Any strong opinions on saying happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas? Personally, I say the latter and celebrate it as well. I'd just like to see some discussion from this because it seems to be a big deal around the holidays. As a side debate, how about that atheist sign in Olympia?
I don't mind either, I will say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. I don't think it is a huge deal, but I can understand some people thinking of it that way, because it involves religion, and evidently our little bill of rights had absolutely no effect to what happens now. As far as I know freedom of religion is freedom of religion whether or not it "insults you" Isn't that what we were trying to avoid in the first place?
People shouldn't be offended by hearing Merry Christmas. The United States is a Christian nation and Christmas is celebrated by non-Christians as well as Christians. If people do not celebrate Christmas, then they can just ignore the greeting and go on with their lives.
Well, happy holidays is just generic so people don't feel "left out". 0_o Honestly, I think they just want to whine about something. There is freedom of religion and speech, and yet it isn't "politically correct" to say "merry Christmas" or whatever. Dumb. It's like those guys who got arrested for "acting suspicious" at an airport, when they were actually just praying. I'll have to look up that side topic.
I don't see a reason to be offended by, "Merry Christmas." I guess the big deal is that it has "Christ" in it. Seriously, though, I don't get offended by "Happy Holidays." Sure, it's not what I prefer, but concentrating on what way you celebrate this time of the year sortta defeats the purpose of this time of the year in the first place, doesn't it? Make a mental note: I actually agree with Nitrous. Also, as a side rant, I'd like to call out one of our nation's many retarded moves. Not long ago, holidays known as George Washington Day and Abraham Lincoln Day (and a few others, I believe) were replaced by the now-used President's Day. Now, immediately we notice two things.... We're losing days! I want more paid holidays! I now have to honor Presidents like Herbert Clark Hoover (let our economy rot) and William Howard Taft (so fat that he got stuck in the bathtub). I don't care about those do-nothings! I want justice!
I use both. I mostly use "Merry Christmas" with family and I use "Happy holidays" with strangers and such. I don't think it maters too much. On the side note, I think the sign is a little rude. They could have said it in a kinder way. It is supposed to be a happy season and a sign like that will anger people. Though I must say I sorta like it. (>_>)
And again you're wrong on all accounts. [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The original colonies were primarily peopled by refugees fleeing religious persecution in other countries. But almost upon arrival, the Puritans only continued that practice against native Shaman, then against Quakers, and even each other –over religious differences. Catholics to the South were even worse! The founding fathers however were largely Deists, the least devout form of theism. They were brilliant men who knew better than to let religion rule over law because theocracy has in all instances almost automatically violated human rights and it inevitably always does. Consequently, the irreligious and non-Christian framers of the American Constitution produced the first government ever to grant all its citizens the right to religious freedom, and they did so by forbidding the government from sponsoring or promoting one religion over any other. Because it is not possible to have freedom of religion without having freedom from religion. [/FONT]
Depends. If it's Christmas, then I would say Merry Christmas. If, however, a week earlier I say Happy Holidays.
We have freedom of religion, but the country was still based on values of christian leaders and was influenced by Christian beliefs. But your right, the US is not Christian (PS: I'm not religious, so I'm not biased at all)
I say Merry Christmas to my friends (who are Christian, Happy Hanukkah, to Jewish friends, etc) and Happy Holidays to others that I don't know as well. Do you mean Merry Christmas?
Why make an issue out of what people say.. and not about what they Do? I mean Say what you want to say... IS it offensive for me to wish you a happy season... of my belief ..if you have the same right to wish what every good on to me... If you feel I dont' have the right to practice my Religion then You need to Find another country.. I have my rights just as you... Now compare this to praying... Nitrous I'm praying for you...(Good way)... Now Nirtrous has the same right to pray to who ever he wants for me just the same... should we be angry? NO... bottom line... Happy holidays is almost trying to remove the right of the citizen that says it... from his mouth... There is nothing you are forced to say.. just what you forced not to say.. ... MERRY CHRISMAS.. i'll be gone Thursday for 2 weeks Chrismas break and all Hope to see you guys in the New year ...
I prefer the term Merry Kwanzukkahmas. It satisfies most of the people I know. My overall argument is, if you get offended by someone bequeathing a little holiday cheer upon you in an increasingly angry and self-centered world, **** you.
The Sign Here is the sign in Olympia that Nitrous mentioned: While it is not the most cheery piece of holiday text, I have to say that I agree with it completely. I say Merry Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, I assume you will take the phrase as a gesture of positive wishes as the year nears an end. I'm not really bothered by the word Christ in Christmas. I feel like secularity and consumerism have in large replaced the Christian theme of Christmas long ago. What does Christmas mean to you? 1. Trees, decorations, presents, Santa, and a time to celebrate and gather with family. 2. Jesus's Birthday
A celebration of his birth takes place on the 25th. His actual day of birth is unknown. Funny how the most important thing to ever happen to the planet is shrouded in so much mystery.