The Debate About Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

I write this blog in reaction to a Facebook post I saw yesterday. A lady in hateful terms expressed that if she wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, then she was not going to be stopped and that if anyone disliked her sentiments they could "go back home where they came from." She even offered to pack for them. I know many people who share that sentiment. I just don't get it.

I celebrate Christmas, but I am aware that Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, Ismaili Muslims celebrate Khushiali, sometimes Diwali falls in December, and other people celebrate Kwanzaa. Please note that their offense is not taken that we have Christmas; it is taken for not recognizing or showing care that they celebrate other holidays during the same season. Why should we insist that Jews, Muslims, Hindus and those African Americans who choose to celebrate Kwanzaa have a Merry Christmas? If the shoe were on the other foot and you found yourself in a predominantly Jewish, Muslim or Hindu land, wouldn't you feel flattered if they, despite being in the majority, wished you a Merry Christmas? Since Christians cannot judge a book by its cover any more than anyone in any other religion, Happy Holidays covers all holidays celebrated and is not meant to be offensive, but inclusive. Happy Holidays!