There's a big "controversy" about the use of "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" every year. Some say it's because we have gotten too PC, some claim that they are "Taking Christmas BACK!". Me- I am afraid that I don't fall into either of those camps. Here's how I see it.
The world is not all about me. Yes, I said it- IT'S. NOT. ALL. ABOUT. ME. Coming from an admitted Princess/Diva- that may shock some- but I am secure enough in my "Princesshood" to know that it's true. Does anyone care WHAT holiday I celebrate? Does the guy at the grocery store who grumbled "It's MERRY CHRISTMAS" when I said "Have a very nice holiday" know if I celebrate Christmas? Or Yule? Or Hanukkah? or Kwanzaa? I sincerely doubt it. I wonder what he would have had to say if I had said "Perhaps that's YOUR holiday- but it may not be mine!" in return for his grouchy remark. No matter what I celebrate- it's people like him- who seem to be becoming more vocal- that make me want to not even extend well wishes during the season.
When I wish someone a Happy Holiday- I am not making any assumptions about their holiday of choice. I am merely, sincerely, wishing them just that. I am hoping that whatever holiday they and their family choose to observe is happy, healthy and safe. There is no ill intent. I am not out to steal any one's Christmas. I want them to have a happy holiday. Simple as that. If they choose to read something into that- well, it's their loss. I refuse to allow it to put a damper on my spirits any longer. They can take my well wishes or discard them, no skin off my nose.
Now, I am off to celebrate the birth of someone very special this Christmas Eve- my Mama. So I will leave you with this thought that I just closed out my facebook with:
The holidays are all about family. Family is not only those you were born with or married into but those you choose to allow into your heart. Happy, Happy (and safe) holidays to all of my family. You are each a blessing in my life and I am grateful for you. ♥
5 comments:
Thank you for sharing my exact sentiment. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, whatever you may celebrate! And Happy Birthday to your mom! Today is my husband and his twin brother's birthday. Much to celebrate!
I feel the same way as you do about the greeting; it's well-meant regardless of which holiday the person I'm saying it to celebrates, and as far as I'm concerned, it includes the New Year, which just about everyone celebrates. Thanks for articulating it so well.
And so: Here's wishing you and your family Happy Holidays, Jules. I hope they're filled with warmth, laughter and love. :o)
Couldnt disagree more. Going to be contraversial so hold onto your hats...
Happy Holidays? What does that even mean? Happy Monday Morning, Happy spend a lot of money and eat lots? Happy drive to the relatives? Just be happy because you arent at work? No. It just means nothing. Save on the jaw muscles...
If they are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Sikh they wont be offended with a Happy Christmas. No one is upset if someone wishes a happy divali, Eid or talks through their Ramadan fast or salutes with a happy hannukah. Its the wooly minded secularists that get all hett up about it. Let them have their meaningless waste of breath HAPPY HOLIDAY which means nothing to no one and makes no one feel valued or respected in their belief. Christmas is what it is. Happy Holiday has no meaning outside of the US- I wonder why?!
I hope each of you had a wonderful weekend full of family and friends. Vege- I hope your hubby and his twin had a lovely birthday.
Wren-I have missed you my friend. I can't wait until mid January when life settles back down and I can catch up with you!
Wonky- I have to wonder though- while you (and others) are wishing everyone a "Happy Christmas" in celebration of your holiday- how many times during this season have you wished anyone a Happy Hannukah, a Blessed Yule or even a Blessed Ramadan in honor of their holiday back in August?
How many times did anyone wish YOU a Happy Hannukah etc? We (in general) act like Christmas is the end all and be all Yule was celebrated before Christmas and there are some schools of thought that we co-opted the Yule celebration as Christ was actually born anywhere from May to September. Every faith has their own equally valid celebration. It's not in me to exclude or minimize the other holidays being celebrated- whether they are mine or not. I would rather wish everyone a Happy Holiday and really mean it.
But what does happy holiday mean? It has no meaning to anyone! Yes Christmas is a time that was the winter solstice. It made it easier for the new convert from paganism to remember. I dont wish other people happy hannukah etc but I am not a follower of their religion. I am Christian. We celebrate Christmas at this time of year. The fact you get a "Holiday" off is just so you can celebrate it together.
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