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What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

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SweetestOfPeas
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What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

No. 1 retailer has decided to abandon its generic 'Happy Holidays' greeting in favor of 'Merry Christmas.'

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Wal-Mart has told its employees that it's OK to once again greet shoppers by saying "Merry Christmas" this holiday season instead of the generic "Happy Holidays."

CNN confirmed that Wal-Mart will announce Thursday that it plans to use the phrase "Merry Christmas" in products and around its stores this holiday season.

The announcement comes a year after religious groups such as The American Family Association and The Catholic League boycotted retailers including Wal-Mart last holiday season for excluding the word "Christmas" from products sold in stores.

"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year," Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley told USA Today in a separate report. "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often."

Besides resurrecting its Christmas pitch, the retailer is also determined to be the leader in this year's holiday price wars.

The November-December holiday shopping period is a critical time for merchants since it can account for as much as 50 percent of their profits and sales.

To that end, Wal-Mart was the first out of the gate to chop prices on toys and electronics much ahead of its competitors like Target (Charts), Toys 'R Us, Costco (Charts) and others.

To support its Christmas deals, the report said Wal-Mart will launch TV ads next week that trumpet "Christmas." It's changing the name of its seasonal decorations department to "The Christmas Shop" from "The Holiday Shop."

Moreover, Wal-Mart stores will play Christmas carols throughout the holiday period and about 60 percent more merchandise will be labeled as "Christmas" rather than "holiday" items, the paper said.

Posted 11/9/06 5:11 PM
 
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MsMBV
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Sears has done this as well.

Posted 11/9/06 5:15 PM
 

lolagranola
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Honestly, I think that the whole "why can't we say Merry Christmas" debate is silly. Christians are really, really not oppressed in this country.

Posted 11/9/06 5:22 PM
 

SweetestOfPeas
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

as a Jew this does not offend me in the least. I have come to terms with the fact that I am a minority here. it's not a big deal IMO.

Posted 11/9/06 5:24 PM
 

MsMBV
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

I do not remember what town it was but last year one of the towns had to refer to their tree as a Holiday Tree because some non-christians were offended that it was a Christmas tree. Um, it was a Christmas tree. I personally have a winter solstice tree, but most people don't KMIW?

Should we call the Menorah just Holiday Candles? I just think that in trying to be PC we are changing the essence of what these things really mean. JMHO.

ETA I am not christian, but I am not a fan of the commercialization of any religious celebration either.

Message edited 11/9/2006 5:25:48 PM.

Posted 11/9/06 5:25 PM
 

SweetestOfPeas
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by MsMBV

I do not remember what town it was but last year one of the towns had to refer to their tree as a Holiday Tree because some non-christians were offended that it was a Christmas tree. Um, it was a Christmas tree. I personally have a winter solstice tree, but most people don't KMIW?

Should we call the Menorah just Holiday Candles? I just think that in trying to be PC we are changing the essence of what these things really mean. JMHO.

ETA I am not christian, but I am not a fan of the commercialization of any religious celebration either.

If I am greeted at Walmart with "Merry Christmas", do you think it would be ok for me to say "thanks, happy Hanukkah!" Chat Icon

Posted 11/9/06 5:28 PM
 

Maathy317
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D

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Now if only the Federal Government would jump on board and stop hindering the free speech of its' employees.

Posted 11/9/06 5:28 PM
 

eroxgirl
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

I think the whole thing is ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays" as there are several holidays that occur at the same time, and if you keep that in mind no one should be offended.

There is something very wrong with calling a Christmas tree a holiday tree, IMO because it IS a Christmas tree (unless you happen to put one up for winter soltice but like the poster above said, most people have never heard of that custom).

It should be about INCLUDING all the holidays that occur at this time of year, not EXCLUDING Christmas because it is the most popular.

Posted 11/9/06 5:35 PM
 

Hi-Fi55
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

Posted by MsMBV

I do not remember what town it was but last year one of the towns had to refer to their tree as a Holiday Tree because some non-christians were offended that it was a Christmas tree. Um, it was a Christmas tree. I personally have a winter solstice tree, but most people don't KMIW?

Should we call the Menorah just Holiday Candles? I just think that in trying to be PC we are changing the essence of what these things really mean. JMHO.

ETA I am not christian, but I am not a fan of the commercialization of any religious celebration either.

If I am greeted at Walmart with "Merry Christmas", do you think it would be ok for me to say "thanks, happy Hanukkah!" Chat Icon



My partner's last name is Rubin. When the Jewish holidays arise, people often say to her, enjoy your holiday. If she doesn't correct them, she usually smiles and thanks them. She's does not get offended. It's a misunderstanding. She's not Jewish.

What is sad in this whole Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday argument is that no one means any harm. By people saying Merry Christmas, it's not like they are trying to wish evil upon anyone. They are just feeling nice and let's face it, in this day and age, we could all use a little bit of this. People should be kinder all year round.

Posted 11/9/06 5:36 PM
 

SweetestOfPeas
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Hi-Fi55
People should be kinder all year round.

Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon

Posted 11/9/06 5:38 PM
 

Chica
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by MsMBV

I do not remember what town it was but last year one of the towns had to refer to their tree as a Holiday Tree because some non-christians were offended that it was a Christmas tree. Um, it was a Christmas tree. I personally have a winter solstice tree, but most people don't KMIW?

Should we call the Menorah just Holiday Candles? I just think that in trying to be PC we are changing the essence of what these things really mean. JMHO.

ETA I am not christian, but I am not a fan of the commercialization of any religious celebration either.



Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Totally agree! I love Christmas time, the window displays and I love hearing the carols. I don't mind hearing them in the stores. That being said, I prefer to be greeted with a Happy Holidays . . . I'm a jew and while I enjoy the Christmas spirit, I don't celebrate Christmas! JMHO.

Posted 11/9/06 5:38 PM
 

Redhead
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

IMO when greeting random customers walking into the store the appropriate thing to say is HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Not Merry Christmas

Why would anyone assume that everybody is Christian?

Message edited 11/9/2006 5:43:54 PM.

Posted 11/9/06 5:43 PM
 

saraH
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

imo, the whole holdiay tree thing went way too far. it will never be a holdisay tree, always a christmas tree. people get too sensitive and like to protest something just for the same of protesting.

Posted 11/9/06 5:45 PM
 

Phyl
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

Posted by MsMBV

I do not remember what town it was but last year one of the towns had to refer to their tree as a Holiday Tree because some non-christians were offended that it was a Christmas tree. Um, it was a Christmas tree. I personally have a winter solstice tree, but most people don't KMIW?

Should we call the Menorah just Holiday Candles? I just think that in trying to be PC we are changing the essence of what these things really mean. JMHO.

ETA I am not christian, but I am not a fan of the commercialization of any religious celebration either.

If I am greeted at Walmart with "Merry Christmas", do you think it would be ok for me to say "thanks, happy Hanukkah!" Chat Icon


I say go for it! I would if I was JewishChat Icon

Message edited 11/9/2006 5:50:12 PM.

Posted 11/9/06 5:47 PM
 

Phyl
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Message edited 11/9/2006 5:49:20 PM.

Posted 11/9/06 5:48 PM
 

kam29
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Kelly

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

I feel like Christmas has lost so muich of an association with Christianity. Most non christians I know think of it as a social celebration rather than Jesus' birthday.
Either way, it doesn't offend me to have people say Merry Christmas, Happy Christmanukah or anything else as long as the person is smiling and in the good holiday mood

Posted 11/9/06 6:03 PM
 

mtnmama

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Message edited 5/21/2009 10:19:20 AM.

Posted 11/9/06 6:15 PM
 

mrswask
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Chica

Chat Icon Chat Icon Chat Icon Totally agree! I love Christmas time, the window displays and I love hearing the carols. I don't mind hearing them in the stores. That being said, I prefer to be greeted with a Happy Holidays . . . I'm a jew and while I enjoy the Christmas spirit, I don't celebrate Christmas! JMHO.





I couldn't have said it any better! I don't think it's appropriate to single out one holiday when there are other major holidays occurring for other religions at the same time.

Posted 11/9/06 6:18 PM
 

lolagranola
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

I haven't seen any evidence that Christians are oppressed in the United States. No one is forcing people to say "holiday tree." No one is forcing people to say "Happy Holidays" (that phrase is just common sense politeness, IMHO).

If Christians are somehow downtrodden, why is it that so many politicians take the time to tell the public all about their faith in Jesus?

Posted 11/9/06 6:22 PM
 

Ophelia
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Redhead

IMO when greeting random customers walking into the store the appropriate thing to say is HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Not Merry Christmas

Why would anyone assume that everybody is Christian?



why should you just wish a Merry Christmas to christians...

I mean, everyone knows when it is and what it is...I think it's a nice thing to say.

IF someone wished me a Happy Hanukah or Happy Kwanzaa, I would say "Thanks...you too"

It's a way to spread joy, not any one particular faith, IMO.

Message edited 11/9/2006 6:26:01 PM.

Posted 11/9/06 6:22 PM
 

Redhead
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Ophelia

Posted by Redhead

IMO when greeting random customers walking into the store the appropriate thing to say is HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Not Merry Christmas

Why would anyone assume that everybody is Christian?



why should you just wish a Merry Christmas to christians...

I mean, everyone knows when it is and what it is...I think it's a nice thing to say.

IF someone wished me a Happy Hanukah or Happy Kwanzaa, I would say "Thanks...you too"

It's a way to spread joy, not any one particular faith, IMO.



You WISH someone a happy (insert holiday) BECAUSE THEY CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY
NOT because it is a "nice" thing to say

I mean come on now...

Same as why I send out christmas cards but i most certainly WOULD NOT send any to my friends that are jewish

Posted 11/9/06 6:25 PM
 

Redhead
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Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Saying Happy Holidays is a way to spread joy to not a particular faith


MERRY CHRISTMAS is spread the joy of the CHRISTIAN faith ONLY

Posted 11/9/06 6:28 PM
 

Ophelia
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Redhead

Posted by Ophelia

Posted by Redhead

IMO when greeting random customers walking into the store the appropriate thing to say is HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Not Merry Christmas

Why would anyone assume that everybody is Christian?



why should you just wish a Merry Christmas to christians...

I mean, everyone knows when it is and what it is...I think it's a nice thing to say.

IF someone wished me a Happy Hanukah or Happy Kwanzaa, I would say "Thanks...you too"

It's a way to spread joy, not any one particular faith, IMO.



You WISH someone a happy (insert holiday) BECAUSE THEY CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY
NOT because it is a "nice" thing to say

I mean come on now...

Same as why I send out christmas cards but i most certainly WOULD NOT send any to my friends that are jewish




I look at it differently I guess. I am catholic..I grew up going to public school. we celebrated every holiday. I LOVE Hanukah...I love the songs, the stories...the customs. I think it's beautiful. If one of my jewish friends wished me a Happy Hanukah, I would be all for it.

so, maybe I like to "celebrate" them all, with everyone. that's my way...it may nto be yours.

Posted 11/9/06 6:29 PM
 

Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)

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remember, when Gulliver traveled....

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

I must add though, that I think it would be nice to single out ALL of the holidays...signs for ALL of them in the stores...not just one or the other.

I think that is the most fair.

Posted 11/9/06 6:30 PM
 

Redhead
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Jennifer

Re: What do you all think about this? Wal-Mart: We're not afraid to say Merry Christmas

Posted by Ophelia

Posted by Redhead

Posted by Ophelia

Posted by Redhead

IMO when greeting random customers walking into the store the appropriate thing to say is HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Not Merry Christmas

Why would anyone assume that everybody is Christian?



why should you just wish a Merry Christmas to christians...

I mean, everyone knows when it is and what it is...I think it's a nice thing to say.

IF someone wished me a Happy Hanukah or Happy Kwanzaa, I would say "Thanks...you too"

It's a way to spread joy, not any one particular faith, IMO.



You WISH someone a happy (insert holiday) BECAUSE THEY CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY
NOT because it is a "nice" thing to say

I mean come on now...

Same as why I send out christmas cards but i most certainly WOULD NOT send any to my friends that are jewish




I look at it differently I guess. I am catholic..I grew up going to public school. we celebrated every holiday. I LOVE Hanukah...I love the songs, the stories...the customs. I think it's beautiful. If one of my jewish friends wished me a Happy Hanukah, I would be all for it.

so, maybe I like to "celebrate" them all, with everyone. that's my way...it may nto be yours.



well that is great that is how you like to "celebrate"...AND YES that is YOUR way

But the population at LARGE...usually is one faith or another...

YES some are mixed...

BUT i know i personally have been told Happy Hanukah...
to which i reply "I celebrate Christmas"

Posted 11/9/06 6:31 PM
 
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