Christmas is one of the most popular occasions the world
over. In the west it is usually celebrated in late November and early January.
Over the years, some western countries such as the United States become a
melting pot of culture, race and of religious and political beliefs. These
diversities have added ways in which occasion like Christmas is traditionally
observed. An example is the use of the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of the
traditional “Merry Christmas”.
Some conservative Christians don’t like the phrase “Happy
Holidays” since it takes the name of Christ off in the traditional Christmas
greeting. For them the birth of Christ is the very essence of the celebration
of the season. Replacing “Merry Christmas” with the secular and inclusive “Happy
Holidays” is not in line with the real spirit of Christmas. Other people believe that the phrase “Happy
Holidays” is atheistic, anti-Christian or a politically correct greeting during
for the season.
Despite the difference over what phrase to use to greet
people during the season, there are people including Christians who consider the
phrase “Happy Holidays” as an appropriate greeting for the season. Because of
its long running celebration, Christmas season encompasses occasions such as
the Jewish Hanukkah, the secular New Year, the African-American Kwanzaa, and
most especially the Christian Christmas and Epiphany. “Happy Holidays” is therefore a generic and inclusive greeting to people irrespective of his religious belief or lack of
it. “Merry
Christmas” is a specific greeting on December 25 or Christmas day.
Whatever phrase one uses to greet others during the season does not
matter as long as it is heartily expressed and said in deference to others’
cultures and faith. Respect should also be accorded to people who do not want
to get involved in any Christmas activities at all as some Christian sect like
the Jehovah’s Witnesses do because they view Christmas as pagan in origin. If
one is a believer in Christ then he could mention Christ's name in
greeting others by saying “Merry Christmas”. Others who consider the diversity
of people’s belief could say to others “Happy Holidays”. People have freedom of
expression and religious beliefs which are universal rights. The ways to
express a greeting should not be a cause of division or misunderstanding. The greeting should essentially create a spirit of harmony and
goodwill among people as they celebrate the season of Christmas.
