Originally Posted by gypsyquilter
i'd like to ask your opinion on Merry Christmas versus Happy Holidays. I'm very respectful that people celebrate different holidays, have different religious views and have personal beliefs that make them who they are - that goodness for that as it makes the world an interesting place.
I am not a religious person, just someone who grew up celebrating Christmas as our december holiday. So, I'd like to ask is Merry Christmas offensive or is Happy Holidays offensive or, is neutralizing the holiday to a happy holiday really an insult to both parties since neither can feel free to express who they are.
what's a person to do?
Here's my thought. Those who are offended by someone giving them a wish of happiness or merriment should not be offended and just simply say "thank you". Wouldn't that be the good manners that our parents taught us?
I have a good friend who doesn't celebrate Christmas, before she became by good friend I wished her a Merry Christmas, and she said, thank you for the good wishes, I'm Jewish so I wish you a a happy Hanukkah. We both laughed, but the spirit of our good wishes for each other was not lost in the choice of what holiday one choose to celebrate.
what do you guys think?
I find neither one offensive. I used to work for a Jewish dentist and all his employees but one were Catholic. He always wished us a Merry Christmas and took us out to celebrate. This morning I was in a KMart and saw a man I have seen around town, elderly and now in a wheelchair with his badly swollen legs out in front of him. He had a beautiful smile on his face and wished me a wonderful Holiday. I thanked him and wished him a wonderful one too. It got me to thinking about how blessed I am and that we should never complain about the situation we are in. So, be it Christmas or Holiday, I am flattered that a stranger would take the time to wish me either.