I agree. "They're offending my religious beliefs by not using my religious beliefs as an advertising ploy two months before a religious holiday!" Huh?
May I wish you a very happy Independence Day? It's just around the corner!
*snort* And a Happy Valentines Day to you, too! ;o)
When I go out shopping, near Christmas, I always say "Merry Christmas" to the store clerks. Sometimes they smile and say "Merry Christmas" right back, because I, in a sense, have given them that opportunity, and they know I won't be put off by it. Sometimes, they just say "Thanks". Either way, I'm going to have a "Happy Christmas".
This year is gonna be a challenge because hubby is unemployed, by choice, we're in the process of remodeling our home to sell it and move, and we're trying to hold down purchases of anything that's not crucial. The kids are all older, and they'd understand if they didn't get any gifts, but I just can't do that; I like having something under the tree for them. I haven't even STARTED shopping yet, and will likely do most of mine online, as I did last year, so whether or not the commercial establishments advertise it as Christmas or Holiday shopping means nothing to me.