Posted on 11/22/2005 3:18:10 PM PST by churchillbuff
If you're expecting a hearty "Merry Christmas" as you're doing your shopping; you might be disappointed.
Usual holiday ads say things like Christmas, but you might want get used to hearing and seeing the term holiday. Because some stores are cutting Christmas out and putting a generic phrase in.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but don't expect to hear someone say it.
"I love Christmas, so I don't mind," says Rebecca Reyes.
Wal-mart is one of many stores asking its employees to replace Christmas with "Happy Holidays". The company says its trying not to offend anyone, by catering to one kind of celebration. However, some say it makes the season generic.
"I really don't care what people say to me. Merry Christmas, Merry Xmas, it's all the same," says Lorenzo Maxwell.
Other people want to boycott stores like Macy's and Bloomingdales where they also say the same, cutting out Christmas and Hanukkah from sayings and banners.
"I think Happy Hanukkah is appropriate, if your gonna say Merry Christmas say Happy Hanukkah as well," says Diane Sandy.
"That its so generic, not gonna offend anyone by saying Happy Holidays," says El Pasoan Eric Morales.
Rabbi Stephen Leon says he personally isn't offended by Merry Christmas, but believes corporations are just trying to please everyone, "one thing I've learned in life is you can't please everyone."
Some think the generic phrase is taking it too far and want to keep the season traditional and simple.
"I'm still gonna say it, that's my basis, don't think we should sweep it under the rug," Sandy says.
"Trying to ban everything, so I think they just leave as is," says Reyes.
The Catholic League for Religous and Civil rights had wanted a boycott against Wal-mart saying the store discriminated against Christmas. But called it off after the store apologized.
Happy Merry ChrismaHanuKwanzakah
Its a federal holiday so eventually they will blame Bush.
Merry Christmas to them and God bless 'em!
I don't understand why this is such a big deal. I worked in retail 20 years ago, and we were instructed to say "Happy Holidays".
This "happy holidays" thing is just bullshizza. Can't wait to get out my Nativity scene for Christmas and put it where everyone can see it. On top of my house if I have to!
All this concern about wishing a Merry Christmas during Advent. The Christmas season extends for 12 days, but when was the last time anyone wished you a Merry Christmas on December 28th?
Happy Holidays Schmolidays.....say it for what it is....
Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JESUS!!!!
I don't buy "Holiday gifts." I buy Christmas presents.
Anyone who wants me to shop at their store for Christmas presents will acknowledge the name of the holiday.
It's totally understandable that companies don't want to offend anyone except the Christians. </ sarc>
People Against Goodness And Normalcy.
I've experienced people wishing me a "Happy Holiday" with regard to Thanksgiving...nevermind Christmas. Everytime someone sends that weak statement my way, I promptly reply with a MERRY CHRISTMAS! of my own.
~ Blue Jays ~
I don't know, but it really has me out of the Christmas mood. I don't need to support these greedy retailers anyway.
I'm feeling the same way; I wish we had a list of who IS supporting Christmas.
Have a small-hearted, post Grinch, Whoville Happy Holiday.
Can't we just get through Thanksgiving before we worry about anyone saying Merry Christmas?
I proudly wear my "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" pin beginning right after Thanksgiving. I also say "Merry Christmas" to everyone!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.