| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 |
june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by MrsNaunie
Wishing someone a Merry Christmas is FAR from religious intolerance.
I don't get offended by "Happy holidays". I appreciate the well wishes.
But I respond with Merry Christmas.
If someone wished me a Happy Roshashauna (sp?), I may be taken back, but not insulted.
My italian husband doesn't get offended when my Irish family wishes him a Happy St. Paddy's Day.
Gazundheit is just German for God Bless You.
If Jews are a minority, how are the few athiests of the world any different?
People just look for things to get insulted over. This world is out of control.
I think St. Patricks day is different then religious holiday's I KNOW a lot of people who celebrate st. patricks and are not Irish.
|
Posted 12/20/06 6:06 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: The War on Christmas
I believe someone already said this...
the reason why it would tick me off is because the other holidays celebrated at the same time are completely excluded when you are wished a Merry Christmas.
some folks get mad when people say x-mas, I think I have a right to be  at someone ASSuming I am Christian.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 6:46 PM |
| |
|
dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by MrsNaunie
.
I don't get offended by "Happy holidays". I appreciate the well wishes.
But I respond with Merry Christmas.
If someone wished me a Happy Roshashauna (sp?), I may be taken back, but not insulted.
control.
Your kidding?
You say Merry Christmas? Even though they may not be Catholic?
Can I ask WHY?
Are you just being silly? Trying to convert them? Wishing they were Catholic? Assuming that they are because you are?
Thats my point I guess..
WHY would you do that 
Bottom line...Does this all matter to me...No...I dont really care.
What I dont like or find offensive is narrow mindeness....and Well when there are TWO religious holidays that fall at the same time of the year and people wish that only one of them were mentioned...
Or like you....... purposely reference only Christmas....well I , and Im sure others are out there...find it weird ..why YOUR holiday is more important then the other one. Since Saying Happy Holidays is really just as easy....
hope that explains my feelings better.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 7:54 PM |
| |
|
lorich
.
Member since 6/05 9987 total posts
Name:
Grammie says "Lora Gina"
|
Re: The War on Christmas
OMG! We JUST got an e-mail on this TODAY at work!!!
We were asked to keep in mind that we cannot just say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Chanukah" we must say "Happy Holidays" being we may not know the other person's faith....
|
| Posted 12/20/06 8:03 PM |
| |
|
DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by Lisa
Posted by Goldi0218
Im Jewish and I appreciate any gesture of good spirit. No one is looking to convert me by wishing me a Merry Christmas.
Great attitude!! 
I feel that if I get a Merry Chrismas from a cashier....so be it...Christian or not...its better than the grunting you usually get during the year!! 
VERY true!! Thank you both... I agree 
Hey, I'm just glad I'm not getting attitude from the cashiers! lol
|
| Posted 12/20/06 8:41 PM |
| |
|
Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by MrsNaunie
Gazundheit is just German for God Bless You.
Ummm...no..it comes from "gezunt", which in both german and yiddish, means health.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:01 PM |
| |
|
MrsPornStar
Partners in crime
Member since 10/05 14656 total posts
Name:
Mama
|
Re: The War on Christmas
The only time I was wished a Merry Christmas was in the Catholic Supply Store. Other than that, it's been Happy Holidays.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:03 PM |
| |
|
mrswask
Pookie Love
Member since 5/05 20229 total posts
Name:
Michal
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
I believe someone already said this...
the reason why it would tick me off is because the other holidays celebrated at the same time are completely excluded when you are wished a Merry Christmas.
some folks get mad when people say x-mas, I think I have a right to be at someone ASSuming I am Christian.
Ding ding ding ding ding!!
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:40 PM |
| |
|
DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
|
Re: The War on Christmas
I am a strong believer in Happy Holidays. I just think its sweet and respectful
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:48 PM |
| |
|
MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by Bxgell2
I tried this once before, so I'll take another stab at it (adding the caveat that I really don't mind when someone wishes me a merry xmas)...
To all those who don't understand:
I am jewish. I don't celebrate christmas. There are many times that I very much feel that I am a minority (for example, this week I went to the Hallmark store and asked if they sell menorah candles. The woman responded, "what is a menorah?"). For the past 6 days I've been celebrating Hanukah, which has significant meaning to me because my ancestors went through hell and back again, survived the worst of conditions in the holocaust, all so I can light the candles with my husband and daughter, say the prayer, and not have to worry that someone will come knocking down my door and take me away. So, this week has a lot of meaning for me and I'm just overjoyed to celebrate it with my young daughter. At the same time, all week, while I'm celebrating this holiday, day and day out, when I'm shopping, eating, out and about, I'm told over and over and over again, Merry Christmas. Not the worst thing in the world, and honestly, I don't give it much thought (until I read these posts), but in the very teeny weeny back of my mind, yes, it's a little bothersome to be wished merry christmas when I'm not celebrating Christmas. I'm celebrating Hanukah, so please have the consideration to wish me a Happy Holidays and recognize that the entire country does not celebrate Christmas.
Well said. Although the gesture is nice, it's kind of annoying when people constantly wish you a "merry Christmas" and you don't celebrate it. Is it so hard to say "Happy Holidays" instead?
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:53 PM |
| |
|
QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by Jax430
Posted by MrsNaunie
Gazundheit is just German for God Bless You.
Ummm...no..it comes from "gezunt", which in both german and yiddish, means health.
really?
you learn something new every day
|
| Posted 12/20/06 10:56 PM |
| |
|
chatter
LIF Zygote
Member since 5/06 2 total posts
Name:
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Being a first time poster on these boards I feel like I need to express my feelings coming from a christian background. I too feel upset that I don't get wished a Merry Christmas or that people feel 'scared' to say it. What bothers me most is how PC people, atheists, etc. get wrapped up in the Christmas season. I don't understand why they choose to decorate with lights, put up a Christmas tree and exchange gifts..it seems sort of hypocritical to me. Christmas is a religious holiday and all some people seem to do is just get involved with the commercialization of it. It's very sad.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 11:05 PM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: The War on Christmas
As I said before I am not one to be offended by expressions of good faith.
I do understand that my faith is an EXTREME minority though not viewed so in this part of the country. There are only 13 million Jews in the entire world. The largest percentage of Jews live in NY City - even more than the amount of Jews that live in Israel. I am surrounded by Christmas from before Thanksgiving between radio and TV programming as well as a huge retail blitz, and you know what? I deal with it. So I don't listen to 106.7 for a month - big whoop.
Despite living in a diverse area in a very PC time, I do not expect people to make accommodations for me by trying to figure out my religion (assuming I have one). I do not throw out the multitude of Christmas cards with the pictures of our friends' children because they are surrounded by wreaths and holly. Nor do I expect them to order additional Chanukah prints from Shutterfly so they can be PC with me. Every single wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah is on display proudly.
Message edited 12/20/2006 11:23:23 PM.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 11:22 PM |
| |
|
tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by hmpena
The only time I was wished a Merry Christmas was in the Catholic Supply Store. Other than that, it's been Happy Holidays.
I was wished a merry Christmas in the Christmas tree lot--I guess that is another safe place to say it.
The waitress at our office holiday lunch said Merry Christmas --I was a little surprised, but she was giving us free champagne, so I don't think anyone was too offended! 
Message edited 12/20/2006 11:32:47 PM.
|
| Posted 12/20/06 11:32 PM |
| |
|
JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
|
Re: The War on Christmas
I guess I was being insensitive when I said "get over it" and I didn't really mean it that way.
I just think the whole debate is way out of hand. Personally, I say Happy Holidays because I don't want to exclude anyone. But I think MOST people who say "Merry Christmas" are not trying to exclude anyone. They don't have any idea that what they're saying could be offensive to anyone, and they're genuinely wishing you well. It's a completely other matter when people say Merry Christmas specifically to exclude people who are also celebrating Hanukkah at this time. I don't think most people are trying to exclude anyone, they're just unaware.
In that way it's a lot like saying "god bless you" to everyone whether or not they believe in god. it's about the sentiment, not the words.
I think it is a good idea to suggest to workers that they say Happy Holidays as it is the most inclusive and considerate thing to say, but to tell them they CAN'T say MErry Christmas is just asking for backlash and causing this "War on Christmas" nonsense which I think is utterly stupid. There is no war on christmas. People are just asking for common courtesy and consideration.
In the same way, I don't expec family members to send us christmas AND hanukkah cards, or special interfiath cards, but I AM annoyed when i get cards from people who know we are interfaith and they didn't take the 2 extra seconds to add "happy hanukkah" to the card.
|
| Posted 12/21/06 12:44 AM |
| |
|
CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
|
Re: The War on Christmas
I just say Happy Holidays unless I know for sure what the person's faith is. Happy Holidays is just a gesture of good will. Some people who said if you say "Merry Christmas" to someone you are assuming...true...but was it meant in an offensive way? Probably not.
|
| Posted 12/21/06 7:49 AM |
| |
|
GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by VirginiaDeb
But, not everyone is celebrating a holiday this time of year.
So really, if you think about it, how do you know that when you say "happy holidays" that you are not speaking to a Jehova's Wittness? Or and Muslim? Or any other countless number of religions?
(just playing devil's advocate here).
Technically, December 25th is a Federal Holiday, so anyone in the US is participating in a holiday, whether they celebrate anything religious at the same time or not.
How about "Happy December 25th!" or "Merry Winter Season!"
I'm disappointed that almost everyone forgets "Festivus", from Seinfeld. "Festivus for the Rest of Us." I have yet to see an aluminum Festivus pole in any store... 
|
| Posted 12/21/06 7:52 AM |
| |
|
QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by JenniferEver
I guess I was being insensitive when I said "get over it" and I didn't really mean it that way.
I just think the whole debate is way out of hand. Personally, I say Happy Holidays because I don't want to exclude anyone. But I think MOST people who say "Merry Christmas" are not trying to exclude anyone. They don't have any idea that what they're saying could be offensive to anyone, and they're genuinely wishing you well. It's a completely other matter when people say Merry Christmas specifically to exclude people who are also celebrating Hanukkah at this time. I don't think most people are trying to exclude anyone, they're just unaware.
In that way it's a lot like saying "god bless you" to everyone whether or not they believe in god. it's about the sentiment, not the words.
I think it is a good idea to suggest to workers that they say Happy Holidays as it is the most inclusive and considerate thing to say, but to tell them they CAN'T say MErry Christmas is just asking for backlash and causing this "War on Christmas" nonsense which I think is utterly stupid. There is no war on christmas. People are just asking for common courtesy and consideration.
In the same way, I don't expec family members to send us christmas AND hanukkah cards, or special interfiath cards, but I AM annoyed when i get cards from people who know we are interfaith and they didn't take the 2 extra seconds to add "happy hanukkah" to the card.
you said my thoughts better than I could
|
| Posted 12/21/06 8:27 AM |
| |
|
LaurenExp
Waiting patiently for baby sis
Member since 8/06 11613 total posts
Name:
L-Diddy EDD 11/11/11 :)
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Please...someone in the store wish me a happy holidays or a Merry Christmas? I'm lucky I get a thank you!
Oh, and by the way, happy holidays doesn't always work either. It was Christmas eve and I was working in a retail store. The line was literally out the door, so I was ringing ppl as fast as I could. So this woman gets to the register, extremely aggrevated, I ring her up and say Happy Holidays! She says, "MY holidays are over." Like a real beyotch. So I said to her, umm...you don't celebrate the New Year? And she just walked out. You can't win with either statement, IMO.
|
| Posted 12/21/06 8:29 AM |
| |
|
QuoteTheRaven424
22 Months?!!!!
Member since 5/05 13659 total posts
Name:
And If That Isn't A True Blue Miracle
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by LaurenExp
Please...someone in the store wish me a happy holidays or a Merry Christmas? I'm lucky I get a thank you!
Oh, and by the way, happy holidays doesn't always work either. It was Christmas eve and I was working in a retail store. The line was literally out the door, so I was ringing ppl as fast as I could. So this woman gets to the register, extremely aggrevated, I ring her up and say Happy Holidays! She says, "MY holidays are over." Like a real beyotch. So I said to her, umm...you don't celebrate the New Year? And she just walked out. You can't win with either statement, IMO.
exactly, some people are looking at ways to be offended
|
| Posted 12/21/06 8:33 AM |
| |
|
Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
Posted by LaurenExp
Please...someone in the store wish me a happy holidays or a Merry Christmas? I'm lucky I get a thank you!
Oh, and by the way, happy holidays doesn't always work either. It was Christmas eve and I was working in a retail store. The line was literally out the door, so I was ringing ppl as fast as I could. So this woman gets to the register, extremely aggrevated, I ring her up and say Happy Holidays! She says, "MY holidays are over." Like a real beyotch. So I said to her, umm...you don't celebrate the New Year? And she just walked out. You can't win with either statement, IMO.
exactly, some people are looking at ways to be offended
I agree. I cannot walk around with a chip on my shoulder. I much prefer to share in someones holiday spirit than to be a cranky miserable person.
|
| Posted 12/21/06 8:35 AM |
| |
|
BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by Goldi0218
Posted by CaptainCharisma424
Posted by LaurenExp
Please...someone in the store wish me a happy holidays or a Merry Christmas? I'm lucky I get a thank you!
Oh, and by the way, happy holidays doesn't always work either. It was Christmas eve and I was working in a retail store. The line was literally out the door, so I was ringing ppl as fast as I could. So this woman gets to the register, extremely aggrevated, I ring her up and say Happy Holidays! She says, "MY holidays are over." Like a real beyotch. So I said to her, umm...you don't celebrate the New Year? And she just walked out. You can't win with either statement, IMO.
exactly, some people are looking at ways to be offended
I agree. I cannot walk around with a chip on my shoulder. I much prefer to share in someones holiday spirit than to be a cranky miserable person.
I happen to strongly agree with this. It's sad that people really look for the negative so often.
|
| Posted 12/21/06 8:42 AM |
| |
|
Shorty
.
Member since 5/05 30390 total posts
Name:
really
|
Re: The War on Christmas
I went to several stores over the weekend, and got MERRY CHRISTMAS! at all of them.
Perhaps the shiny cross around my neck gave it away...
|
| Posted 12/21/06 9:13 AM |
| |
|
leighdvm
My golden boys!
Member since 3/06 4419 total posts
Name:
Michele
|
Re: The War on Christmas
When I called Alitalia to confirm our flight, the operator wished me a Merry Christmas and I was actually so happy to hear it!
|
| Posted 12/21/06 9:43 AM |
| |
|
Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
|
Re: The War on Christmas
Posted by Bxgell2
I tried this once before, so I'll take another stab at it (adding the caveat that I really don't mind when someone wishes me a merry xmas)...
To all those who don't understand:
I am jewish. I don't celebrate christmas. There are many times that I very much feel that I am a minority (for example, this week I went to the Hallmark store and asked if they sell menorah candles. The woman responded, "what is a menorah?"). For the past 6 days I've been celebrating Hanukah, which has significant meaning to me because my ancestors went through hell and back again, survived the worst of conditions in the holocaust, all so I can light the candles with my husband and daughter, say the prayer, and not have to worry that someone will come knocking down my door and take me away. So, this week has a lot of meaning for me and I'm just overjoyed to celebrate it with my young daughter. At the same time, all week, while I'm celebrating this holiday, day and day out, when I'm shopping, eating, out and about, I'm told over and over and over again, Merry Christmas. Not the worst thing in the world, and honestly, I don't give it much thought (until I read these posts), but in the very teeny weeny back of my mind, yes, it's a little bothersome to be wished merry christmas when I'm not celebrating Christmas. I'm celebrating Hanukah, so please have the consideration to wish me a Happy Holidays and recognize that the entire country does not celebrate Christmas.
Well said!
I also don't get offended if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, and if I see someone wearing a cross I will wish them a merry christmas. But from Halloween to Christmas, to be wished a Merry Christmas if you don't celebrate it can get annoying.
Remember, this was a country founded on religious tolerance. We need to be tolerant of those who celebrate Christmas and those who don't. I don't think there is a war on Christmas and I don't believe in a "holiday" tree. I also think Christmas is a religious holiday.
I don't see anything wrong with being sensitive to the fact that there are people out there who don't celebrate Christmas- Jews, muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, etc... Happy Holidays encompasses it all. Whats so hard about that?
|
| Posted 12/21/06 9:50 AM |
| |
|
| Pages: 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 |
