| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: 1 2 [3] |
MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
i agree with some ppl before me who said that unfortunatly, there is ALWAYS going to be SOMETHING for people to complain about!!
my opinion - i wouldnt get offended if someone said "happy holidays" or "merry christmas" to me. i've been on the other side of it... when i worked in retail, i ALWAYS ALWAYS said "happy holidays"... b/c there were those % of people who voiced their opinion towards ppl who said "merry christmas"... and if i didnt celebrate xmas, i may feel a little peeved if someone were to say "merry christmas" to me... i would kind of think to myself that the person has no respect for other holidays IMO
|
Posted 12/5/08 11:41 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
BTW...is offended the new tacky?
|
| Posted 12/5/08 11:43 AM |
| |
|
MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by MsMBV
BTW...is offended the new tacky?
I'm offended you would compare the two.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 11:44 AM |
| |
|
seaside
LIF Adult
Member since 6/08 3101 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by MsMBV
BTW...is offended the new tacky?
I think it's the more politically correct term. 
|
| Posted 12/5/08 11:56 AM |
| |
|
mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I think it is ridiculous that someone would complain about being wished a happy holidays instead of merry christamas. On the flip side, I think it is ridiculous that stores feel that they even can't include the word "christmas" in any of their advertisements. I think that christmas has become so commercialized and so secular that wishing a merry christmas is like wishing happy holidays.
Message edited 12/5/2008 12:08:57 PM.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:05 PM |
| |
|
MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by leighdvm
When someone learned I was pregnant, they said "mazel tov" to me. I am not Jewish, but I wasn't offended one bit. It was a sentiment of good wishes. When I say Merry Christmas, I am wishing peace and love to that person.
Exactly -
Who cares?? A person is expressing good wished to you - In the first way they can think of .......who cares what words they use? The meaning beind it all is the same
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:06 PM |
| |
|
Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I don't get offended when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, but I have to admit that it does irk me just a bit that it's assumed that I celebrate Christmas. I will always reply "you too" or "Happy Holidays." I still appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate it just that much more when I hear "Happy Holidays." As several posters said before me, hearing "Merry Christmas" is a reminder that I am a very small minority in this world.
I also wanted to add that compared to other Jewish holidays, Chanukah is a relatively minor one. It is only made into such a big deal b/c it falls at the same time of year as Christmas. That's why it doesn't really bother me so much when I see so many more Christmas decorations in the stores.
(Sorry for the loosely related tangent)
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:07 PM |
| |
|
SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by mrsej
I think it is ridiculous that someone would complain about being wished a merry christmas instead of happy holidays. On the flip side, I think it is ridiculous that stores feel that they even can't include the word "christmas" in any of their advertisements. I think that christmas has become so commercialized and so secular that wishing a merry christmas is like wishing happy holidays.
Wishing someone "Merry Christmas" is not the same as saying "Happy Holidays." No matter how commercialized it may be, Christmas is a religious, not a secular holiday.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:09 PM |
| |
|
MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by SweetTooth
Posted by mrsej
I think it is ridiculous that someone would complain about being wished a merry christmas instead of happy holidays. On the flip side, I think it is ridiculous that stores feel that they even can't include the word "christmas" in any of their advertisements. I think that christmas has become so commercialized and so secular that wishing a merry christmas is like wishing happy holidays.
Wishing someone "Merry Christmas" is not the same as saying "Happy Holidays." No matter how commercialized it may be, Christmas is a religious, not a secular holiday.
ITA
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:10 PM |
| |
|
MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by MrsPJB2007
Posted by MsMBV
BTW...is offended the new tacky?
I'm offended you would compare the two.
LOL
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:17 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by MsMBV
BTW...is offended the new tacky?
Not quite, but watch out. LIFers get mighty offended when you use the word "tacky."
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:20 PM |
| |
|
LaurenExp
Waiting patiently for baby sis
Member since 8/06 11613 total posts
Name:
L-Diddy EDD 11/11/11 :)
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I can't get a "thank you" out of a cashier, nevermind a "happy..." anything. I'll take it where I can get it.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 12:31 PM |
| |
|
lucyloo
nope
Member since 1/06 9758 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I celebrate Christmas and if I don't know what the other person celebrates I say "Happy Holidays" because I think it is polite.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 2:10 PM |
| |
|
isabelle2137
LIF Adult
Member since 12/06 1076 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by MrsPJB2007
i don't care what anyone says to me...happy holidays, merry christmas, happy hannukah, happy festivus, happy kwanza...feliz navidad, joy noel...who FREAKING CARES?!?!? 
people just like to have something to moan and groan about and no matter WHAT time of year it is--they will find a way to feel "offended" by something. i wish people who take offense to any of the holiday sayings being made at them, would just get over themselves. the world has become a OVERLY politically correct mess, whatever happened to just being happy that someone is sharing SOME SORT of holiday spirit with you--why must we dictate how its expressed to us?
i'll take a happy whatever from people instead of a "Eff you" any day of the week.
Bravo 
|
| Posted 12/5/08 2:11 PM |
| |
|
PreshusSmurf
So in love with my little guys
Member since 1/07 2963 total posts
Name:
Jess
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by SweetTooth
Wishing someone "Merry Christmas" is not the same as saying "Happy Holidays." No matter how commercialized it may be, Christmas is a religious, not a secular holiday.
I have tried to make this point on here before ... I completely agree with you.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 2:48 PM |
| |
|
myboyz
LIF Infant
Member since 12/07 287 total posts
Name:
Gina
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by seaside
Posted by Bxgell2
Ok, let me play devil's advocate here for a moment, adding a HUGE caveat that, personally, *I* am not offended when someone wishes me a merry xmas, I merely retort "happy hanukah".
BUT, I *can* see why a little sensitivity goes a long way and why some would be offended. I think it is VERY easy to say it's no big deal and that you should just accept the "merry" sentiment, if you are coming from a majority point of view.
But, as someone who is a minority, and whose cultural background is very significant to her, I think this sentiment glosses over something that has some really serious meaning to some.
You have to understand that there are many, MANY of us, particularly in NY, who, up until only a few decades ago, would have been stoned, thrown in a ghetto, or worse, had we celebrated our holidy openly and with pride. Our ancestors, not so far, and in fact, many still living, paid a huge, HUGE price for us to happily enjoy our little holiday, light our candles, and wish one another a happy hanukah in public.
So, yes, I get that it's a happy sentiment, but to those of us who celebrate another holiday that has quite a bit of meaning and historical/family significance, to tell us to have a happy holiday that we don't celebrate, while we are celebrating another holiday that has some serious meaning to us, may come across as dismissive.
ETA: Really dismissive. It comes off as really dismissive.
______________________
I understand and very much respect your feelings and point... May I play a different version of the advocate. When I wish somebody a Merry Christmas I am doing so from my point of view. It is with no malice or disrespect to that persons religion I am simply speaking from "my" perspective.
My beliefs are mine and respect others as well but to generalize my beliefs to be PC IMO takes away from them.
As for someone blessing you is simply a genuine kind gesture and not meant to persuade you to change you beliefs but shows that they took a moment to recognize and honor you.
I think that the state that the world is in today I will take any sort of blessing, congrats etc... from any culture or religionor language to me it shows that someone cared if only for a moment in time.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 3:06 PM |
| |
|
Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by Kara
To be honest, I wonder why people care EITHER way. I don't get offended when people tell me Happy Hanukkah (and yes, it happens). Why should someone get offended when someone tells them to have a Merry Christmas? At the same time, if you want to say Happy Holidays, say Happy Holidays. That doesn't bother me at all. It boggles my mind that this is even a discussion (and it happens every. single. year). I'm sorry, but people get offended way too easily these days.
ETA -- and I mean that on BOTH sides. No need to get offended over Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. Makes me want to just scream "get over it and enjoy the season already!"
ITA! Just in enjoy yourselves this winter season.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 5:12 PM |
| |
|
Googlie
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/06 532 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I've actually been having this discussion with many people over the past week or so ... As a Catholic, I don't get offended when someone wishes me "Happy Holidays" or any other religious sentiment. I would prefer people say Merry Christmas to me, but I don't wear a big sign on my forehead stating I am a Christian and celebrate Christmas.
I do have a problem with the secularization of the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations. Christmas is an extremely important time for me, not for the presents but because of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. I feel that most religious holidays have been turned into shopping days. I think it is extremely important to honor the beliefs of all faiths ... the coop building I live in has a variety of different people living in it. In our lobby, we have a Christmas tree and a menorah. I think that is an excellent representation of both faiths. Although, I still need an explanation of why a Christmas tree represents the birth of jesus?? So whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus ( ).... Have a great winter season!!!
|
| Posted 12/5/08 5:59 PM |
| |
|
wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by seaside
I agree with the PP. But wishing random customers about whom you know nothing a merry Christmas automatically is ignorant (but harmless). The OP's point (I think) is that being categorically opposed to the more inclusive version because it's more inclusive is offensive and prejudiced.
i agree.....I'm catholic and I'm not offended by happy holidays in the slightest.
I think it's idiotic to say happy holidays to a person in a store who has 50 boxes of christmas ornaments and a tree in her cart, just as it's idiotic to say happy holidays to a man who has a menorah in his cart... but if the person's religion isn't obvious, the greeting, if it is sincere, should be generic.
purposefully saying merry christmas to a person who obviously (by by clothing or jewelry) is Muslim, Hindu, or Jewish is being overtly antagonistic... reminding the minority that they're in a christian country and they're not 'conforming'....
|
| Posted 12/5/08 6:53 PM |
| |
|
Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I agree its the majority mentality that is a little bothersome.
If someone wished a Happy Diwali, I think most people would look at them strangely - even Happy Kwanzaa.
I agree it's better than F-U, but there's a lot of middle room between the extremes. For me - it usually goes in one ear and out the other before offended even comes to mind and I ramble off a "you too"
|
| Posted 12/5/08 7:38 PM |
| |
|
MelToddJulia
Love my Family!
Member since 7/05 29064 total posts
Name:
Mel
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
Posted by Kara
To be honest, I wonder why people care EITHER way. I don't get offended when people tell me Happy Hanukkah (and yes, it happens). Why should someone get offended when someone tells them to have a Merry Christmas? At the same time, if you want to say Happy Holidays, say Happy Holidays. That doesn't bother me at all. It boggles my mind that this is even a discussion (and it happens every. single. year). I'm sorry, but people get offended way too easily these days.
ETA -- and I mean that on BOTH sides. No need to get offended over Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. Makes me want to just scream "get over it and enjoy the season already!"
ITA!!!!
|
| Posted 12/5/08 7:41 PM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
I was raised where Merry Chritmas was it. Other religions were "ignored". That's just the way the tradition was.
I do understand and agree with stores/malls posting "Happy Holidays". I think it's generic. Since the time frame is NOT just the Catholic religion, it's is appropriate to incorporate everyone. It's "politically correct".
That does not take away from Merry Christmas. It just includes the "spirit" of the season for most people.
|
| Posted 12/5/08 7:47 PM |
| |
|
butterfly20
Party of 5 - 2015
Member since 4/06 7390 total posts
Name:
|
Re: I'm absolutely amazed at this: Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays
ok, maybe this explains the merry christmas.wishes.....
I googled online to see how many americans celebrate christmas...
85% christian
96% celebrating christmas..
http://atheism.about.com/od/christmasholidayseason/a/Diversity.htm
|
| Posted 12/5/08 8:10 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: 1 2 [3] |
