon. Basically I'm agreeing with your original post, with the addition that this whole to-do is a product of the manipulation of a certain section of the public as the target.

YES, and that is basically what the author was trying to say in the piece I read. Lately I have noticed a lot of postings on Facebook about "It's a CHRISTMAS tree......not a Holiday Tree"....blah, blah, you know the drill. The author said "when's the last time you wished anyone a merry anything???" LOL....so true. I agree Wildwood, much ado about nothing.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Umm. No. I didn't think I was unclear. Sorry about that.

I wish my boss a "Happy Hanukkah" because I know she is Jewish. My boss and I both wish our staff "Merry Christmas" if we know they celebrate Christmas. If I don't know the person well, I wish them a general happy holiday.

And Happy Festivus for the rest of us!

^^^^^this^^^^^

Wish me a



and I'm celebrating New Year's too so if you want to unload a big ole helping of


I'm good with that too!


Woo Hoo,
It's the Holidays!

Share the joy people!
X

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Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I grew up always saying Merry Christmas, however today I mostly use Happy Holidays, in the scheme of life for me at least it is nothing to get upset about, however some people still do.

ill think it is what it is. Merry Christmas to some, Kwanza to others, Hannukah (sp?) to others, etc, etc, etc.

dl

For me personally, I think your right. I truly think everyone should respect everyone's wishes for how they celebrate the holiday and following which tradition. This is the time of year we all wish each other peace and hope for a great New Year!

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"It doesn't bother me, but I am just used to saying Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays is still a nice thing to say as well though.

On a flip side, I think this country is getting TOO P.C. I don't want to hurt or offend anyone, but by the same token I'm not going to over analyze every word that comes out of my mouth in fear I may step on a toe.

It seems like too many people get offended too easily anymore. Grow a skin for Pete's sake. I'm not Jewish, but if someone thought I was and said Happy Hanukkah to me, I wouldn't be offended! My thoughts would lie more in the fact that someone bothered to wish me something nice. "
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MERRY CHRISTMAS is my preference. After all, we are celebrating Christmas. I have Jewish friends who enjoy Christmas because they enjoy the lights and all of the pretty decorations, so a MERRY CHRISTMAS to them too!

I think that people should just take the greeting/wishes as a polite, friendly thing and just move on. If you assume some one is Jewish--you're wrong, if you assume an African-American celebrates Kwanza (sp), you're wrong. I know I'm not being to eloquent w/ words...I guess it's just people are too sensitive, and want everything their way. You cannot please everybody, all the time!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I have always said "Merry Christmas" and still do most of the time...Lately though I find myself saying "Have a nice holiday"...

I don't really care one way or the other. I do try to be conscious of my one Jewish family. I bring them a gift that's not Christmas-related or wrapped in Christmas paper, just as a "thank you" for their business throughout the year. They always wish me a Merry Christmas. On the flip side though, I do resent the use of the words "Holiday Tree". Um, no. Too PC for me.

Want to hear a funny story? My mother's, (gosh, how I miss her!!) first name was Mary. My brother and I, knowing that we weren't supposed to call our mom by her first name, refused for YEARS to say "Merry Christmas". It was always "Mommy Christmas" to us. Yeah, dumb, but I thought it might make you guys smile.

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If tea parties are for little girls with imaginary friends, bring on the crumpets!

That's a cute story Mariah!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Merry Christmas, Mycouponers! And Happy Holidays, too!

BTW, I was at the post office on Friday, where I have a P.O. Box, and am there so frequently that the workers know my name. I chatted briefly during a surprisingly quieter moment with one of workers there, who was wearing a Santa hat.

As I left, I said to her "Have a Merry Christmas!" (I knew that the odds that she celebrated Christmas were quite high - based on the Santa hat).

She said "Oh, thanks - I will. (then she waited a moment)...And you enjoy your day with your family!"

I realized as I left that she was not sure what, exactly, I celebrate (probably based on my last name, which does not have Christain overtones - LOL!).

However, I was really touched that she wanted to say something nice, although my last name apparently caused a bit of confusion.

So while I say "Merry Christmas" pretty liberally, I think any well-intended expression is great, and I do hope most people aren't offended if someone selects the wrong one.

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell