The holiday season can be a very stressful time of year. But, it can also be a very beautiful time of year. There are families getting together, relationships growing, and there is kindness in the air. But, something that seems to plague the holiday cheer is the various religious views and different holidays that are occurring.

I hate to break it to everyone, but Christmas is not the only holiday going on. There is always uncomfortable people who don't know what to say to people. Do I say Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Or nothing at all? It can be very uncomfortable when someone says Happy Holidays back at you once you say Happy Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa. And those are just three of the sayings that float around this time of year.

I have a suggestion for everyone: Say whatever you want to say and stop getting offended from someone else. Wish someone a Merry Christmas and say thank you when they respond with "And Happy Hanukkah to you." They are not being rude, they are wishing you good thoughts and times from what they believe in. We are in a world of immense diversity with a plethora of different views and beliefs.

Instead of getting mad at others for not wishing you your same holiday, smile and embrace the uniqueness. I love when people wish me a Happy Hanukkah, and yes, it happens more then you think. I simply respond with Merry Christmas and more often than not, the other person smiles. We all want to just be treated as equals, and what are all of these different religious wishes really saying? Every single Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and whatever else is said is simply wishing you to have an enjoyable holiday season. There is more than one way to express that, so we should all embrace it.

Now, if it really bothers you that much, either stick with Happy Holidays to include everyone or don't say anything at all. Now, with that all being said, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a fun and wonderful New Year!