It is that wonderful time of year again—the holidays. And there are many: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, the New Year… But in our overly politically correct world, we are all being told to say Happy Holidays so as not to offend anyone.
Honestly? That’s ridiculous.
Let’s be real. I doubt anyone is saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or anything else because they’re trying to say their holiday is better than anyone else’s. They’re probably saying it to send around the good vibes their holiday celebrates.
It does not bother me in the slightest if you tell me to have a Happy Hanukkah or a Joyous Kwanza. I’m just happy you wanted to say something kind. Isn’t that what this time of year is about? Wishing each other happiness and luck and kindness during literally the darkest days of the year? Should it really be a big deal who says it? I don’t think it should.
All of these holidays (and the ones I don’t mention) are all promoting a time to be thankful and kind to our neighbors. Although “Happy Holidays” is perfectly acceptable, I feel like if I have to say it because it’s “politically correct”, it’s taking away from the spirt of the holidays, whichever one I’m celebrating. I should wish someone “Happy Holidays” because I choose to, not because society tells me I should.
Being trained to say “Happy Holidays” also does a disservice to our religions. This is supposed to be a country where we can openly practice our beliefs. Spreading around the joy of mine should not be something I should have to refrain from doing. I (and most people) am not trying to shove my religious beliefs down anyone’s throat. I am simply trying to wish someone the good things I celebrate this time of year. We should all be allowed to do that for each other without getting offended shouldn’t we? There are so many worse things we could be worried about in this world. The holidays and how we send people good wishes shouldn’t be one of them.
So wish me whatever you like: a Merry Christmas, a Joyous Kwanza, a Happy Hanukkah, good wishes for the New Year (or for finals week). I think we all need some good vibes and happy thoughts right now. So let’s not argue about where they come from, and just be grateful that someone, even a stranger, cares for our well being.
