I do not care which greeting is offered and accept the statement in the spirit of goodwill in which it is intended, returning the same positive sentiment to the individual that offers it. I believe that some have become hypersensitive where holiday/Christmas greetings are concerned. I do not believe that any individual or company that says, "Happy holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas" is attempting to rub out or steal Christmas from those who celebrate it nor to be disrespectful. Either greeting beats "Bah, humbug!" hands down!

I would note, however, that the politically-correct efforts to erase any evidence of religion from holiday celebrations is foolish. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee's designation of the state "Holiday Tree" is senseless. It is a Christmas tree!!

I have to agree with Oren this time! I'm ok with either, but if I know for sure the holiday that my friend is celebrating - I will respond in that way, out of respect for their beliefs and they do the same for me.

I like "Happy Holidays" because that covers EVERYTHING, from Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa to New Year's.

Gina, I totally agree. Why not make the effort to be MORE inclusive. My Jewish friends tell me they have felt like a minority and marginalized many times. The Holiday season isn't just about Christianity and wishing Happy Holidays covers any situation without diminishing anyone's beliefs. I ask all Christians who feel strongly about this to consider how they would feel if the standard greeting was "Happy Hannukah". It's all about walking in another man's shoes.

Marsha
Isn't it sad that Christ has to be taken out of everything? What pleasure is there in making concentrated efforts to change other people's beliefs and traditions? I think these people would better serve society if they GOT A LIFE instead of trying to change everyone else. You already know we are not going to change so why not crawl back under your rocks until another cause comes your way.

Marsha, this may be hard for you to grasp, but some people have other beliefs that do not have Christ as the central figure. No one is trying to take him out of the lives of people who believe in him. It's just that in our multi-cultural society we should be understanding and inclusive to all. I assume you are a Christian and keep Christ in your life in your own way. Nobody can, or wants, to take your personal relationship with Jesus away. Enjoy your holiday!

I think what makes Christians upset about this whole thing is that the celebration of Christmas would not exist were it not for the birth of Christ. Yes one can argue that the Christmas tree is originally a pagan element, but nonetheless "Christmas" is a Christian holiday. Over the generations when the vast majority of people considered themselves as Christians, there was no issue with Merry Christmas. But now as more people want to live in a secular, less religious society, they are trying to neutralize the holiday so that all can be included. The problem is that if those people are putting up Christmas trees, buying gifts, singing Christmas Carols, and generally celebrating the holiday of Christmas, they have to accept its original meaning, origin and intent which is the birth of Christ. If they don't want to do that then they should stop being hypocritical and celebrating it on one hand while condemning it with the other. You can't have it both ways. If you want to celebrate Christmas than you need to accept the greeting Merry Christmas. If you don't like that, then don't engage in the holiday.

Everything is so black and white, isn't it Rebecca? ;)
Sorry, but I disagree with the polarizing argument you've set forth above. For my little family, this holiday (like the majority of those we celebrate) has to do with celebrating family connection, love and togetherness. I do not maintain a connection to any religion, despite the fact that I was raised Roman Catholic, and I think family traditions are best left to the discretion of the family celebrating it. No judgment or conditions for participation necessary. For all of the above reasons, I stick with the greeting "Happy Holidays," as I find it to be inclusive, non-threatening and unassuming--to everyone. Because I also work as a therapist, I would hate to alienate any of my clients by using a greeting that does not resonate with them, though I would respond in kind based on which greeting they use. There is a cultural sensitivity missing from this homogenous area in general that is irritating to me. Having lived in a metropolitan area (NYC) for many years, I try not to be so egocentric as to believe that my ideals/morals/beliefs are better than any of the multitude of other choices, and I try to be respectful of everyone's right to make their own decisions. Happy Holidays!

IT IS CHRISTMAS. MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR OTHER CELEBRATIONS.

Everyone is free to celebrate Christmas however they want. Religious or secular. It doesn't matter one bit to me. Family, love, togetherness, goodwill... they are all wonderful elements of the season. This discussion is not about how we celebrate or if we celebrate or what the season means to us personally, It is about whether or not we should say Merry Christmas. To me, it is the fear of alienating, offending, upsetting, excluding, threatening and assuming that has created such a fuss. I know and have lots of Jewish friends, NONE of whom are offended if wished a Merry Christmas at a checkout or over the phone etc. None of my non religious friends and colleques are offended either. In addition, while I don't have a whole lot of Hindi, Muslim or Buddist friends, I do have several, and none of them are offended either. In fact they love being wished a Merry Christmas. When they are, they feel included not excluded. For generations that's how it was everywhere and with everyone. No one was so self absorbed that they were actually offended. My next door neighbors were Jewish and had a Christmas tree. The neighbors across the street were as well and the dad used to come to our house dressed in a Santa suit and a Yamika bearing gifts for all of us and he called himself Judaclause. It was great fun with no offense or bad attitudes.

Now, society has made the fear of offending someone so much in the forefront of our minds that we are afraid to say anything to anyone unless it is so neutral that only the D R 1 and 2 of our transmission would feel left out. If anyone on this page can truthfully tell me that they know of anyone or themselves are hurt, or offended or excluded from anything when wished a Merry Christmas, I would welcome your comments. In fact, if one wanted to really push the point, (and I don't want to get into the racism argument,) would and could it not be called racist to REFRAIN from wishing a person a Merry Christmas,because of the color of their skin? In the spirit of inclusion aren't we in fact excluding those who look like their not Christian by NOT wishing them a Merry Christmas? If it is the fear of hurting or excluding or offending that is the issue, then no one should wish someone a great 4th of July because they might not be American, or patriotic, or wish someone a Happy Valentines Day because they might not be in a relationship, or a Happy Labor day because they might be unemployed. Chances are everyone of every race, creed, color and religion are going to celebrate Christmas in some way shape or form even if it is simply by exchanging a gift with a friend. To avoid saying the words and pretending that Christmas isn't Christmas for fear of hurting someone is political correctness gone way too far.

I'M A CHRISTIAN...CHRISTMAS IS A "CHRISTIAN" CELEBRATION. SO, MERRY "CHRIST"MAS IS THE ONLY GREETING I WANT TO HEAR. ANNABELLE SOLLON, CANONSBURG PA. .

This country has become so sad....what on earth has happened??

It is not so much a matter of being mortally offended by hearing "merry christmas", I think we can all bear it. It just amazes me that Christians feel so indignant about this, as if they are being denied their faith or something. How hard is it to be a little more caring of other's feelings and maybe, just maybe, act as Christ might by being considerate of other's faiths? The holiday season includes more than just Christmas.

Happy Diwali.

I celebrate the pagan Yule, or the Winter Solstice. So to my friends and/or followers of my religion, I say Merry Yule or Blessed Solstice. To people I know are practicing Christians, I say Merry Christmas, etc. etc. etc.

Most Christmas traditions have pre-Christian origins anyways, so to say that Christmas is a Christian celebration is not truly accurate. Some people may not want to hear or acknowledge this, but that does not mean it isn't true.

So let's just focus on the spirit of the holiday*s*, share 'goodwill towards men' of all religions that celebrate in December, and leave it at that.

Oh, and I have a Yule Tree.... :)

I take the time to learn ones ethnic persuasion as well as religious orientation. I have a household helper who loves my Christmas decorum, loves the pointsettia i order for her from the USC Swim Club but she herself is of another religion. Both of us relish our friendship and respect our religious orientation. so Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah etc etc. just pray for peace of mind, peace on earth and our con't blesses lifestyle in USC.

When someone wishes me a "Happy Holiday" I ask them, what Holiday is that? If they are of another faith, I would wish them Happy theirs. Why do we punish 86% of the people to appease 14%? If they are offended by Merry Christmas, then where is the syphathy for me being offended by Happy Holidays?

Roger, Amen to that brother....

Well, I am offended and I think many others are too. Call it what it is and that is Christmas not Holiday. If another faith has a specific name for their Holiday, I would be happy to wish them that.

Well, I guess that you must be easily offended then because there are SO many things to be offended by but hearing Happy Holidays shouldn't be one of them. There are any number of rude things that people say and do, things that we witness all year long, so if anyone is offended by anything other than "Merry Christmas" in December, I shudder to think what happens when you see someone litter or spit on the sidewalk.

Enough said, give it a rest and Happy Holidays to you if that will make you happy.

Agreed! Merry Christmas to you. Have a wonderful season.

YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT MY YULE LOG!