Wow..touchy subject. Personally, and by no means I am not trying to offend anyone. You have a choice in what you believe in. I was raised Catholic. And so, what does the word Christmas contain? I'll give you a hint, it's the first five letters.
Are you Offended by the word CHRISTmas?
12/06/2011
Quote:
"...what does the word Christmas contain? I'll give you a hint, it's the first five letters."
Originally posted by
MrWishyWashy
Wow..touchy subject. Personally, and by no means I am not trying to offend anyone. You have a choice in what you believe in. I was raised Catholic. And so, what does the word Christmas contain? I'll give you a hint, it's the first five letters.
You're right, Christmas has, at this point, become about the birth of Christ (which obviously is where the name came from.) But my point (and I think the point of some other people here, although I can't speak for them) is that while "Christmas" is not a word anyone should be actively offended by, neither is "Hanukkah", or "Kwanzaa" or "Solstice" (all of which are other observances during this time of year.) If someone came up to you, a Catholic, and wished you a "Happy Hanukkah", how would you react? Would you simply smile and thank them, or would you let them know immediately that you do not celebrate Hanukkah? That's not something that Christians have to worry about for the most part, because we are the religious majority. And like most other people on the planet, if it doesn't affect us, we simply don't think about it. But maybe we should.
I don't know about you, but every time I read about someone getting all worked up about greetings during this time of year, it's always a Christian freaking out about people choosing NOT to use the greeting "Merry Christmas." I don't think I've ever heard a Jew, for example, having a problem with people not using the greeting "Happy Hanukkah".
I'm a Catholic too (raised that way, and still practicing) but, regardless of my own religious beliefs, I refuse to push my beliefs, or my winter holiday of choice, onto others. If I do not know the religious affiliation of the person to whom I am speaking, I say "Happy Holidays." It doesn't hurt me, and it doesn't take away from my own celebration of Christmas.
12/06/2011
Quote:
No, I'm not. CHRISTmas is a CHRISTian holiday. If you're offended with the word "Christmas," then by that logic you should be offended by the word "Christian." Just saying.
Originally posted by
bayosgirl
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday,
...
more
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday, Christmas. The origin of the holiday IS, in fact, rooted in the Christian faith. It seems that rather than being INclusive of people of all faiths, the point of banning the word Christmas is more like to EXclude Christ. I have not been personally corrected-yet-but I wouldn't hesitate to defend Christmas. What about you, are YOU offended by the word Christmas?
less
I'll say "Happy Holidays" and the such, but you're not going to offend me by saying "Christmas."
12/06/2011
Considering that Christmas is one of the most secular holidays ever (check out all the non-Christian places where it is big, such as Japan) and it's got far, far more Pagan material than Christian material in it, offended people are either silly or woefully uneducated.
12/06/2011
Sorry, I hit enter too soon.
I wanted to say that you forgot the nearly-always-necessar y "other" in your poll.
I wanted to say that you forgot the nearly-always-necessar y "other" in your poll.
12/06/2011
Quote:
I know! In Japan it's practically a variation of Valentine's day! Who doesn't like free presents?
Originally posted by
Eucaly
Considering that Christmas is one of the most secular holidays ever (check out all the non-Christian places where it is big, such as Japan) and it's got far, far more Pagan material than Christian material in it, offended people are either silly
...
more
Considering that Christmas is one of the most secular holidays ever (check out all the non-Christian places where it is big, such as Japan) and it's got far, far more Pagan material than Christian material in it, offended people are either silly or woefully uneducated.
less
People who are offended by "Xmas" are silly as well. "Xmas" goes FFFFFFAAAARRRR BAAAACCCCKKK to the earliest days of Christianity. The X? It means Christ, folks!
12/06/2011
It doesn't really matter to me. I usually say happy holidays.
12/06/2011
Im not religious in any way what so ever but to not call Christmas Christmas is is just plain stupid. Are we going to have to stop calling other religious events something else just because people don't celebrate them? I don't think the Hajj will change to "the long walk" any time soon.
12/06/2011
None of these answers work for me.
I am a Christian and I really don't care what people call this time of year. Some days I say Christmas and other times I refer to it just as the holidays.
I am a Christian and I really don't care what people call this time of year. Some days I say Christmas and other times I refer to it just as the holidays.
12/06/2011
i'm not christian and there is never a time when i am offended by it
12/06/2011
Quote:
Correction: I'm not saying "how dare you not say Merry Christmas". I'm saying "don't tell ME not to say Merry Christmas". People can say whatever they want, believe whatever they want..I just don't want to be told what to say because it might "offend" someone. It's not being "preachy" to stand up for my right to call "the holiday" what I want to call it.
Originally posted by
Kat Shanahan
You know, this has come up a bunch of different times on my FB in the past little while. So much so, in fact, that I finally had to make a filter blocking out any mention of the word "Christmas" because I was sick and tired of finding out
...
more
You know, this has come up a bunch of different times on my FB in the past little while. So much so, in fact, that I finally had to make a filter blocking out any mention of the word "Christmas" because I was sick and tired of finding out that people I thought were cool are really religious bigots.
Here's how I see it (and this is just my opinion): Christmas is NOT the only religious holiday that takes place during this time of year. While Christians may be the religious majority, that doesn't mean that the celebration of Christmas is the only important one. Other religions (and non-religious individuals) have the right to celebrate (or not celebrate) as they see fit. I'm really, really sick and tired of hearing about the supposed "war on Christmas." No one is trying to steal Christmas, no one is trying to take it away. But there is something to be said about inclusion and the acceptance of other faiths and religions.
There was a story in the news up here (Canada) recently in which a school in Ontario chose to postpone their annual Christmas concert. Instead, they will be holding a craft fair (I think) and their concert will be moved to February; it will be a "holiday" concert, I believe.
There is such an uproar about this, it's ridiculous. The thing is, the school in question is a PUBLIC school, and the last time I checked, religion has no place in a public school. Guess what? Christmas is, at its roots, a religious holiday! Want your kids to be guaranteed an annual Christmas concert? Great! Put 'em in a private/religious school! This is Canada! We're a multicultural country (it's one of the greatest things about this nation, imo), so why should we cater to only one cultural/religious group? But apparently, because there are "only" nine non-Christian children in the school (or at least nine kids who don't celebrate Christmas) they don't matter and should just suck it up and deal (or sit in the principal's office while the other kids rehearse for the concert.) I actually have heard on several different occasions, "Well, if they don't like our traditions, they can just go back where they came from." Wait now. Who the hell says that just because those nine students don't celebrate Christmas, they're foreigners?
I just don't understand. Call it whatever the hell you want (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, whatever) but don't force your own damn beliefs on anyone else. Why freak out over "Happy Holidays"/"S eason's Greetings" versus "Merry Christmas"? Good wishes are good wishes in my book, but apparently that's not the case in many peoples' minds.
Sorry for the rant, but you really have no idea how much this idea of "CHRISTMAS IS THE ONLY IMPORTANT HOLIDAY, HOW DARE YOU NOT SAY "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!!!" attitude irks me. This is not how you show goodwill toward mankind, people. Sheesh. less
Here's how I see it (and this is just my opinion): Christmas is NOT the only religious holiday that takes place during this time of year. While Christians may be the religious majority, that doesn't mean that the celebration of Christmas is the only important one. Other religions (and non-religious individuals) have the right to celebrate (or not celebrate) as they see fit. I'm really, really sick and tired of hearing about the supposed "war on Christmas." No one is trying to steal Christmas, no one is trying to take it away. But there is something to be said about inclusion and the acceptance of other faiths and religions.
There was a story in the news up here (Canada) recently in which a school in Ontario chose to postpone their annual Christmas concert. Instead, they will be holding a craft fair (I think) and their concert will be moved to February; it will be a "holiday" concert, I believe.
There is such an uproar about this, it's ridiculous. The thing is, the school in question is a PUBLIC school, and the last time I checked, religion has no place in a public school. Guess what? Christmas is, at its roots, a religious holiday! Want your kids to be guaranteed an annual Christmas concert? Great! Put 'em in a private/religious school! This is Canada! We're a multicultural country (it's one of the greatest things about this nation, imo), so why should we cater to only one cultural/religious group? But apparently, because there are "only" nine non-Christian children in the school (or at least nine kids who don't celebrate Christmas) they don't matter and should just suck it up and deal (or sit in the principal's office while the other kids rehearse for the concert.) I actually have heard on several different occasions, "Well, if they don't like our traditions, they can just go back where they came from." Wait now. Who the hell says that just because those nine students don't celebrate Christmas, they're foreigners?
I just don't understand. Call it whatever the hell you want (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, whatever) but don't force your own damn beliefs on anyone else. Why freak out over "Happy Holidays"/"S eason's Greetings" versus "Merry Christmas"? Good wishes are good wishes in my book, but apparently that's not the case in many peoples' minds.
Sorry for the rant, but you really have no idea how much this idea of "CHRISTMAS IS THE ONLY IMPORTANT HOLIDAY, HOW DARE YOU NOT SAY "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!!!" attitude irks me. This is not how you show goodwill toward mankind, people. Sheesh. less
12/06/2011
I'm not religious, and I don't care what people call it.
12/06/2011
I just want to add ... I wish someone would say 'Happy Kwanza' to me! I don't follow whatever religion says that, but it sounds cool enough, and no one's ever said that to me
Happy Kwanza, everyone!
Happy Kwanza, everyone!
12/07/2011
I'm not offended by it, and I don't really care what people say to each other.
When it comes to stores asking employees to say certain things, I think that's their right - it's their privately-owned company and they can direct their brand image however they want to. They can make people say "happy holidays" or they can post the 10 Commandments on the wall.
I don't believe that celebrating religion has a place in government, however, and am opposed to tax dollars being used that way. If they want to celebrate as private citizens, cool.
When it comes to stores asking employees to say certain things, I think that's their right - it's their privately-owned company and they can direct their brand image however they want to. They can make people say "happy holidays" or they can post the 10 Commandments on the wall.
I don't believe that celebrating religion has a place in government, however, and am opposed to tax dollars being used that way. If they want to celebrate as private citizens, cool.
12/07/2011
Quote:
I say happy holidays.
Originally posted by
bayosgirl
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday,
...
more
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday, Christmas. The origin of the holiday IS, in fact, rooted in the Christian faith. It seems that rather than being INclusive of people of all faiths, the point of banning the word Christmas is more like to EXclude Christ. I have not been personally corrected-yet-but I wouldn't hesitate to defend Christmas. What about you, are YOU offended by the word Christmas?
less
12/07/2011
I was raised Christian/Catholic, but I am not anymore and am not offended by the word nor will I say holiday.
12/07/2011
Quote:
Christmas is on December 25th. It's traditions were not started with Christianity, they were mostly taken from pagan rituals and holidays. It lasts for a single day, plus maybe 6 hours or so if you also do things on Christmas Eve.
Originally posted by
bayosgirl
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday,
...
more
I have noticed lately that often, when the word Christmas is used, the speaker will be corrected by someone to use the word "holiday." I don't understand why this is a big deal. Even people who are not Christians celebrate the holiday, Christmas. The origin of the holiday IS, in fact, rooted in the Christian faith. It seems that rather than being INclusive of people of all faiths, the point of banning the word Christmas is more like to EXclude Christ. I have not been personally corrected-yet-but I wouldn't hesitate to defend Christmas. What about you, are YOU offended by the word Christmas?
less
Chanukkah lasts 8 days, from December 7-16. Then there is Kwanzaa for 7 days after Christmas, from December 26th - January 1st, which is also New Year's Day.
For Christians, particularly the people in my Facebook feed who are all pissy about stores saying "Happy Holidays" during November and December, to suggest that there is a war on Christmas is ridiculous. You (general you) are not celebrating Christmas for the entire month of December. Why is it fair for everyone to be forced to cater to one religious holiday and say 'Merry Christmas' all month? What is the harm in wishing everyone a happy holiday and limiting your Christmas well wishing to those who you know celebrate it on the day it's being celebrated?
All that people are doing when they ask people to say 'happy holidays' during the month of December, is asking them to be inclusive of everyone. The word "Christmas" does not offend me. The Christians who believe they should be able to monopolize everything from what retailers greet customers with during the month of December to what religious texts and quotes are printed in public buildings for everyone to read, do.
12/07/2011
Didn't really see an option i liked. I am Christian and I call it Christmas because that's what it is. Why people get offended I don't know but that's what it's called so if you're going to do that be offended everytime I say thanksgiving or valentines day too
12/07/2011
Quote:
same here
Originally posted by
Squeaky
I grew up in a non-religious family, we called it Christmas. We celebrated it anyway because it's fun. Yay, family and presents!
12/07/2011
Quote:
If I could marry this comment I would. You took the words right out of my mouth. I don't get why people think that just because Christmas constitutes ONE day out of the year, that we have to focus on THAT particular holiday to the exclusion of every other holiday celebrated during this time of year.
Originally posted by
sarahbear
Christmas is on December 25th. It's traditions were not started with Christianity, they were mostly taken from pagan rituals and holidays. It lasts for a single day, plus maybe 6 hours or so if you also do things on Christmas
...
more
Christmas is on December 25th. It's traditions were not started with Christianity, they were mostly taken from pagan rituals and holidays. It lasts for a single day, plus maybe 6 hours or so if you also do things on Christmas Eve.
Chanukkah lasts 8 days, from December 7-16. Then there is Kwanzaa for 7 days after Christmas, from December 26th - January 1st, which is also New Year's Day.
For Christians, particularly the people in my Facebook feed who are all pissy about stores saying "Happy Holidays" during November and December, to suggest that there is a war on Christmas is ridiculous. You (general you) are not celebrating Christmas for the entire month of December. Why is it fair for everyone to be forced to cater to one religious holiday and say 'Merry Christmas' all month? What is the harm in wishing everyone a happy holiday and limiting your Christmas well wishing to those who you know celebrate it on the day it's being celebrated?
All that people are doing when they ask people to say 'happy holidays' during the month of December, is asking them to be inclusive of everyone. The word "Christmas" does not offend me. The Christians who believe they should be able to monopolize everything from what retailers greet customers with during the month of December to what religious texts and quotes are printed in public buildings for everyone to read, do. less
Chanukkah lasts 8 days, from December 7-16. Then there is Kwanzaa for 7 days after Christmas, from December 26th - January 1st, which is also New Year's Day.
For Christians, particularly the people in my Facebook feed who are all pissy about stores saying "Happy Holidays" during November and December, to suggest that there is a war on Christmas is ridiculous. You (general you) are not celebrating Christmas for the entire month of December. Why is it fair for everyone to be forced to cater to one religious holiday and say 'Merry Christmas' all month? What is the harm in wishing everyone a happy holiday and limiting your Christmas well wishing to those who you know celebrate it on the day it's being celebrated?
All that people are doing when they ask people to say 'happy holidays' during the month of December, is asking them to be inclusive of everyone. The word "Christmas" does not offend me. The Christians who believe they should be able to monopolize everything from what retailers greet customers with during the month of December to what religious texts and quotes are printed in public buildings for everyone to read, do. less
I'm a Christian, I celebrate Christmas, but I realize that my religion is not the only one on the planet, and that there are many other people who simply are not religious at all. I'm not *offended* by the word "Christmas" (why would I be?) but what I *am* offended by is the pervasive attitude that Christmas is the only holiday that matters and that by choosing to use the phrase "Happy Holidays" simply for the sake of inclusiveness, a person is declaring some kind of ridiculous "war on Christmas".
It smacks of religious bigotry, and to be honest, whenever I learn that someone in my life has that attitude, it makes me think less of that person.
12/07/2011
I'm not offended by the word Christmas itself, but I don't like it when people at stores and such say "Merry Christmas!" There are actually a lot of people that don't celebrate that holiday in particular; instead they may celebrate Kwanza, Yule or Hanukkah. And of course New Years is in the mix. So yeah, I'm one of those people that will correct you.
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays!
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays!
12/07/2011
Quote:
Your comment interested me, because when I worked in retail, I lost count of how many times I got snippy reactions from customers when I wished them "Happy Holidays." (The store where I worked didn't have any particular policy on what employees *had* to say; it was up to us whether we said "Merry Christmas", "Happy Holidays", "Season's Greetings", whatever.)
Originally posted by
Ms. Spice
I'm not offended by the word Christmas itself, but I don't like it when people at stores and such say "Merry Christmas!" There are actually a lot of people that don't celebrate that holiday in particular; instead they may
...
more
I'm not offended by the word Christmas itself, but I don't like it when people at stores and such say "Merry Christmas!" There are actually a lot of people that don't celebrate that holiday in particular; instead they may celebrate Kwanza, Yule or Hanukkah. And of course New Years is in the mix. So yeah, I'm one of those people that will correct you.
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays! less
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays! less
Anyway, I swear that at least half a dozen customers a day would *freak out* when I said "Happy Holidays". Just go right off on me, ask me what I had against Christmas. I always just replied, "Not a thing! Just want to include everyone's beliefs", with my usual "customer-service" smile.
I live in a predominantly Christian area, so I guess I can see why local retailers wouldn't have a specific policy on wishing customers "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas", but I'm with you -- I'd much rather hear employees of a business wish me Happy Holidays.
12/07/2011
Quote:
All of this, plus I'd just like to add that "Christmas" is when it is because of Saturnalia, which came first, though I'm not at all offended by "Christmas."
Originally posted by
Kat Shanahan
You know, this has come up a bunch of different times on my FB in the past little while. So much so, in fact, that I finally had to make a filter blocking out any mention of the word "Christmas" because I was sick and tired of finding out
...
more
You know, this has come up a bunch of different times on my FB in the past little while. So much so, in fact, that I finally had to make a filter blocking out any mention of the word "Christmas" because I was sick and tired of finding out that people I thought were cool are really religious bigots.
Here's how I see it (and this is just my opinion): Christmas is NOT the only religious holiday that takes place during this time of year. While Christians may be the religious majority, that doesn't mean that the celebration of Christmas is the only important one. Other religions (and non-religious individuals) have the right to celebrate (or not celebrate) as they see fit. I'm really, really sick and tired of hearing about the supposed "war on Christmas." No one is trying to steal Christmas, no one is trying to take it away. But there is something to be said about inclusion and the acceptance of other faiths and religions.
There was a story in the news up here (Canada) recently in which a school in Ontario chose to postpone their annual Christmas concert. Instead, they will be holding a craft fair (I think) and their concert will be moved to February; it will be a "holiday" concert, I believe.
There is such an uproar about this, it's ridiculous. The thing is, the school in question is a PUBLIC school, and the last time I checked, religion has no place in a public school. Guess what? Christmas is, at its roots, a religious holiday! Want your kids to be guaranteed an annual Christmas concert? Great! Put 'em in a private/religious school! This is Canada! We're a multicultural country (it's one of the greatest things about this nation, imo), so why should we cater to only one cultural/religious group? But apparently, because there are "only" nine non-Christian children in the school (or at least nine kids who don't celebrate Christmas) they don't matter and should just suck it up and deal (or sit in the principal's office while the other kids rehearse for the concert.) I actually have heard on several different occasions, "Well, if they don't like our traditions, they can just go back where they came from." Wait now. Who the hell says that just because those nine students don't celebrate Christmas, they're foreigners?
I just don't understand. Call it whatever the hell you want (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, whatever) but don't force your own damn beliefs on anyone else. Why freak out over "Happy Holidays"/"S eason's Greetings" versus "Merry Christmas"? Good wishes are good wishes in my book, but apparently that's not the case in many peoples' minds.
Sorry for the rant, but you really have no idea how much this idea of "CHRISTMAS IS THE ONLY IMPORTANT HOLIDAY, HOW DARE YOU NOT SAY "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!!!" attitude irks me. This is not how you show goodwill toward mankind, people. Sheesh. less
Here's how I see it (and this is just my opinion): Christmas is NOT the only religious holiday that takes place during this time of year. While Christians may be the religious majority, that doesn't mean that the celebration of Christmas is the only important one. Other religions (and non-religious individuals) have the right to celebrate (or not celebrate) as they see fit. I'm really, really sick and tired of hearing about the supposed "war on Christmas." No one is trying to steal Christmas, no one is trying to take it away. But there is something to be said about inclusion and the acceptance of other faiths and religions.
There was a story in the news up here (Canada) recently in which a school in Ontario chose to postpone their annual Christmas concert. Instead, they will be holding a craft fair (I think) and their concert will be moved to February; it will be a "holiday" concert, I believe.
There is such an uproar about this, it's ridiculous. The thing is, the school in question is a PUBLIC school, and the last time I checked, religion has no place in a public school. Guess what? Christmas is, at its roots, a religious holiday! Want your kids to be guaranteed an annual Christmas concert? Great! Put 'em in a private/religious school! This is Canada! We're a multicultural country (it's one of the greatest things about this nation, imo), so why should we cater to only one cultural/religious group? But apparently, because there are "only" nine non-Christian children in the school (or at least nine kids who don't celebrate Christmas) they don't matter and should just suck it up and deal (or sit in the principal's office while the other kids rehearse for the concert.) I actually have heard on several different occasions, "Well, if they don't like our traditions, they can just go back where they came from." Wait now. Who the hell says that just because those nine students don't celebrate Christmas, they're foreigners?
I just don't understand. Call it whatever the hell you want (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, whatever) but don't force your own damn beliefs on anyone else. Why freak out over "Happy Holidays"/"S eason's Greetings" versus "Merry Christmas"? Good wishes are good wishes in my book, but apparently that's not the case in many peoples' minds.
Sorry for the rant, but you really have no idea how much this idea of "CHRISTMAS IS THE ONLY IMPORTANT HOLIDAY, HOW DARE YOU NOT SAY "MERRY CHRISTMAS"!!!" attitude irks me. This is not how you show goodwill toward mankind, people. Sheesh. less
12/07/2011
I've thought about it some more and I think what it comes down to is just that it no matter what words people are using, it's a very Christian-centric mind-frame just because that is the majority: Hanukkah and Kwanza are tacked on as sort of "non-Christian Christmas substitutes". Which they aren't. It's the assumption that because "the holidays" mindset so huge, "even if someone isn't celebrating Christmas exactly, they must be celebrating something at least remotely similar enough that I can wish them a Happy that instead."
It's inclusive while at the same time being all kinds of assimilative. Hanukkah just isn't a Jewish Christmas. But that's how I feel it's being thought of, either consciously or not, when these big Christmas vs Holidays discussions go down. I think the attempts at PC inclusiveness are misguided, in this case. I'd rather the majority go about celebrating their holiday without clumsily attempting to squeeze mine in, too. It's not equivalent.
It's inclusive while at the same time being all kinds of assimilative. Hanukkah just isn't a Jewish Christmas. But that's how I feel it's being thought of, either consciously or not, when these big Christmas vs Holidays discussions go down. I think the attempts at PC inclusiveness are misguided, in this case. I'd rather the majority go about celebrating their holiday without clumsily attempting to squeeze mine in, too. It's not equivalent.
12/07/2011
Quote:
It may be about capitalism to many/most, but to me and my family it's still about the birth of Christ. Again, I don't have a problem with other people's beliefs nor do I have a problem with their choice to say Happy Holidays. I just want to be able to say "Merry Christmas", myself.
Originally posted by
Ms. Spice
I'm not offended by the word Christmas itself, but I don't like it when people at stores and such say "Merry Christmas!" There are actually a lot of people that don't celebrate that holiday in particular; instead they may
...
more
I'm not offended by the word Christmas itself, but I don't like it when people at stores and such say "Merry Christmas!" There are actually a lot of people that don't celebrate that holiday in particular; instead they may celebrate Kwanza, Yule or Hanukkah. And of course New Years is in the mix. So yeah, I'm one of those people that will correct you.
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays! less
Christmas, if anything, is a mix of pagan and capitalist traditions. It's supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but I feel like it's a celebration of spending as much money as possible. Obviously, I'm confused by the theme of the holiday.
I actually haven't seen a war on Christmas; if anything, I'm seeing growing awareness to be considerate of those who don't share your customs and beliefs.
So, happy holidays! less
12/08/2011
Would it make people happy if we called it Santamas? I hate when people get so over sensitive about stuff like this. If you get offended by the word Christmas, you need to have real problems in your life.
12/08/2011
I wish there was an "other" option. I'm not Christian, and I'm not offended by the people who wish me a Merry Christmas. They're wishing me well, and they have good intentions.
On the other hand, I don't go around saying Merry Christmas. It would feel very odd. So I say "Happy Holidays" (even though my religion doesn't have any holidays around this time of year) or "Happy New Years." The greeting cards I send out around this time of year say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy New Year."
On the other hand, I don't go around saying Merry Christmas. It would feel very odd. So I say "Happy Holidays" (even though my religion doesn't have any holidays around this time of year) or "Happy New Years." The greeting cards I send out around this time of year say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy New Year."
12/08/2011
I can see where the politically correct approach came from, but I don't know anyone that is actually OFFENDED by hearing Merry Christmas!
12/08/2011
I wish there was an "other" option. I'm not Christian, and I'm not offended by the people who wish me a Merry Christmas. They're wishing me well, and they have good intentions.
On the other hand, I don't go around saying Merry Christmas. I don't know whether you are Christian, and it's not something I would assume. So I say "Happy Holidays" (even though my religion doesn't have any holidays around this time of year) or "Happy New Years." The greeting cards I send out around this time of year say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy New Year."
On the other hand, I don't go around saying Merry Christmas. I don't know whether you are Christian, and it's not something I would assume. So I say "Happy Holidays" (even though my religion doesn't have any holidays around this time of year) or "Happy New Years." The greeting cards I send out around this time of year say "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy New Year."
12/08/2011
Quote:
I'm always interested when this issue crops up every year (and I usually see it crop up, SOMEWHERE, every single year). Because, out of all the times I've seen this debate, I have YET to see a non-Christian person argue that "Merry Christmas" offends them. It's usually a Christian who's yodelling about how "Happy Holidays" is so offensive and wrong to them.
Originally posted by
lexical
I can see where the politically correct approach came from, but I don't know anyone that is actually OFFENDED by hearing Merry Christmas!
Which, I will admit, is part of the reason why I choose to say "Happy Holidays" a lot of the time. It's kind of fun to watch the faces of some people go slightly purple and know that they're one of "those" people. Bahahaha.
In all seriousness...I'm not offended at ALL by Merry Christmas, but I'm equally unoffended by Happy Holidays. I wish most of my friends Merry Christmas (because most of them are Christian) but I still use Happy Holidays. I just don't see what the point is of getting all up in arms about ANY of it.
12/09/2011