by Bob B.
Member since:
October 20, 2007

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Or Both?

November 29, 2009 01:11 PM UTC (Updated: November 29, 2009 01:31 PM UTC)
views: 0 | comments: 42

Every year at this time the Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays debate comes around. According to a Rasmussen Reports poll, Most Americans Prefer 'Merry Christmas' To 'Happy Holidays', 72% of adults prefer "Merry Christmas," while 22% like "Happy Holidays" instead. Last year, again according to a Rasmussen phone survey, 68% of American adults prefer stores to show signs saying “Merry Christmas” rather than "Happy Holidays." I'm at somewhat of a loss as to why this debate even comes up.

Isn't Christmas is about being with family and friends? It doesn't matter what your religion is. Yes, Christmas is a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior. But, it's also a time of year when we focus on  peace, love, hope and goodwill towards all.

And it's not just on Christmas Day we celebrate. It's the Christmas season we celebrate. A season which holds several holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and New Year's Day. A season when we show kindness to all.

To celebrate the holiday season is, and should be, non-denominational. That's why it's time to put the Christmas/Happy Holidays debate aside and celebrate Christmas, as I, a true Christian, should, with acceptance of others, regardless of their religion or beliefs.

Merry Christmas, my friends. And, Happy Holidays.

Comments: 42

RedBird. B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:21pm UTC
Bob, This is a Wonderful Post! "Merry Christmas: to You also.
I could not have said if better.

Thank-You for Sharing.! :)
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:25pm UTC
Thank you, RobbinLynn. Merry Christmas.
RedBird. B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:48pm UTC
Bob, Your Welcome! :)
roger junior Nov 29, 2009, 2:28pm UTC
Do we say Happy Mother's Day at Easter? Do we wish people a Happy Thanksgiving on President's Day? Then why this BS? It's CHRISTMAS...we're celebrating a specific holiday that just HAPPENS to fall on December 25...CHRISTMAS...Washington takes a CHRISTMAS break...it's CHRISTMAS VACATION at elementary and high schools...

All this PC crap started in the past decade is so out of control. I appreciate WHATEVER sentiment you pass my way but PLEASE, don't give me that look that you've been offended when I wish YOU a Merry Christmas.

(And yes, I believe the PC police had a hand in Fort Hood...too scared to be labeled a racist so no one speaks up).

Merry Christmas everyone!
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 2:30pm UTC
Merry Christmas, Roger.
Mic Durham Nov 29, 2009, 3:27pm UTC
Roger -- you are absolutely CORRECT. PC will be the death and downfall of this country. It's like the old days where nobody wanted to get involved with the interference of a crime. They were afraid of getting "involved". Well---this PC BS has and will continue to kill and harm people but more importantly -- it is dividing this great nation. We are no longer a melting pot of Americans but instead we have become a HYPHEN bunch of FOOLS who think their ANCESTOR's homelands are important than the homeland they are residing in!
Loquacious Linda Nov 29, 2009, 1:26pm UTC
I agree, Merry Christmas to you and Happy Holiday's to people of different faiths.

Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:27pm UTC
Thank you, Linda.
T Cheri Photography Nov 29, 2009, 1:39pm UTC
You said it right linda!
T Cheri Photography Nov 29, 2009, 1:41pm UTC
I say both.
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:43pm UTC
I do too.
Loretta E. Nov 29, 2009, 1:42pm UTC
Merry Christmas Bob!!!
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 1:43pm UTC
Merry Christmas, Loretta.
Loquacious Linda Nov 29, 2009, 1:50pm UTC
Not to get in a deep discussion here, but what do those who celebrate Christmas do when they have no faith - atheists - agnostics?
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 2:04pm UTC
They can say what they, like Happy Holidays, which holds no religious connotations whatsoever.
Marilyn M. Nov 29, 2009, 3:04pm UTC
Funny you should post this now. I was in the store on the way home from church, picking up some milk and heard a discussion in Walgreens. The cashier wished a woman, "Happy holidays" and the woman said, "Thanksgiving is over and I only celebrate one holiday, not a bunch of holidays, between now and 2010. So I would appreciate it if you're going to give me good wishes that you mention the holiday I'm celebrating - Christmas." She was not unkind, just explaining. The girl said they were not allowed to say "Merry Christmas." The woman didn't argue. But when she was done, she sought out the manager. She pointed to the pin that she wore that said, "It's okay to wish me a Merry Christmas". And she asked why, since she was wearing that pin that the cashiers could not say, "Merry Christmas."

You know what the manager said? It might offend the next person in line because they heard the greeting.

What kind of crazy world do we live in?!?!?!?!?!?
Marilyn M. Nov 29, 2009, 3:04pm UTC
Merry Christmas to you.
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 3:06pm UTC
Thank you for the comment, Marilyn. Merry Christmas to you.
Marsha C. Nov 29, 2009, 3:28pm UTC
While decorating the tree the other day my grandson asked me "just where did this X-mas come from anyway?"
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 3:33pm UTC
It comes from ancient Greece. The Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of Χριστός, Christ in Greek
Marsha C. Nov 29, 2009, 3:41pm UTC
oh...well I told him a lot of people that aren't Christians write it out that way..hhhmmmm
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 3:43pm UTC
Most people think it's a fairly modern idea. It actually holds no contempt for Christ or Christmas.
carolyn b. Nov 29, 2009, 3:49pm UTC
Merry Christmas!!
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 4:11pm UTC
Merry Christmas, Carolyn.
Rick S. Nov 29, 2009, 4:00pm UTC
This is quite possibly the most idiotic thing that people get uptight over at this time every year.

If someone wishes me goodwill, who am I to criticize how they phrase it? I take it at face value.

Any who is angry at being wished "Happy Holidays" is clearly forgetting some of they "peace on Earth and goodwill toward men" that is supposedly being celebrated this time of year.

I've got a great response to "Happy holidays." It's "Thank you."
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 8:16pm UTC
Very well put, Rick.
I proudly say "Merry Christmas."
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 8:17pm UTC
Merry Christmas, Sandy.
Connie C. Dec 1, 2009, 12:00am UTC
Merry Christmas Sandy!
Leo Lemmer Nov 29, 2009, 4:33pm UTC
I say "happy holidays" andd mean the entire season of celebration Thanksgiving through New Years Day. My greeting includes Christmas. Why am I anti-Christ, anti-Christian as some say?
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 8:18pm UTC
You're not anti-Christ, anti-Christian Leo. Happy Holidays to you.
Angie G. Nov 29, 2009, 7:05pm UTC
I personally prefer Merry Christmas over Happy Holidays but I won't be rude no matter what people say to me.
Do I get offended when people say Happy Hannukah just because Idon't celebrate that holiday? Nope...get over it people. Stop getting so offended over Merry Christmas.
Off my soap box....
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 8:57pm UTC
Right on, Ang. Merry Christmas.
Tanya R. Nov 29, 2009, 10:39pm UTC
I like both!
Bob B. Nov 29, 2009, 10:41pm UTC
You know, I do too, Tanya. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you.
Debra H. Nov 30, 2009, 9:13am UTC
Ah yes Bob we had a lot of fun with this last year! MERRY CHRISTMAS BOB!
Bob B. Nov 30, 2009, 9:17am UTC
Yes we did, Debra. Merry Christmas, my friend.
Connie C. Nov 30, 2009, 11:59pm UTC
Merry Christmas!
I just don't like the term "Happy Holidays". It is just too impersonal. I still think Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and to me that means "Merry Christmas"
Bob B. Dec 1, 2009, 8:49am UTC
Merry Christmas, Connie.
DISH Network Dec 1, 2009, 3:48pm UTC
At DISH Network, we're definitely not afraid to wish everyone a merry Christmas! We encourage you to check out our latest commercial spot and celebrate Christmas right along with our employees! http://bit.ly/7K2sSL

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