It is, indeed, that time of year again … The time of year where everything is being decked out in holiday garb and the controversy begins about the political correctness of the season.
Oh joy.
Every year, without a doubt, facebook, message forums, news sources and most other media outlets are all abuzz about whether or not it’s okay for The People to wish each other a “Merry Christmas” or whether the all inclusive “Happy Holidays” is better. Not to mention those who celebrate Hanukkah, Yule and Kwanzaa.
What’s the best thing to say? Or maybe we should just screw it all and not wish anyone anything because who knows who may or may not be offended … it’s safer that way, right?
Here’s my opinion … you’ll get that a lot around here, it is my blog after all …
This season, no matter how you paint it, is about peace and harmony and love. So if you’re not Christian and someone wishes you a Merry Christmas say thank you and carry on. If you’re Christian and someone wishes you Happy Holidays say thank you and carry on. And so on and so forth.
There is a time and a place to be offended and I don’t think this is one of them.
Happy Holidays is an all encompassing term. If I say Happy Holidays to you (which is what I prefer) it’s not because I think my faith is better than yours. It’s likely because I don’t know what you celebrate. Chances are, if I do know what your faith is I will wish you a Happy What-Ever-You-Celebrate. Even then, if I wish you Happy Holidays it only means I’m wishing you peace and happiness and lots of good food and booze (unless you’re not into that).
My husband, kids and I celebrate Yule (aka Winter Solstice) in a non-traditional kind of way; we have a Yule log and tree and acknowledge the return of the Sun and give each other presents. We celebrate Christmas in a Santa kind of way; Santa brings the kids presents. Most importantly we celebrate the season as a way to be with family and friends and reminisce about the year and just take the opportunity amongst all of life’s craziness to make time for those we love.
Frankly I don’t feel political correctness needs to come into it and I don’t think there is anything particularly politically correct (or incorrect) about saying Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or any other faith-specific seasonal greeting. I honestly think the only politically incorrect thing going on is the arguing about which is the better phrase to use.
With that, I wish you all peace and happiness in this wonderful holiday season.
