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

[gingerky]

That's funny, because my local Walmart had a huge nativity scene in full display (I almost bought it!)

[SamuraiScot]

It is offensive to call Christmas "Holiday" just as it is offensive to say "X-mas"

Funny how associations change over time. "Xmas" is an ancient usage, and not coined to be disrespectful at all. It's "X" because, when you spell it in Greek (the original Gospel language), that's the first letter of "Christ."

I used to think it was a flippant abbreviation, but I kind of like it now.

[Gabz]

I was in WalMart yesterday and they had the most beautiful wooden Mangers right inside the entrance, nothing toyish looking about them.

I was pressed for time yesterday and so didn't go to the christmas Shop - but all 4 store employees I had dealings with wished me a Merry Christmas :)

[JimRed]

It's not the expression, but the INTENT!

[cubreporter]

It became unChristian when employees were told NOT to say Merry Christmas and stores put up assinine signs like Holiday Trees, etc. If an employee is working in a store and they wish someone a Merry Christmas that should be their right. When the store says NO you can't say that...then it is not only UnChristian but Socialist behavior. Does that answer your question?

Wake up America before it is too late. I think America IS beginning to stir and I see her waking up soon.

[CindyDawg]

For sale? I'll look again. (Maybe 2 or so in the morning this time:'). Anyway, I had to ask for directions for these and they were the painted platic. Ok, from a distance I guess. There were no Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Welcome to Walmarts. Nada. Everyone I saw, customers and staff looked tired and hurried. Even the gate keeper just nodded as we left.

[cubreporter]

Good for you. It's their choice and then we make our choices.

[ecurbh]

It is offensive to go to a store on Resurrection Sunday and find nothing but Bunnies, chicks, and eggs.

OK, so what should the proper commercialization of Easter be? A chocolate Christ? A marshmallow Mary Magdalene?

Is a ~store~ where you really look for the meaning of Resurrection Sunday?

[cloud8]

> I got Happy Holidayed by someone manning a Salvation Army kettle yesterday.

Heh heh. You said "manning."

Happy Holiday is not anti-Christian, but a blend of unmitigated PCness and mercenary commercialism. Which is why I hate the expression double.

[mewzilla]

The bell ringer was female and, yes, I used the word manning, anyway :)

As in Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men :)

I wished her a Merry Christmas.

[CindyDawg]

Walmart last year recognized the Ressurection . They sold, right out in the open, a plastic egg kit and each one when opened had an item in it to tell the Story. (a cross, coins, nail etc and the last was empty). My grandkids loved it and wanted to hear the story over and over. The oldest took it to show and tell.

[Balding_Eagle]

Therefore, I wrote a summary of the column with a link to the original at the bottom.

And a darn good one too.

This way we get to talk about them behind their back, and they get no hits.

Good one, thanks.

[KenmcG414]

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! To all.

[CindyDawg]

You too? Huh.

[Shqipo]

What would be the outcry if MLK Day became Marty Day?

[AlexW]

I remember the good old days of the 50s and 60s.
I was a young lad, but could always tell when there was a card from a Jewish friend of my parents. They always said
"Seasons Greetings".
I think my parents even had some special cards that they sent in return, but it was no big deal.
All of the Jewish people had no problem with Christmas.
It is only a small leftist minority that raises such a stink, and the world cringes.
I tell the left to get stuffed and get a life.

I am in Slovakia now, maybe the most Christian country left in Europe.. We have no PC crap here. Everywhere it is Merry Christmas...I am soon off to the Christmas Market in Old Town Bratislava. It is a great tradition. Many booths that sell hot wine, food, and others that sell gifts. It opened last weekend, and will go till Christmas. There is music, ice skating, and a great time to be here. By the way, Christmas is a three day celebration here.

[From many - one.]

Actually some Jewish families with children put up a "Chanukah bush" visually indistiguishable from a Christmas tree.

Which, of course, has a non-Christian origin.

A human tendency of no malice that I can detect.

[MACVSOG68]

I imagine Slovakia is beautiful especially this time of year. I'm less concerned with the term "happy holidays" than with other more direct attacks on Christmas, including the "holiday tree", the use of only non-religuous ornaments and decorations, and effort to keep any religious symbols out of public displays.

BTW..."Merry Christmas"!

[From many - one.]

I sort of wonder at shopping on Easter Sunday if you claim to be Christian.

[kitkat]

***It has become offensive because Christians are seeing a systematic elimenation of our Savior from the public square and his name is becoming a dirty word that nobody is allowed to say. ***

Unfortunately, they are allowed to say His name, as in expletives.