68% Prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays”

Rasmussen ^

[Sub-Driver]

68% Prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” Thursday, November 27, 2008

Christmas is just around the corner, and a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American adults prefer stores to show signs saying “Merry Christmas” rather than "Happy Holidays."

Only one-quarter of adults (25%) favor signs that say “Happy Holidays.” Those figures are virtually unchanged from our survey conducted this time last year.

Men (71%) favor “Merry Christmas” slightly more than women (65%).

From a politically partisan perspective, Republicans (84%) overwhelmingly prefer “Merry Christmas” more than Democrats (51%). Far more Democrats (43%) wish for “Happy Holidays” signs than Republicans (13%).

[econjack]

I will never say happy Holidays again in my lifetime unless it’s to someone I know to Jewish or maybe some other religion.

I never say Happy Holidays. This is a Christian holiday and I say Merry Christmas to any and everyone. I have yet to find a Jewish friend who is offended by this, just as I'm not offended when they say Happy Hanuka to me. This political correctness is out of hand. If someone is so thinned-skinned that they are offended by a season's greeting, then they don't deserve my greeting in the first place.

[E Rocc]

I suppose “bah humbug” wasn’t a choice on the poll....

-Eric

[warsaw44]

The generic ‘ Happy Holiday ‘ is now used for any and all holidays. I hear that horrible phrase used for the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving etc.

[Blogger]

I tell my Jewish Chiropracter Happy Hannukah because I know that is meaningful to him. Other than that, it is Merry CHRISTmas.

[MarkL]

I’ve been putting “happy holidays’ on all my Christmas cards for a few years now. I’m going to write Merry Christmas from now on. I have a lot of Jewish friends and if any of them get offended, they can complain to me and I’ll take them off the damn list. It’s my small part, but I’m sick of it too. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I can't speak for anyone else, but being Jewish, I've never been offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas" to me. If it's a stranger that doesn't know I'm Jewish, why should I be offended. And I'm not offended when someone who DOES know I'm Jewish says "Merry Christmas." I happen to like going to Christmas parties.

I always make it a point to say "Merry Christmas," especially if someone wishes me "Happy Holidays." In fact, it happened just yesterday, and the person's face always lights up with surprise and happiness when I return the "Happy Holidays" with a "Merry Christmas."

Mark

[wastedyears]

A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

There, I said it.

COME GET ME!

[Starboard]

The older I get the less appreciation I have for diversity.

If you figure out exactly what diversity is please let me know. Does it celebrate differences or minimize them? How do we achieve unity with diversity?

[wastedyears]

The ACLU doesn’t want to know what I have to send to them.

[joma89]

I love responding “Merry Christmas” when some weak willed person wishes me happy holidays, especially at a “holiday” party.

I also love it when someone starts off with something like “Happy Chanukkah” of which I reply, “Happy Chanukkah and Merry Christmas as well.”

One can celebrate their own heritage without “offending” others. Don’t believe the PC crap of saying happy holidays.

JoMa

[Wonderama Mama]

MarkL, this is good to know. I appreciate your appreciation of Christmas. It's a beautiful holiday and even if it isn't a ‘religious’ experience for some, it's still full of universally beautiful things. The music, the art, the cheer, the idea of giving. So thanks for your nice comments and Merry Christmas to you.
PS and Happy Hanukkah

[Poison Pill]

I will never say happy Holidays again in my lifetime unless it’s to someone I know to Jewish or maybe some other religion.

FWIW I'll cast my Jewish vote for "Merry Christmas".

1) Being sincere about your religion is nothing to feel bad about

2) Anyone petty enough to be offended by that is probably somebody you don't want to be around anyway.

3) "Happy Holidays" is completely half-assed.

[misterrob]

I never say Merry Christmas to Jews. Should they be wishing me a Happy Hanukkah?

[HomeschoolMomma]

Everyone forgets that Jesus was a Jew and celebrated Hannukah! We as Christians celebrated Hannukah for the first several hundred years - NOT Christmas!

As a Christian I am happy to embrace my Jewish brothers and sisters and wish them a Happy Hannukah and I even incorporate some Jewish tradition in my Christmas celebration to honor Jesus.

Make sure you wish your Jewish friends a “Happy Hannukah” - NOT a “Happy Holidays” - I am sure they are just as offended about that as we are about Christmas being pushed aside.

[1_Rain_Drop]

"Season's Greetings" always makes me think of salt and pepper, so I never say it.

I started saying "Happy Holidays" and didn't like it. It felt as if I was hiding something, was being sneaky and insecure. It was as if I was ashamed of the real reason behind Christmas.

When someone says "Happy Hannukah" to me, I "Happy Hannukah" right back at them with a big smile! I'm honored that they would share with me a blessing of their faith.

I love saying "Merrrrry Christmas!"

[Mrs. Don-o]

And over our front door in big letters:

JESUS CHRIST IS BORN -- ALLELUIA.

[Tax-chick]

I prefer “Merry Christmas” on December 25. Before that, people can just say, “Good morning,” or “Have a nice day.”

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Free Printable button to print out on a sheet of paper, trim with scissors and pin on when you go CHRISTMAS shopping. If they don't serve you well, put the stuff back on the shelf (don't abandon carts, that's not an example of RIGHTEOUS indigation) and tell them why.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS because the Culture War isn't over...and most stores allow cash refunds after Christmas with receipts. Most only allow exchanges (no cash) without the receipt. Beware the fine print of some nonrefundable 'gift certificates' though!

No need to rush to pagan purveyors tomorrow--that is their idea, not yours. Consider what gifts you could give that are bought not with cash but instead with time and love.

Other ideas and resources at the site below although the site hasn't been updated recently.

Please Wish Me A Merry Christmas!

[musicbymuzak]

"The older I get the less appreciation I have for diversity." I'm only 23... but, me too.

[Longtom]

Same here. And too bad if someone does start whinning. Jesus is the reason for the season. If folks stay out of the stores that won’t say it, the message will get out there to the others. Happy Thabnksgiving one and all. Enjoy today.

[Diana in Wisconsin]