Well, with the new Starbucks cup comes the controversy surrounding the “War on Christmas.” Let’s be honest. The supposed “War on Christmas” has been blown entirely out of proportion. As a Christian, I can’t recall ever feeling as though I was being attacked for celebrating Christmas. I don’t understand why so many things bother other Christians in November and December.

“Merry Xmas” doesn’t bother me. “Happy Holidays” doesn’t bother me. If someone told me, “Happy Hanukkah,” that wouldn’t bother me either, and Starbucks holiday cups don’t bother me. Honestly, I just don’t care. Why don’t I care? Because I know that people aren’t trying to attack me if they tell me anything besides, “Merry Christmas.” There MAY be the occasional person who says something else to mock you, but that must be pretty rare. Even if someone does say something else to mock you, so what? Christmas is supposed to be a joyous season. Why would you let something as trivial as “Happy Holidays” kill your spirit? That’s just ridiculous.

Believe it or not, people don’t say, “Happy Holidays,” or anything else just to spite you. They’re probably just trying to be nice to you, and there’s no reason that you should try to make them miserable for having the nerve to wish you happiness. And if a cashier tells you, “Happy Holidays,” because that’s what the store wants employees to say, don’t be rude about it. Believe it or not, people who aren’t Christians or don’t celebrate Christmas go to stores, too, and even we Christians celebrate multiple holidays during this season.

If someone takes the time to say something kind to you, you shouldn’t feel attacked just because the word “Christmas” wasn’t mentioned. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, it will be extremely obvious that I celebrate Christmas because I try to wear Christmas clothing every day from Black Friday to Christmas day. But if someone came up to me and said, “Happy Hanukkah,” I wouldn’t be offended. Instead, I may say it back, or, more than likely, I’ll simply say, “You, too.” It’s so much better for me and for everyone else involved if I don’t lose my mind about something like that.

There’s no reason to attack someone for trying to be nice about the holiday season but not specifically mentioning Christmas. That can hurt the other person, and it can hurt you, too. Don’t bring negativity into your life because of something like “Happy Holidays.” If you’re so concerned about Christ being taken out of Christmas, teach your children that there’s more to the holiday than Santa Claus and gifts and huge meals.

Oh and by the way, the green Starbucks cup that’s out right now isn’t even this year’s holiday cup. Please find something legitimate to be concerned about.