I am not really offended by it even if it is used in place of Merry Christmas. What I take offence to is the tone of the people who say it purposely to denigrate Christmas
Example, Stinkhole Madonna(the slut singer) has a greeting running here in Germany and you can hear it in her voice that she is saying Happy Holidays with the purpose denigrating Christmas.
Maybe I am hearing it wrong or I just despise her that much but it is playing here and it is offensive to me. But hey I am the visitor here. I don't know Madonna's views but I can only guess what they are.
Agreed. Additionally watch for distortions like I heard Borders had. In their music department you could buy Holiday / Hannuka / or Kwanzaa music. Just be fair and everybody will be happy.
I'd say your ears are just fine. Madonna is a follower of Kabbalah, an offshoot of Judaism and steeped in mysticism. It's funny that according to Jewish law, she, as a woman, is not even supposed to study it. A growing number in Hollywood are "converting" to it since it is chic and in "Vogue". She definitely has no use for celebrating Christmas as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. But she can't stop us, so, Merry Christmas to you!