"Happy Holidays", "Merry Christmas", and Why You Should Not Be Offended by Either Phrase
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

"Happy Holidays", "Merry Christmas", and Why You Should Not Be Offended by Either Phrase

We all need to stop being so sensitive, and at the same time, start being more tolerant.

139
"Happy Holidays", "Merry Christmas", and Why You Should Not Be Offended by Either Phrase
theodysseyonline.com

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

99110
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments