Why is it.......
By CRIVAS
@CRIVAS (1815)
Canada
December 10, 2009 12:14pm CST
that we all seem to get so caught up in stepping on toes? I know that there are a lot of different cultures in my country and I have never had a problem with it. However I am starting to get a little mad. I have now been told that I shouldn't be saying Merry Christmas, that instead I should be saying Happy Holidays, now correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this Canada? (where I live anyway) Well in Canada we celebrate CHRISTMAS. Now I enjoy seeing all the different cultural celebrations and not once have I ever told someone from another country that they shouldn't be allowed to celebrate their holidays so why is it that I can't celebrate CHRISTMAS? I am very sorry but as far as I am concerened it isn't a holiday tree it's a CHRISTMAS TREE! Now I understand that there is some concern that by putting such emphasis on Christmas, that we might be leaving out the other religious holidays that the other people around us celebrate. If that is the case I am sorry, Happy Holidays to all of you as well. however I think that there comes a time when the line has to be drawn and this is it. I refuse to rearrange my traditions and holidays around just to make others happy. I was hear first, not to be rude. These people came to our countries to escape whatever, and now they are expecting us to change everything just to make them happy? Doesn't this seem unfair to anyone else? I am sure that if I went to Japan, Germany or any other country, I would be expected to respect their holidays, culters and relious beliefes, so why is it so hard for everyone to do that here? I am not asking you to celebrate my holidays but to respect ME AND OTHERS LIKE ME who have just as much right to celebrate as anyone else. Am I being harsh? What are your thoughts on this matter?
2 people like this
8 responses
@Bellerophon (539)
• United States
10 Dec 09
Well Im a Christian and the very word "Christmas" has our Lords name in it. The holiday is suppose to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which was here first so if all the other cultures want to call it something else thats ok but they cant ask me not to say Merry Christmas during the season of the birth of Our Lord. So Merry Christmas everyone! And happy holidays to all the other cultures who dont believe in Christ but feel they need to celebrate it anyway.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
10 Dec 09
Hi CRIVAS, I too live in Canada and I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. There is freedom of religion in this country and everyone has a right to celebrate their special holidays and that includes us whose forefathers came here from Europe two or three hundreds years ago. We do not try to stop others from celebrating their holidays and I have always been proud of our country for this. I intend however, to continue wishing my friends who do celebrate a Merry Christmas. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
6 Jan 10
I tend to say Happy Holidays because I don't want to offend anyone especially not about their belief system. In America, we have many people of many different faiths and we all need to work on getting along better. I think that Happy Holidays is the more universal term and that's why I use it. I, myself however, am a Christian and if you wanted to be accurate for me the correct term would be Merry Christmas. Not everybody has my belief system though and that's okay with me.
@mzz663 (2772)
• United States
11 Dec 09
No, I don't think you're being too harsh !! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
We should all be able to express what we want no matter what we celebrate. If someone is offended they can speak up for themself and say Merry Christamas in return and let you know they do or don't celebrate something else.
@apgh09 (514)
• United States
11 Dec 09
i personally don't celebrate Christmas and it irritates me when everyone assumes that you do, yes there are allot of cultural holidays out there and everyone is entitled to celebrate what ever holiday they choose. I personally prefer happy holidays its pretty safe to say if your not sure what holiday that person celebrates if any. what if your a Muslim what holiday do they celebrate around this time if any it may be very insulting for a Muslim, Buddhist, or any other faith for some one to keep throwing merry Christmas in there face and vice verse what if they want the world to know the holiday they celebrate and want to say what ever the holiday greeting is or what about Jehovah witness, they don't celebrate any holiday! So i understand you being a christian and wanting to be in the spirit of Christ but this is America land of the free so whether you like it or not people of other countries liver here to and want to be respected, how do you think that person in china, India or Russia feels about being bombarded with American holidays I'm sure there not very happy about it and they may feel the same way you do. but if people could respect one another it would not be a problem and well if you don't know the nationality of that person than don't say anything but hi how are you and leave it at that!
@FRANCISCOANDLEE (750)
• United States
10 Dec 09
Hi Chivas, Keep saying Merry Christmas and forget the rest. They can all whine. We go through the same thing here in the USA. It sickens me. School children no longer have Christmas parties they have winter festivals or holiday parties even winter fun day. Never a Christmas party, because it may offend someone. When I was a little girl I use to go downtown and see the lights and window displays in the stores that all said Merry Christmas. Now they say nothing. The windows are full of fake snow lights maybe a few ornaments and that's it. The grocery bags use to say Merry Christmas now they say Seasons Greetings if they say that.
Many of us are tired of changes to not offend others problem, is we are the ones being offended. So where and when does it stop?
I know I will always say Merry Christmas and those that are offended can just get over it.
@ClassyCat (1214)
• United States
11 Dec 09
Hi Crivas, and Merry Christmas from another American to one of our neighbors to the north.
The folks trying to silence us are the athiests and those who are 'politically correct.' They need to get over their 'touchy feely' attitude and GET A LIFE !
Hearing Merry Christmas isn't going to alter their lifestyle or beliefs.
If those of us who love the Christmas season, sit by and be quiet over this, there'll be even mor einfringements upon our beliefs and way of living and celebratin other holidays - so "stand up and be counted !"
H-m-m-m-m, when they say happy holiday, wonder what that means - no one knows just "what" holiday they are talking about. I think that they should create their own date and holiday and give it a name, and enjoy theirselves - Not 'intrude upon our festive and MERRY moods.'
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year too.
Classy Cat
{Proud to be an American and a friend of our neighbors to the north} One of these days, I may just come and see your beautiful country.
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
11 Dec 09
My thoughts is why is it a big deal to say either. In 1942 when Bing Crosby sang "happy holidays" was anyone complaining back than? I don't recall there being protest and people boycotting him or Bob Hopes films for it. Now while I am christian I also know there is no biblical reference to Jesus birth being on December 25th and that it was originally associated with winter solstice and a pagan holiday. So why cant people say what they feel comfortable with and quit trying to make everything an issue. Who exactly told you that you should be saying happy holidays anyways?
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Dec 09
hi crivas I am going to dare to say Merry Christmas to you as that is the way I always celebrated Christmas in the US where I live. this happy holidays is so trite and cold, while Merry
Christmas warms my heart in spite of all my personal problems
for we celebrate the birthday of Christ which most for get in the
hassle of gift buying and Santa Claus.No you are not too harsh.Our holiday is christmas and wishing a Merry Christmas is a wonderful gesture. 
