When did 'Happy Holidays' become anti-Christian?

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | December 4, 2005 | Mark Hare

[Behind Liberal Lines]

The columnist argues that the "dreadful" Iraq war "diminishes the joy of the Christmas season," and that "talk-radio land and the Internet blogosphere," should stop complaining that "Have a nice holiday," or "Happy holidays" or "Enjoy your holiday" are "part of a campaign to take God and Jesus out of Christmas."

He argues that Christians shouldn't be offended and speculates that non-Christians aren't as easily offended if you wish them "Merry Christmas."

However, he also claims that saying "Happy Holidays" is a matter of politeness to non-Christians and as "a courtesy."

Finally, the author insinuates that Christians are responsible for the commercialization of Christmas and concludes it is "far too soon" to be wishing people "Merry Christmas" anyway.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051204/NEWS0201/512040327/1002/NEWS

[HairOfTheDog]

I can only go with what you tell me, here...

[newfarm4000n]

TJMaxx won't put up Christmas signs. They have signs that say "Happy Holidays" and signs that say "Happy Hanukkah" but no mention of Christmas. I emailed them about it a week ago. No answer.

You actually expected an honest reply ? Awwww..

[newfarm4000n]

Atheist wasp ? do you even know what wasp actually stands for ?

[Torie]

Yes, I am a cultural WASP, just like the cultural Jew. I am sure you can handle it.

[jwalsh07]

In his case it stands for White Anglo Saxon NearAtheist. He's not too good with abbreviations but he's a smart fellow nonetheless.

[Torie]

Maybe WASPP. White Anglo Saxon Post Protestant. :)

[newfarm4000n]

I'll take your word for it . Hey I got nothing against atheists. Just the activist ones.

[jwalsh07]

Torie is a unique near atheist who recognizes the necessity for moral absolutes and religion in a successful society. Actually a pretty unique view and well thought out. I am a practicing Catholic with all that entails especially the right to life of unborn babies. Torie and I have become very good friends here at FR after a somewhat shaky start. :-}

Engage him on moral absolutes and a pluralist country. You won't be sorry you did.

[jwalsh07]

I prefer WASC.

[newfarm4000n]

I Know many people who have different faiths ( not Islam) who willingly accept that America is a Christian country with Christian traditions . All they ask that in their private homes and meeting places they be free to give Ganesha a peanut. Thats perfect "multiculturalism" in my view.

[Torie]

C can mean conservative, it can mean Christian, it can mean confused, it can mean convoluted, it can mean conflated, it can mean curmudgeon. You must mean the latter. :)

[jwalsh07]

You must mean the latter. :)

But of course. LOL

[Colorado Doug]

Ramadan and Eid may be legitimate but kwanzaa is made up crap.

Ramadan and eid lost their legitimacy sometime around 9/11/2001 if not a couple hundred be-headings and bombings before then.

[Corin Stormhands]

BTW, Target this year had NO nativity scenes or anything remotely related to the birth of Christ.

Maybe your Target was sold out.

I was in Target the other day in the "holiday" shop. They had Fontanini nativity scenes, along with plenty of plastic ones for your yard, and stars and even stained glass crosses for your tree.

[CindyDawg]

I went to the other store today. It was a completely different atmosphere. They had all the Nativity scenes stacked up by the entrance. I talked with the manager about the wood ones. She thinks it is a regional thing. I guess I'm stuck with plastic. I'm still thinking about it. I bought some "Christmas " cards though. Cost me 200 dollars:')

[Corin Stormhands]

From Target's website: Fontanini My First Nativity Set

I believe there are other Fontanini sets on the website, but they are not specifically identified as such.

[CindyDawg]

I have a Nativity set that I place on my coffee table. It's ceramic and the paint is nice. I got it 3 or 4 years ago (at the dollar store:')

[CindyDawg]

Oops. 2 dollars. Not 200.

[oldbrowser]

"Happy Holidays" became un-Christian when it became offensive to the politically correct to use "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" interchangeably.

It is offensive when when it is used instead of Christmas just to offend people.

[Gabz]

LOL!!!!

Glad I read further before commenting..........I had a goofy remark about your "$200" Christmas cards :)