This year, for various reasons, I was particularly sensitive to the calls to “put Christ back in Christmas” and the argument that “Happy Holidays” in an insult. Through an informal poll of my friends, I learned that the non-Christians welcome Merry Christmas wishes. What offends, however, is the “it’s Christmas or the highway!” mentality. In other words, it offends when Christians act as if they have a monopoly on the season between November and January.
In my view, to wish someone “Happy Holidays” is to recognize all traditions and cultures, regardless of the name given to the celebration. What if, instead of insulating our celebrations, we all tried to get along and rejoice in our differences?
E is Jewish and I was raised Christian. We celebrate "the holidays." We trim our non-sectarian holiday shrub with blue and white lights and Jewish, Christian, and secular-themed ornaments. We light the menorah and hang stockings. Our celebration of the miracles of the season includes traditions from both sides of the family. This year, we even threw some Yule traditions into the mix!
I say "Happy Holidays" because it includes my family and my non-Christian friends in the celebration of peace and goodwill. And isn’t that what the spirit of Christmas is all about?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Thank you for saying what has crossed my mind many times before.
It's great to hear from you.
Post a Comment