[FreeTheHostages]

The meaning of Christ's birthday is lost. The more militant the other side becomes, the more stubborn I get! :-)

Ok, I'm willing to be persuaded. That's a good point. "Happy Holidays" is horribly nonspecific. But say, *hypothetically,* I have an irreverant, silly holiday contest thread coming up some time. If I put "Merry Christmas" in the title, do I risk offending people who think -- hey, this is a wondrously joyous but not silly time of the year and I'm kinda denigrating the seriousness of it? Or, I guess, do you think I should go ahead and use "Merry Christmas" in that context too?

I think I can hear your answer: I guess it doesn't seem too likely to annoy . . . . And so what if it does -- people should be OK with lighthearted fun too.

[dansangel]

And so what if it does -- people should be OK with lighthearted fun too.

Christ's birth is a joyful occasion. I don't think something like that would be appropriate for Good Friday, though - of course you *know* that - just an example. :-)