Aarrgghh!!

Seasons Greetings?

I've had it up to here with the whole "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" debate. I was at Church earlier tonight, and the Monsignor admonished us not the leave Jesus out of the holiday. While I have my issues and disagreements with the Church, I had a lot more respect for them, than to believe that they would get sucked into this stupid issue.

It is a stupid issue, because zealots on both sides of the argument seem to miss the point. At this time of the year we are more charitable, more caring, and more generous to others. The point of offering any sort of seasons greeting is to extend that elevated humanity to others. To offer any sort of well-wish as weapon or to push your views on another person makes your charitable offering crap before it leaves your mouth.

For most people, to offer someone "Happy Holidays" is to say "I want to offer you well wishes but I'm not sure what holiday you celebrate." It may also mean "I don't really care but I am offering you platitudes." It doesn't mean "I hate the baby Jesus."

On the other hand, most people that say "Merry Christmas," are saying "I want to offer you well wishes and I celebrate Christmas." It may too mean "I don't really care but I am offering you platitudes." It doesn't mean "I hope the baby Jesus devours you and your heathen children."

My rule on the matter, is that if you really want to extend well wishes to people offer the well wishes that they want to receive. If you encounter a someone you know is Christian, say "Merry Christmas." If you encounter a person you know is Jewish say "Happy Chanukah." If you encounter someone you know worships the Flying Spaghetti Monster, ask them where their pirate costume is.

If you don't know, remember that "Happy Holidays" means "I don't know what you celebrate, but I wish you well!"

And for the record, I am Catholic, which means according to me, I'm Christian, (according to others, I'm a "so-called Christian.") I respond to "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays," and I will just be happy that in this craptastic world someone wishes me well... or is at least offering platitudes.

December 11, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:50 PM

Personal, Religion,

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