The Bloggers With The Most To Say
Is it politically incorrect to say Merry Christmas?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Smart Ass Sara on -
Actually I work with two women down the hall (one is Jewish and one is Muslim) and I hear "happy hanukkah" fairly regularly even though she knows I celebrate Christmas. But whatever- it doesn't matter. She may be weird about a lot of htings, but she's just being nice and friendly. No biggie.
The whole expressing a sentiment with a holiday at the end and being annoyed by it seems silly. -
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Permalink Reply by leilani on -
It doesn't bother me as my I love and celebrate Christmas, but I think that I don't want to come off as someone who thinks that just because I celebrate it, I can say it to everyone...
And even my (adult) Jewish friends get really bummed about not celebrating Christmas, so I think of my kiddies and I feel like a pleasant "Happy holidays!" is always a good choice! -
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on -
I don't think there is anything wrong with it. If I say it to someone, I don't mean it in a offensive manner, nor am I trying to push my beliefs on you. Its no different then sending well wishes on any other holiday. It may have more of a religious overtone then some other holidays, but Christmas has become so secularized that to many people its just a time to party and have fun. Also, though I don't mind being told "Happy Holidays", I'd much rather be wished a "Happy Hanukkah" or Kwanza because it's more personal and cheerful.
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Permalink Reply by EEB on -
I make it a point to say "Happy Holidays" when I don't know a person's religion, though I definitely slip up and say "Merry Christmas" from time to time. I think most people accept the thought behind the greeting and it's not a big deal.
I agree with Lindsey about having a problem with people who complain about people or businesses that don't say "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays." Perhaps it's because I've lived in areas with greater religious diversity, but I think it's rude to purposefully say "Merry Christmas," not caring that someone may not celebrate it. -
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Permalink Reply by Adrienne H on -
Wow, you guys are kinda confusing. There's nothing wrong with wishing someone a Merry Christmas. Very few people don't celebrate it but even so, everyone gets the day off of work which is always worth celebrating. Saying "Merry Christmas" isn't assuming anything when it's a national holiday - I assume most of us are saying it to other Americans?
Those of us who celebrate it as the birth of Christ and Christianity may celebrate it differently than other's who focus on gifts, family, giving, or peace but just about everyone makes that day a special one and we should acknowledge that day as Merry!
You know what I've always wondered? Why is Christmas the only holiday that we use the world Merry to describe? In England I believe they say Happy Christmas, I kinda like it.
Happy Christmas everyone! Happy 25th of December! Happy birthday Jesus! Whichever you like. -
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Permalink Reply by jay. on -
I think you should be able to say the phrase that depicts the holiday you celebrate. I celebrate Christmas, and what it means to me. Therefore, I would say Merry Christmas... except for the fact that I don't. Not because I don't want to, but because some people are much more sensitive than I am. I work in retail, and offending people is rather easy and frowned upon. If someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, I just smile and say, "You too" or "Thank you." I don't see a need for correcting someone if they wish you the "wrong" holiday... I mean really, when are you going to ever see them again anyway?
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Permalink Reply by Mr. Apron on -
Wow. This was the subject of my blog post for today and now, reading all of this has made me want to stick my head in the sand and vomit for at least ten minutes.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Elizabeth Weaver on -
I feel like Christmas has become something of a secularized holiday at this point. My husband and I are Christian, but I told him last night that if I were Jewish or Muslim and living in the United States I would probably celebrate Christmas anyway. How is it different from a non-practicing Christian or atheist celebrating Christmas? I don't think it should be politically incorrect because our culture has turned it into a secular holiday.
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Permalink Reply by Berrak Sarikaya on -
I actually addressed this in my blog last year so I'll just copy/paste from there:
I heard this question…oh, about 5 times today. I get it. People are trying to be considerate because I *am* Muslim and they don’t want to offend…but to me, there’s nothing offensive about someone wishing me a Merry Christmas. It’s the same as Happy Holidays…at least in the US, over the years, that’s what it’s become. I don’t understand why people get so offended over the use of Merry Christmas over Happy Holidays or Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas…
Isn’t the whole point just to wish the other person a joyful and peaceful time, whatever it is they celebrate?
At least, that’s what I think. If the intention behind it is pure, why do the words matter? I’m Muslim. Someone wishing me a Merry Christmas does not offend me nor do I feel like I’m being ‘forced’ to celebrate a Christian holiday. As long as you pass on your good wishes, I can choose to celebrate whatever, however I choose. It’s the blessing that counts…isn’t it?
It should be.
To clarify…in Turkey, we celebrate New Year’s. Before we moved to the US, we gave presents to each other for New Year’s Eve…and it usually coincides with a Muslim holiday. When we moved to the US 13 years ago, and my brother was so young, we decided to go ahead and do the tree and presents on Christmas…just so it would be easier for him to adjust to being in *this* society. Did it take anything away from our traditions and culture? Not at all. Did we become ‘Americanized’? Maybe in the social sense but that didn’t change our religion, faith or heritage. Your identity and faith is what you make of it. The words that others use in their greeting doesn’t define you.
You define you so remember that this holiday season. When someone wishes you a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays in the street, return their blessing with a smile. The world’s gone down the shitter and most people are probably having a bad day…a smile from a stranger might be just the medicine that they need.
Happy Holidays from the PQ Nation to all of you. -
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Permalink Reply by Adrienne H on
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That's great!
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Permalink Reply by cooper on -
I am not sure if it is politically correct or not, but it it not very sincere to wish someone who is Jewish, or an atheist, a Merry Christmas. It shows a casual disregard for that person — a selfishness on your part. It's better to say happy holiday in my opinion. It belittles people when you don't care to know enough about them to wish them a happy correct holiday.
If it is just some random person on the street no it doesn't matter, but someone you are acquainted with I think you should take the time to know more about them. -
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