To me December has always been one of the happiest months of the year. There’s nothing better than twinkly lights, sparkly decorations, and a whole season dedicated to sitting around fireplaces with family and friends. If you stumble across me during the month of December, chances are that I will definitely be filled with holiday cheer. I also won’t wish you a “Happy Holidays”, but a “Merry Christmas”.

In America there’s been a push to censor certain things, to create safe spaces, and to cater to those who feel attacked or offended. While some of these changes are definitely positive, and we should 100% live in a country free of bullying and hate, the censorship at times is taken too far. A prime example is the push to change the standard “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays”.

I was born and raised Roman Catholic. I attended Catholic school from 2-year old preschool until my high school graduation. At home and at school I was taught that Christmas was a religious holiday. It wasn’t only about reindeer and Santa coming down my chimney and delivering the much-anticipated three story Barbie dream house, it was about the birth of baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. It was about being extra kind, having joy, and giving rather than receiving.

Although this may come as a surprise to many, in Catholic school I also learned to accept others. I was never once taught to think any less of other people for being different, or to look down on those who held different beliefs. There were plenty of students, and even teachers, who were not Catholic and had many different beliefs than I did. Whether they believed in God, another supreme being, or nothing at all, I was taught to love them all the same.

I completely understand that not everybody celebrates Christmas, or that some who do celebrate it for reasons other than the birth of Jesus Christ. When I say “Merry Christmas” in passing on a snowy December day I am not trying to convince you to believe in the same things that I do. I am not trying to convince you to believe in Jesus and that Christmas is about his birth and his birth alone. I am not trying to shame you for thinking differently than me, and I am definitely not trying to exclude you and your beliefs. In fact, I am trying to include you! I am feeling a little extra happy, I have a little extra cheer, and I want to share it with those around me. When I walk by I’m going to say “Merry Christmas”, and I’m not even expecting you to say it back, but I am expecting that this greeting won’t make you feel offended or attacked.

We are lucky enough to live in a country full of diversity. Our country is full of many different people, cultures, and beliefs, as many countries are. The beauty of America is that those before us fought for our freedom to celebrate and express these different ideas and traditions. It’s important that in looking to be politically correct we don’t overcompensate and take away from those freedoms that they fought for. It is for that reason that this December I will proudly decorate my house with a nativity scene, and I will continue wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas”. You can wish me a “Merry Christmas” back, but if you want to wish me a “Happy Holidays” or a “Happy Chanukah” in return I’m happy with that too. Aren’t good tidings and well wishes what this season is all about anyways?

This December celebrate however it is you’d like to celebrate. Decorate your diner with Jesus in a manger, or include a menorah in the lobby of your office building. Say “Merry Christmas”, or “Happy Chanukah”, or “Happy Holidays” to the stranger you walk by on the street, but don’t make somebody feel guilty for celebrating the month of December the way that they see fit. Don’t make them censor their celebrating just because you don’t celebrate the same way. Chances are they’d love to include you in their celebrating as well!

I hope you and your family have so much fun celebrating December however best suits you, but from me to you, and I mean this is the friendliest way possible, Merry Christmas!