'Tis the season. Jingle bells, hot chocolate, Christmas trees, lights, decorations, department store Santas, and peppermint mochas. Our beloved coffee shop and cafe, Starbucks, recently released their holiday "red cups". This caused an uproar that was shocking to say the least. This then brought up another important issue: "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? This is not an attack on your beliefs, it is out of respect to others. I think half of the issue with the "red cup debate" is that people take offense easily when their religion is brought into question. But this is just the opposite. No one is questioning your beliefs, instead they are asking you to respect the beliefs of others. If you were to be told that your holiday was not real, or that it is not the correct belief, you would be offended. That same offense could easily be taken when a person refuses to acknowledge other religious holidays. I was raised to believe that everyone is equal, no matter the religion. I was raised on the idea that Christianity is one of many religions. This means that regardless of a person's beliefs, there has to be some sort of respect. This idea of other people being able to practice their religions goes further than just the holidays. It is a matter of one's constitutional rights. When America was founded, it was founded strictly on the foundation of freedom of religion. Christmas is a time of acceptance, and love. It speaks of a God who loves and accepts all, and who wants his children to do the same. To truly show your love of Christmas, you have to accept that there are other beliefs, and that people will not always be celebrating the same religious holidays as yourself and your family. Now, I know what you're thinking. And I know that most of the time, religions preach that they are the one true religion, meaning you probably believe that. And that is okay. But that does not mean that a person should have to celebrate holidays that are based around a religion they do not believe in. Those who choose to celebrate Hanukkah, or Ramadan, or Kwanza, or anything else, should be free to do so. That means respecting their holidays, and showing that respect through two simple words: Happy Holidays.

It is easy to get caught up in your own beliefs, and your beliefs are your own personal right. That's what makes America so great. But please remember this holiday season that Christmas is not the only holiday.There are families everywhere, just like your own, celebrating the holidays they choose to celebrate. I believe in inclusivity. I believe that everyone should feel welcome to celebrate the holidays they choose. I believe in saying Merry Christmas, but I do not believe that means there can be no others. For the sake of those who have differing beliefs, and for their rights, I will continue saying "Happy Holidays".