"But that could be referring to a Jewish holy day."
I guess I don't take your point.
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......
They probably walk away thinking "what a jerk, I was just trying to give the guy a nice cheerful greeting".
>>>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.