Merry Christmas!

Merry X-Mas!

Happy Holidays!

Seasons Greetings!

Which one of these traditional greetings are your favorite?

There has been a lot of controversy between these statements, why? Typically, they are all said with kindness to one another which is wonderful. Who doesn't love to spread a little joy?

We all know that Christmas is a Christian holiday. However, many celebrate it as a time to spend time with family, friends and show appreciation and love through gift giving regardless of their faith. You don't have to be a Christian to celebrate Christmas, but so many people take offense to saying anything other than "Merry Christmas."

As a Christian, yes, I appreciate the use of "Merry Christmas" because while Christmas is a time that I spend with my loved ones and giving gifts, it is more importantly the celebration of God's birth. However, not everyone is Christian and not everyone celebrates for the same reasons. I personally, appreciate any sort of greeting because it is an act of kindness from one person to another.

Here's where I take offense: Happy Holidays is grand, Seasons Greetings is great, but Merry X-Mas is not OK. Why? Because it takes "Christ" out of Christmas. I respect all other religions, or lack there of, and the holidays they observe, regardless of whether I agree with them or not, so I expect the same.

Christians take a lot of crap, as do other religious affiliations, but I believe we all deserve equal respect, and by saying Merry X-mas, you are disrespecting not only me and my beliefs, but my God. This is not OK.

Say anything you'd like within reason, but please respect Christianity and stop saying Merry X-mas!