Photo by Melissa Brawner, via flickr
Giovanni Velasco/Contributing Writer
Should we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” to our fellow classmates or to the public this holiday season? That question will be pondered by many during the holidays because it has become politically incorrect to say “Merry Christmas.” Instead, it has become the norm to say “Happy Holidays.” Why? Because allegedly we would be infringing on someone else’s personal beliefs. Who said so? It is shocking to me, as someone born in this great country, that the words “Merry Christmas” can be considered offensive.
As a child it was wonderful to say “Merry Christmas” to my friends and neighbors; it was never thought of as an offensive way of greeting someone. It seems our traditions are being changed because of fear of what others will say or think.
I have never gotten angry at a friend because they greeted me with “Happy Hanukkah” or any other holiday greeting they might believe in or celebrate. I would just greet them back with “Merry Christmas.” I was not offended and neither were they. After all, in America we are all afforded the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion, so someone openly celebrating their beliefs or their faith is what America is all about.
I know the pundits would say to me that I should have tolerance towards someone who does not believe what I believe. We must keep in mind, however, that tolerance is a two way street. Some say that because the word “Christmas” has the name “Christ” in it, that I am be pushing my Christian faith on them. No, I am simply hoping that they have a “Merry Christmas.” If I wanted to preach the gospel of Christ I would not start by saying “Merry Christmas.”
Will we as Americans allow political correctness to change our traditions and values? I say no! Where are the American people that will stand up and say “I will not change what I believe in to appease others”? In this country, I have the God-given right to say “Merry Christmas,” so I will continue to say it. To those who take it as an offense, I will not apologize, but I will be open to receiving a “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.” If you choose not to say anything in return but give me that look, well, you have the right as well because after all, this is America.
Merry Christmas.
opinion@fiusm.com
With all due respect, you’re arguing based on a false presumption. It’s not saying “Merry Christmas” to someone that doesn’t celebrate it that’s offensive. It’s the contemptuous attitude some people in the anti-“Happy Holidays” crowd toward holidays other than Christmas.
You might find this editorial on the “debate” interesting – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/happy-holiday-vs-merry-ch_b_4384874.html?utm_hp_ref=religion