Merry Christmas, Not Happy Holidays
Written by Mike Cheliak on December 25, 2009 – 9:13 am -I am a very unapologetic Evolutionist and RC (Recovering Catholic). I don’t apologize because I don’t expect anyone of any faith or non-faith to have to explain their position and belief system.
I am also a very big fan of Christmas. I don’t have any religious reason to love it but I sure do have a great affinity for the season and how it seems to bring out the best in people (for the most part). It almost seems like a good excuse to just be a little nicer to someone or to bury the hatchet if needed.
It is also the season where we see our kids glow when they get a special gift or see their proud faces when they give something to someone. We have always taught our children to appreciate what they have, cherish what they get and to share with others who need.
Now that we feel a little warm and fuzzy, let me bring us down a notch.
Since when did it become potentially offensive to wish someone a Merry Christmas? My wife works for a big department store and was told not to wish anyone a Merry Christmas. There was a poll on a cable network asking if it was politically incorrect to wish someone a Merry Christmas.
I fail to see where political correctness or even religion comes in to play when offering someone a gift of joy and happiness. Heck it’s not like you are tossing them a Jehovah’s Witness pamphlet and asking them to join in the fun. It’s a simple greeting to someone that lets them know you are wishing them happiness.
I don’t care if you are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Orthodox, Satanist, Druid, Pagan, Wiccan, Atheist, Communist, Republican, Socialist, Liberal, Democrat, Anarchist or just a plain old Johnny or Jane come lately. Merry Christmas just means Merry Christmas. Regardless of the word origin it is only a way to share your joy with another person.
You don’t have to observe it, practice it, follow it, like it, hate it or care one way or the other about it. It just means Merry Christmas. It’s not political and it really isn’t a religious incantation unless you translate it that way. I don’t.
I love Christmas because it means family, friends and a good reason to enjoy and appreciate both. It means good food, giving and getting thoughtful gifts and sharing the day with people you love.
If you find the words Merry Christmas in any way politically incorrect or offensive to your faith or lack of faith, then you should go crawl into a cave and stay there from the middle of November until the end of December.
I would like to offer a most heartfelt and hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR to everyone I know, everyone I don’t know and anyone who reads this.
Mike C.
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