Merry Christmas! vs. Happy Holidays! (amendment, constitutional, issues, location)

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Northwoods Voyager

'Merry Christmas'. 'Christmas Tree'. 'Christmas Break'. Yes, that sounds about right to me. In this little part of the Mid West, it is still Christmas.

I don't think anyone is arguing that Christmas is Christmas... and when December 24th-25th rolls around, nobody will disagree it is CHRISTMAS. What we're debating is how the entire late-fall/winter season is dominated by Christmas, despite the fact that other holidays occur at that time. And how can people honestly be offended by a Happy Holidays greeting? I'm not offended if you wish me a Merry Christmas, even though I don't celebrate, so I only ask for the same respect in return (if I say anything other than MC).

P.S. Chanukah and Christmas actually run into each other this year, so you can't even claim that ONLY Christmas is happening on the 25th.

[bouncing]

All I'm going to say is this.

If someone says something warm to you, like "happy holidays" or "merry Christmas", and you take offense, you've got problems.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by jps-teacher

To me it is a Christmas tree, too. A "holiday" tree is an excuse to have a Christmas tree, while pretending you don't.

I agree with that, since no other holiday or religion uses a giant pine tree with lights & ornaments... so you can call that a Christmas tree, and to call it a Holiday tree is stupid and MORE offensive. "Chanukah Bush" is even sillier, and I laugh at anyone who has or mentions one of those.

My only problem with Christmas trees is that I'm HIGHLY allergic to pine, and can't be within a few feet of one without having an asthma/allergy attack... so regardless of religious beliefs, I think workplaces should either go fake or make sure nobody has allergies. If they put one up at my work, I'd literally have to call in sick until it went down!

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by bouncing

All I'm going to say is this.

If someone says something warm to you, like "happy holidays" or "merry Christmas", and you take offense, you've got problems.

Amen.

[Who?Me?!]

Originally Posted by JTraik

Christmas is almost upon us... what sort of seasonal greeting/farewell do you use? "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" ?

I personally make an effort to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to people.

Ya, and what does that accomplish?

You forgot one other choice....how about...
"keep it to yourself, maybe I don't feel like having a merry Christmas or Happy Holidays(which are inherently happy since I have the day off work so that's dumb!)"

Some people can't get all crabby, stressed out, go broke buying garbage nobody else wants, eat and drink too much without trying to foist it off on someone else??

[NCN]

I think both are good greetings as well as good day, etc. The only problem I see is when people try to get "Merry Christmas" banned because it is religious. Christians should be allowed freedom of speech as well as the rest of America. No one should object to a well wish. Christians are asked to be tolerate of all kinds of sins, but we see very little tolerance from others about the things we care about. I don't choose to give up my freedom of speech just because I am a Christian.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

[Who?Me?!]

Originally Posted by NCN

I think both are good greetings as well as good day, etc. The only problem I see is when people try to get "Merry Christmas" banned because it is religious. Christians should be allowed freedom of speech as well as the rest of America. No one should object to a well wish. Christians are asked to be tolerate of all kinds of sins, but we see very little tolerance from others about the things we care about. I don't choose to give up my freedom of speech just because I am a Christian.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Who has tried to keep you from saying Merry Christmas?

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Who?Me?!

Who has tried to keep you from saying Merry Christmas?

That's what I'm still wondering... I keep hearing about people being banned from saying Merry Christmas, but I work for the government (city) - and NOBODY has said anything about that to me! I've already heard Christmas being mentioned at my library, and we're doing multi-holiday displays and storytimes in December. So if a city worker isn't being stifled, it cannot be a government mandate anywhere, I imagine. And if a private company (like Target, for instance) is telling employees what to say, that is their right as a private institution. We all clear on that?

[sweetclimber]

Originally Posted by Who?Me?!

Ya, and what does that accomplish?

You forgot one other choice....how about...
"keep it to yourself, maybe I don't feel like having a merry Christmas or Happy Holidays(which are inherently happy since I have the day off work so that's dumb!)"

Some people can't get all crabby, stressed out, go broke buying garbage nobody else wants, eat and drink too much without trying to foist it off on someone else??

You don't work on Christmas? Wow, I guess I thought that all 7-11 gas stations were open on Christmas. Too bad, I was going to stop in and wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[happynoodleboycey]

I say "Merry Christmas" and if someone takes offense to it then with all due respect they can bugger off to another country.