As we near Christmas, people are wishing others happy holidays. Some mean it while some are told to say it by their managers, and others just say it to make partings less awkward. In any case, social norm is to be happy that people are at least polite. But some get a strange superior, territorial, or offended reaction when they hear this all-inclusive wish in place of “Merry Christmas.”
These people, oddly enough, aren’t always Christian but the majority obviously is. They most likely have this childish response because they think of everyone discriminating against their religion. However, this is the melting pot in which anyone may practice any faith he/she wants. What makes Christmas THE holiday? As a matter of fact, saying “Merry Christmas” may not discriminate against but neglects people of many faiths.
December 5th is Ashura. December 6th is the Feast of St. Nicholas. December 8th is Bodhi Day. December 12th is the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. December 20th is Hanukkah. December 21st is Yalda. December 22nd is Yule. December 25th is Christmas. December 26th is the Death of Zarathushtra and the beginning of Kwanzaa. December is a minefield of religious celebration. No one stole anyone else’s holiday or culture. When someone says “Happy Holidays,” they’re simply being more thoughtful.
But, of course, it is still thoughtful to wish anyone a “Merry Christmas.” You’re just specifying a date by how you recognize it. In the end, tolerate others and their celebrations and beliefs. Merry Holidays, everyone.