Posted on 12/24/2006 10:25:21 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
The word police on both sides of the "war on Christmas" debate should give it a rest.
Their back-and-forth demands on how everyone must or must not express good will leading up to Dec. 25 are long past tiring and approaching the absurd.
On one side of this silly spat are the religiously correct. They insist that everyone in the universe utter "Merry Christmas" when expressing cheer.
On the other side are the politically correct. They insist on only neutral statements of joy, such as "Happy Holidays."
Luckily, most of us don't really care which seasonal saying is offered, just so you're sincere and friendly about it. A smile helps, too.
Both phrases -- "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" -- are intended to wish others well. Trying to enforce one phrase while banning the other is a worthless game of semantics.
It also runs against the spirit of the season, of peace on earth and good will toward men (and women, if you prefer a reference to both sexes).
Yes, keeping Christ in Christmas is important for many, if not most, Americans. It is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ that prompts reflection, prayer, caroling, decorations, gifts and thankful feasts with family.
Given that so many of us are Christian, it shouldn't surprise or offend anyone if we offer a "Merry Christmas" to a passerby. Chances are, that person is Christian, too, and marking the holidays in a similar way.
And if that person is not, so what? That's no reason for him or her to get uptight.
At the same time, if we Christians are politely offered a "Happy holidays," that's a nice thought, too, and one that we should graciously accept.
Many business people have good reason to say "happy Holidays" to customers. That's because a store clerk has no idea which creed a shopper might subscribe to. And in the business world, the customer is always right.
America was founded on freedom -- including religious freedom. We all are free to recognize and celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, the winter solstice and any other date we deem important.
This time of year should encourage togetherness, no matter our specific religious beliefs or rituals. Let's be merry. Let's be happy.
Let's not Scrooge it all up.
Maybe the State Journal (Wisconsin's answer to Pravda) should "give it a rest."
Rather sanctimonious, wasn't it? No one can look down their nose harder, longer and faster than a socialist. :)
How 'bout we remember why we're celebrating?
Merry Christmas!
Leave it to a Madison outlet to term the war on public Christianity a "silly spat".
I'd like to know who is insisting that everyone say Merry Christmas? Has the Journal simply made this up? Does Rudolph have a red nose?
Before the PC crap I used to say " happy holidays"....now I make it a point to shout loudly " Merry Christmas" especially at Best Buys. As an Agnostic I love skewering...
How many "Eid al-Adha" gifts are those merchants selling?
I wouldn't put my name on this sick crap either. It's only a "silly spat" if YOU think it is.
Since when was surrendering to political correctness an effective strategem? Oh, I get it, the MSM says Christians are supposed to accept being marginalized and not fight back!
If the author thinks that those who repel the PC wish aren't under attack and are acting aggressively in response, then he/she/it is part of the problem.
Consider the source.
Hanukkah, right?
I don't subscribe to this pagan 'Christmas' thing. Honestly, did Jesus celebrate Christmas? NOOOO!!! Geez, what's with all this tree-worship cr@p!
If Jesus didn't do it, neither should you!
:-P
Let's all wish the MSM, RIP! Or not. They're dead men walking and may they fall over and rot in hell sooner.
Either we are equal or we are not. Good people ought to be armed where they will, with wits and guns. Merry Christmas
I mostly agree with the editorial, but the issue isn't about individuals so much as it is about corporate policy. When companies consciously decide to turn the Christmas season into a generic "holiday" and tell their employees what they can and cannot say, then people have a perfect right to be disgusted and stay out of those stores. "Uptight" had nothing to do with it.
Honestly, I expect people to wish me a Super Saturnalia, and when they don't ... when they respond with one of these innovations, like "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays," I just get so angry. I think I'm going to write a letter to someone about it.
Of course, that doesn't make the Capital Times any less insufferable. They suck it.
My wife's Jehovah Witness coworker told her that we shouldn't celebrate birthdays (or Christmas, of course) because the Bible doesn't say anything about Jesus doing so. My wife responded, "I don't recall the Bible saying he went to the bathroom either; have you been on the toilet today?"
The Happy Holidays thing started in the fifties when people found their tight schedules didn't leave time to say both Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. These other religious and irreligious greetings are getting a free ride, not that it's necessarily a bad thing.
Isn't it sad that the MAJORITY always has to defend itself against the MINORITY in these times? I find it incredibly frustrating.
Get your hands off my religion, Fools! (Bumper sticker material?) ;)
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Season's Greetings have always been considered equivalent expressions. Always.
Not in "The People's Republik of Madistan" where this paper is published, Comrade. ;)
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