Dec 21, 2009
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland in Family Life, Politics, Religion | 0 Comments
It’s “Merry Christmas, ” Not “Happy Holidays”
A recent conversation on Facebook was started when a friend of mine posted that she did not want to hear “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” but rather “Merry Christmas.” Her reasoning was quite sound: Jesus is the reason for the season. I do agree with her.
Discussion ensued about Christmas programs now being called “Winter Programs” or “Holiday Programs” so that those who do not observe Christmas may be included in the festivities.
There certainly has been a shift in this country from Christmas being a strictly religious holy day, observed by Christians to honor the birth of the Christ child, to one that is a secular celebration, observed by consumers of various – and even no – religious affiliation. I do think the shift in taking the “Christ” out of Christmas is related to the commercialization of this particular holy day. As this shift has taken place, another “religion” has settled upon this country: Political Correctness.
I am not offended by those who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, the Winter Solstice or the Feast of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I do not think folks should have to amend their songs or traditions to suit the “politically correct” fools of the world. I also do not think that those who celebrate religious holidays and traditions need to be “inclusive” of others who do not celebrate or acknowledge these particular days and traditions. I have no desire to celebrate any of the aforementioned holidays, yet nor am I offended if someone were to wish me a “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Winter Solstice.”
Further comments brought to attention that Americans should start “crying discrimination and rate and rave and throw big huge tantrums in the news.”
Some feel that folks should start protesting the PC crowd; others feel that protesting sounds good in theory but do not believe it will do any good. I say that if you do not speak up, if you remain silent because you think “what would it change,” then those of the “Politically Correct” faith will believe no one disagrees with them and will continue to make changes for the benefit of the few. I do believe that silence equals acceptance.
My own acknowledgment of Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Christ should not make others feel bad. I have no problem with including everyone in the celebration of Christmas, but I will never agree to change the words in the songs or the secularization of the holiday for the purpose of inclusion or political correctness. (I would never ask those of another faith to change the words of their songs, or their traditions, under the guise of inclusion, either.)
If I wish you a” Merry Christmas,” it does not mean I am trying to convert anyone to Christianity; I just want to celebrate the day with my family and friends.
If that bugs someone, then perhaps they are insecure in their own beliefs.