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.
Obviously they haven't gotten the memo yet stating: "Republican President, Forcast Gloomy. Democrat President, Forecast Outstanding, exceeding all expectations!"
They probably walk away thinking "what a jerk, I was just trying to give the guy a nice cheerful greeting".
I have to admit, I don't get the big deal about an ecumenical greeting. I work in retail in a heavily multicultural area, and I routinely say "Have a happy holiday!". People generally smile, and respond, "You too!". I don't see how "Happy Holidays" discriminates solely against Christians--as all three major monotheistic religions have festivals around this time, I see it as a nice way to include everyone--not Disclude someone, as I would be by wishing "Merry Christmas", "Happy Hanukkah", or a "Have a Tip Top Tet!".
>>>my point was people who try to avoid a religious reference by saying the word Christmas, are still making a religious reference when saying holiday, they often walk away muttering something about season's greetings......
Perhaps they are not trying to avoid a religious reference when saying Happy Holidays, but are acknowledging the fact more than one religion is celebrating a holy day at this time of year.
Ever hear the parody
"We wish you a Merry ChristmaHannaKwanzaamus, (3 times)
And a politically correct New Year.
"No need to get irate, 'cause the Christ Childs' in the cradle,
"He's playing with a dreidel, can't we all just get along?"
They may not want to hear it but I'll be saying "Merry Christmas" to every checkout person I meet.
I was going to make the very same point about the number of religions that celebrate at this time of the year. My work also takes me to some very diverse neighborhoods, and I'm wishing everyone "Happy Holidays". Not a thing wrong with it, IMHO.
why not Happy Festivus?
I prefer "All your faults are belong to Bush!"
Exactly... And on top of that, everyone celebrates several holidays this time of year, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, New Years, or what.
I say "Happy Holidays" to people I may not see again to wish them good health and happiness on each individual Holiday Eve. There's a whole season of holidays to wish people happiness for...
Is that so wrong? I ask you!
"I GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE!"
I worked for a 5-star resort in Hawaii a few years ago, and we had to say "Happy Festive Season". Puh-leeeze!
Festivus, a holiday for the rest of us!!!!!!
I too, have a dream...
Makes your blood boil, does it?
Fascinating :~D
Same stupid shit...different year.
Ditto. And don't get me started on the zot patrol and their damn viking kitties.
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