I have heard it all before- the founding fathers of the United States were Christian, and so were the first people who settled here from England. America has a historically Christian background, and the majority of its citizens today are Christian as well. Many argue that we must say “Merry Christmas” during the holiday season, or else risk the removal of Christ Himself from Christmas. Here is my proposal for a happy holiday medium:
Christianity is not exclusive. If you follow true Christian teaching, then you acknowledge that others are different from you, yet they are still equally loved by God. Christianity is not forceful. If you follow true Christian teaching, then you know that one of the worst things you can do is look down upon those who do not have the same beliefs as you. Christianity is accepting and understanding. If you follow true Christian teaching, then you tolerate the views of others and respect people regardless of those views.
So, as a Christian, you should be able to appreciate the fact that not everyone celebrates the same holidays that you celebrate. As a Christian in America, you should recognize that every citizen has both freedom of religion and speech under the United States Constitution. Formed as a sanctuary for those being religiously persecuted, America does not have a national religion. “Happy holidays” is not an offensive term, rather, it is the acknowledgment of the millions in this country who hold a non-Christian belief system.
What is the issue with seeking to involve everyone, regardless of religious belief, during this time of year? In saying “happy holidays”, I am not excluding Christmas or the people who choose to celebrate it. “Happy holidays” is the encompassing of all traditions, and I am not sure as to why anyone, especially a Christian, would be offended by the inclusion of others into this season.
Likewise, there is no offense to be found when one says “Merry Christmas”, regardless of whether the person they are saying it to celebrates Christmas or not. The idea of someone wishing to spread the happiness that stems from their religion is in no way offensive. The fact that somebody deliberately took time out of their day to wish anyone a merry Christmas or a happy holiday should be appreciated in and of itself. We all need to stop being so sensitive, and at the same time, start being more tolerant.
To find offense in any statement wishing well-being to others is equal to having missed the point of the season. The next time somebody says “happy holidays”, “merry Christmas”, or “season’s greetings”, attempt to be thankful for their kindness rather than angry at their choice of words.
