This time of year can bring out both the best and the worst in people. From black eyes on Black Friday to last-minute present panic, the fun of the season often goes hand in hand with the stress of it. But in the midst of all that, there is still a lot to be thankful for, especially when the rest of the world seems, to quote Cindy Lou, "a bit kabobbled." With all that’s going on around us, perspective and thankfulness are more important than ever. For those of us who celebrate Christmas, for either religious or commercial reasons, always being included in greetings meant to spread the spirit of the season is definitely something to be thankful for.
Something followers of Christianity rarely have to deal with is being excluded or not feeling welcome. While every group of people face challenges, there are some that undeniably have it easier. When the biggest issue of discrimination a group faces is over a phrase that is used for only a month out of the year and is still generally applicable to their situation, perspective becomes really important. A passing comment at the grocery store or a greeting on a card may seem like a small part of what the season is about, but there are people who place a lot of value in these little interactions. These little, yet important interactions have two sides, though. For every person who gets angry at the phrase "Happy Holidays," there are likely an equal number of people who feel left out when they are greeted with "Merry Christmas."
Both Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays apply to those who celebrate Christmas. One might be more specific, but the other is still relevant. Merry Christmas excludes a lot of people. It might not always offend someone, but the point is that this season is about giving: giving presents, giving time, giving a hot meal, giving a sense of belonging. In the end, using the phrase "Happy Holidays" does more good than harm: it includes every kind of celebration, it has the power to make someone feel included in a world where they often don’t, it gives more than it takes, and it represents the season of giving. Assuming that everyone celebrates this season in the same way takes away part of what makes it so wonderful—coming together with family and friends means accepting everyone despite any differences, so why not extend that kind of holiday spirit to everyone this year?
