So I
had someone ask why I say "Happy Holidays" if I'm in the mindset of
"take the gesture as it's meant". And I had to explain, well A) I've
worked so many bloody public/customer service jobs I just got in the
habit. Specifically when I worked at my uni's library and my uni was
hugely multi-cultural. Most of the funding came from international
students, so 60-70% of the people I saw, were not from Canada and not
Christian. Also I have a entire group of friends that are Pagan, so I
just got used to it.
B) Just because I'll
take the phrase in the spirit as it's meant, doesn't mean I won't make a
pointed effort to be inclusive. Not everyone celebrates Christmas,
myself not being a Christian (my family is, I fell out a while back and
just stick with Agnostic for those needing a definition) I feel a bit awkward saying "Merry Christmas".
I love celebrating all holidays with everyone. Celebrating others holidays is always fun and a great way to understand other's cultures/beliefs. However, I don't fault whatever holiday you say so long as you mean to
wish me well. I just personally make an attempt to be all-encompassing
in my well-wishes.
C) I don't know. I just feel awkward about it. While I understand everyone celebrates their own holiday, at the same time, Christmas is this huge holiday that has spread almost everywhere. We have public mandated holidays for a holiday that, well, not everyone celebrates.
I feel bad for those people that don't celebrate Christmas, but have this vacation based around a holiday/religion they're not a part of. They see big displays of it. They hear music about it (and lemme tell you, for someone not Christian or even very spiritual, most "holiday" music is awkward). From the time Thanksgiving/Halloween is over (in whichever respective country you live in), all you see/hear is Christmas. Christmas Christmas Christmas.
And it's not everyone's holiday. The idea behind Christmas is a wonderful one, don't get me wrong. Giving and well-wishes and seriously awesome food. Not a bad idea. Just, the whole thing is so commercialized, and pushy.
I wonder about other people who aren't Christian. Who's entire environment is now set up for a holiday they don't celebrate. Their workplace will also summarily be invaded. Their only freedom their house. Unless they turn on the TV or radio. Or unless you're like me and you're family is Christian. My thing is, I may not be that religious but I freakin love Christmas and giving my family gifts. Which is a bit odd because I'm actively celebrating a holiday with my family that is based around a religion I no longer follow, but c'est la vie.
But it's why it bothers me so much, these people that get up in arms about the phrase "Happy Holidays". While I understand it is "Christmas", you're basically telling these people that are forced to include your holiday into their lives, that they also have to use your terminology?
I'm sorry but I don't think that's fair.
Yes, it's considered a Christian holiday. But that just further emphasizes the point of how exclusive our calendar is. How many people celebrating Hanukkah get to have the week off? Or even a day. For crying out loud it's at the end of November this year. They don't get a holiday. They get finals. Or just work.
These people that are bitching about "Happy Holidays" just come off as privileged jerks to me.
However, I don't deny you your right to say Merry Christmas.
If you honestly and truly intend to wish me a Merry Christmas, you're wishing me a time of love and caring and joy. And I will 100% fully take that sentiment and keep it warm in my heart. I appreciate it.
The idea behind Christmas is a wonderful one. Kindness and gifts to those you love and family. Just, if you're getting pissy about someone saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Maybe consider first why this person would say Happy Holidays. In my case, I worked public service and it was my job to be inclusive. In some cases, maybe the person isn't Christian, what a concept.
But I'm sorry, when your holiday is the only one that matters in the eyes of major businesses, when your holiday invades every nook, cranny, and inch of everything, everywhere, to the point where you can't escape it, it's not fair for you to get pissy about terminology.
Your entire holiday is based on good will towards men. Maybe show it?
