It's the holiday season. A time of joy, a time of cheer. A time to join with our friends and family in thanks and celebration. It's also a time of great controversy. But there is one thing that shouldn't be controversial: All holidays deserve to be celebrated.

I'm not offended if you wish me well during the holidays. I'm not offended if you name a different holiday than I personally celebrate. To me, any celebration should be a merry one. So why do so many people find the general phrase "Happy Holidays" to be so offensive?

Many people feel that if their specific holiday isn't stated, it is a personal attack on their religion. But why is this the case? Nobody wishes you a "Merry Christmas" out of anger. Nobody exclaims "Happy Holidays" to exclude your belief. In fact, the term "Happy Holidays" is truly the most general and inclusive term that we could come up with.

So why is it that this phrase gets so much hate?

Yes, you're right that "Happy Holidays" doesn't exclusively say "Christmas," the holiday many feel started the season. And while it may be the most common holiday, that's no reason to exclude so many others. You never hear "Happy Hanukkah" or "Happy Kwanzaa" as strangers pass each other in the store. And yet, those who celebrate these and other holidays are not offended. That being said, a simple "Happy Holidays" can go a long way in making everyone feel included and celebrated.

"Happy Holidays" is a term of endearment, it's a way to celebrate us all. So many people have made a point to exclusively state "Christmas" in their merry wishes, and while I find any wish to be a blessing, many others would much rather be blessed with a term that includes their own belief as well. So while you may wish that everyone joyfully exclaimed "Merry Christmas," so many others simply wish to be greeted with an inclusive expression.

So stop bashing on a phrase of inclusion. Stop thinking that two simple words are a personal attack, when they are really meant to be a personal blessing. Stop hating, and start celebrating. It is the holiday season, after all.