A few years ago, many Christians put up a big stink about stores using the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” At the time, I was all for it, but looking back, I think Christians could have used their time more wisely.
So here are a few reasons I no longer get bent out of shape over the phrase “Happy Holidays.”
1.) It is the holiday season– Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s. Even if you don’t personally celebrate Hannukah or Kwanzaa, that is three holidays within a 6 week period. The last time I checked, adding an “s” to a word made it plural and there are three. There ya have it.
2.) The word “holiday” by definition means “holy day.” Seriously, look it up in Webster’s. It’s the first definition! It’s a beautiful way to describe the Christmas season.
3.) The words “Merry Christmas” aren’t even in the Bible. Not even “Christmas” is in there! You probably already know this, but let’s focus our efforts on things that are.
4.) Not everyone in America is a Christian. If you don’t want to say “Happy Kwanzaa” or something else, why should we expect others from different religions to feel comfortable saying “Merry Christmas?” As much as we would all love if everyone were Christians, they’re not, and forcing them to say something just to please us is just a bit egotistical.
As Christians, I don’t think it’s wise to spend time arguing over something like this. Instead, spend your time helping out the homeless or adopting a needy family. Share why Christmas is so important to Christians. December 25th is Christmas and a beautiful holiday (oops, I said it again), let’s not ruin it with petty arguments!
About Kelli Hays
Well said! Thank you. I agree 100%.
As someone whose religion is not Christianity, I can speak for many of my friends that are of a non-christian faith when I say that most non christians don’t get upset when you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. There are better ways to use the spirit of the holiday than to be upset over what someone calls it 🙂
Well said! Whatever holiday you celebrate, you should be kind. If someone came up to me and said Happy Hanukkah because they were Jewish and that’s what they celebrate I would be gracious and know that they are wishing me well. I think anyone who wishes you anything does it out of kindness and that’s all that really matters. 🙂
Agreed! I’ll be linking to this in my holiday post!