Are you offended if someone says Merry Christmas

Linda54

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

and do not X out Christ......Now that really get on my nerves.....  We can take 2 seconds longer to write out Christ  in honor of what he did for us on the Cross!!

Ditto to what everyone else is saying....

Linda

pinoideae

I see Christmas as a merry time and no, it never occurred to me to be offended by merry Christmas.  I also respect other religions and their holy days.

mzmiller99

SherriG - Same with me...I'd get all huffy when I saw the "X", until I found out from our priest that it was "kosher". 

I'm going to confess that I love Larry, The Cable Guy's rant about saying "Happy Holidays".  Actually, I like his whole Christmas CD!  He's my one naughty pleasure.

ravdeb

Technically, Chanukah is not a religious holiday. Well, it's at the bottom of the list of holidays we celebrate as far as how religious it is. The only religious aspect of it is when we light a candle on each night of the holiday and say blessings over the candles. It is not written in our scriptures.

The holiday itself is about the rededication of the Temple after a war. We do not glorify the war but we do glorify the miracle we believe happened when in the Temple there was only enough oil for one night but the oil mysteriously lasted for 8 nights. This is why we celebrate Chanukah for 8 nights.

It is one of the more well known holidays because it usually is very close to Christmas. Outside of Israel, Jewish people have taken on the idea of giving gifts during the holiday but in Israel, this does not happen. (though it's becoming more Americanized here so they are starting to do this here, too!).

We usually eat foods that have lots of oil in them like potato pancakes and jelly donuts.

We play a game with a special spinning top called a dreidle. This was done when the Jews were not allowed to study Torah and so to cover it up, they played a game with the dreidle. Today we traditionally play this game using nuts and not money. There are letters on the dreidle and each one stands for something in the game, but the letters, Hebrew letters, have meaning. In Israel the letters mean, A Great Miracle Happened Here. Outside of Israel, the letters mean: A Great Miracle Happened There.

ICanDoThis

The "War on Christmas" was made up by Faux News so they could have something to bash liberals with. Even the atheists I know are not offended by Merry Christmas.

They just don't want to spend their tax dollars on displays for our holidays, and I don't blame them.

roseg

I'm not offended but I'm Christian.

If I know someone is not Christian, and that means actively not Christian as in practicing/not-practicing  Jew, Muslim, whatever - I wouldn't wish them a Merry Christmas.

We buy 3 different boxes of cards - Christmas relgious (angels, Jesus, relgious scenes), Christmas secular (santa, snowflakes, reindeer) and Happy Holidays. 

I feel like someone who is a good friend bothers to know what the other persons' beliefs are and respects them accordingly.

Analemma

I'm an atheist and I don't mind Merry Christmas and I say it back when someone says it to me.  I also sing the traditional carols, even though the Jesus story is symbolic to me rather than historical fact as it is to Christians.

However, it is incorrect to say that we wouldn't be celebrating anything if it weren't for the birth of Christ.  There have been Yuletide / Solstice / Saturnalia festivals to celebrate the return of the sun's light during the darkest part of the year, since way, way before Jesus' time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia

Christmas was not "assigned" to December 25th until the fourth century.

Merry Christmas!  Happy Yule!  Blessings of the Season!

guitarGrl

I'm not offended, but I am conflicted. It's worse here because our whole university shuts down for that "holiday" and we are forced to take vacation days (which I don't have). So I do start to resent the overwhelming Christian theme.

Last year the Hillell group on campus was giving out tiny menorahs with candles, so I lit them for the first time in a million years. It made me feel connected with my ethic, though not religious, history.

So now as I write all this, I think it is ok, because everyone wants to feel included. So Merry Christmans, Happy Chanuka, Happy Kwazaaa, happy winter soltice ... whatever makes you happy - the fact that we are here means we already have enough unhappiness in our lives.

susan 

Anonymous

Ravdeb, thanks for the "history" lesson.  That was very interesting.  I need to copy it because I have this thing called chemo brain...LOL

I was delighted to day.  I went to my primary care doc and he, his office gals all said Merry Christmas. I went to the have an X-ray done, Merry Christmas.  I went to Walmart and everyone said Merry Christmas.  I went to Sam's..again, Merry Christmas.  I went to Target...yep, you guessed it...Merry Christmas.  I was busy today. LOL  I honestly was pleasantly surprised.

Anonymous

Here's a recipe from the South Beach Diet.  I don't know if ANY Jewish family would fix these because they certainly do not look traditional.  But I'm going to post it anyway.  I'd like to try this.

Sweet Potato and Zucchini Latkes (Phase 2)

Makes 24 latkes (12 servings)

Description
Our twist on this Hanukkah favorite yields a delightfully crispy and slightly sweet pancake. Prepare the batter just before cooking to prevent excess liquid and soggy cakes; pour off any excess liquid while cooking, if necessary. These lacy latkes are delicate, so don't press down too hard on them once they're in the pan.

Make-ahead tip: The latkes can be made up to 6 hours in advance and kept covered at room temperature. Reheat on a baking sheet (preferably dark-bottomed) at 375°F until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1 medium zucchini (1/2 pound), ends trimmed
1 large sweet potato (3/4 pound), peeled
1/4 cup minced onion
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
Unsweetened applesauce (optional)

Instructions
Slice zucchini lengthwise and remove seeds. Coarsely grate zucchini and potato in a food processor or with a hand grater; transfer to a medium bowl. Add onion, egg, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working with half the mixture at a time, add zucchini-potato mixture by heaping tablespoons to skillet, gently flattening with the back of the spoon as you go. Cook until the edges are golden, 1-2 minutes, then flip and cook until bottom is golden, about 1 minute more (adjust heat if necessary to prevent burning). Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and remaining zucchini-potato mixture. Serve latkes hot with applesauce on the side, if desired.

Nutritional information
100 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
20 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
4 g fiber
220 mg sodium

 

cmb35

I'm not offended, but that's probably because I celebrate Christmas. I grew up in, and now live in, a very diverse community. If I know what holiday the person celebrates, I say it. If I don't, I generally say "happy holidays!"

I am also not in the least bit offended if I do happen to say Merry Christmas to someone, and they tell me that they don't celebrate Christmas. If they tell me what they do celebrate, I sincerely wish them a happy chanukah, kwanza, whatever.

This is what I taught my son, who has friends who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and a whole host of other religions. If you say Merry Christmas to someone, and they take the time to tell you they celebrate another holiday, it's offensive to say, "well, I only say Merry Christmas to people, so Merry Christmas!" or something to that effect.

Daffodil

MERRY HOLIDAYS, Y'ALL!!!!

Scrappygrl

It's always Merry Christmas for me unless I know the person specifically doesn't celebrate Christmas...I agree with pp that said we honor Christmas by having a off work day and celebrate it.  So why not say Merry Christmas...that is what all the workup to Dec 25th is all about.  And it's one of my favorite days of the years (and I get jipped for presents due to birthday in same month) so it's not about the presents for me as it is about being with family & friends, good food and good times/making memories as we get older and the children get older and even starting new traditions and keeping up with old traditions once a year.  

So Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it and Happy Holidays to the rest! 

abbadoodles

HoHoHo.  I say Merry Christmas as Christmastime.

I say Happy Chanukkah during Chanukkah.  Then again, some of my Jewish friends celebrate Christmas, give presents, etc. 

It is so a secular holiday for much of the population.  And, as someone mentioned, the winter solstice has been celebrated for eons.  I understand that is why Christmas was assigned the its date.  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I've never been punched out for either so I guess I'll go with it.

nat-u-ral

I too was told to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas and people don't believe me.

konakat

I'm not religious or Christian but I think people are being nice saying "Merry Christmas".  I used to say Happy Holidays years ago and have gotten so fed up with being PC that I will now respond with "Merry Christmas", unless I know it is unwelcome or inappropriate.

And, yes, it is a Christmas tree -- it is not a holiday tree.  Just as it is not a holiday candelabrum, it is a Menorah.  If you can't say Merry Christmas, all religions should be edited to be PC.  That's my 2 cents -- let's just enjoy the diversity and cultures we have! 

tami48

When I worked in a restaurant we were told by management to say Happy Holidays. 

I'm not religious and my husband is Jewish, neither of us are offended by Merry Christmas.

Pharmmom

Not at all.  I love it!

konakat

Yes, Happy Holidays is better to cover all at work, or you don't know if it's welcome.  But I love to hear Merry Christmas even though I haven't celebrated it since I was a kid.  I'm a real hum-bug and hate the commercialism, stress it puts on less fortunate families and people who are alone. But I can't help but smile when I hear Merry Christmas from someone who really means it, in the pure sense of what Christmas is about.

Anonymous

President Reagan's Favorite Christmas Gift
By Floyd and Mary Beth Brown
December 20, 2008

"Christmas has always been a very special day for as long back as I can remember," Ronald Reagan once wrote in a letter. "Maybe this was due to my mother and her joyous spirit about the day."

Although President Reagan could have spent his White House Christmases with family at his beloved ranch in Santa Barbara, Calif., he instead stayed in Washington, D.C. His sacrifice allowed Secret Service agents and other aides to spend Christmas at home with their families. He was a thoughtful person.

Reagan grew up in a desperately poor family. His father was a shoe sales clerk who had trouble keeping a job, partly because he was an alcoholic. "There were very few decorated trees in the years of my growing up. But never defeated, my mother would with ribbon and crepe paper decorate a table or create a cardboard fireplace out of a packing box. And she always remembered whose birthday it was and made sure we knew the meaning of Christmas."

His mother Nelle was an optimistic Christian woman who always looked for the positive side in every situation. President Reagan explained, no matter how bad things were for their family, his mother was always finding someone worse off than them. Reagan's most vivid early memory of his mother was of her with a covered dish taking it to a needy family. Nelle was always helping others.

Perhaps those lean years are one reason why Ronald Reagan once said a particular Christmas gift was especially memorable for him. It was his favorite gift and it came from his brother Neil. He called it "a gift truly in keeping with the spirit of the day." Neil had been struggling to find a suitable gift for his brother; they both were middle-aged adults and both men had successful careers.

Neil solved his dilemma by writing a letter. In the letter, Neil told his brother he had found a truly needy family with small children "who wouldn't go to bed with dreams of Santa Claus in their head." Ronald Reagan recounted how his brother Neil changed that and "became Santa himself, providing a Christmas from tree to turkey plus toys and gifts for all." Included in Neil's letter was a very detailed blow-by-blow account describing the "joy of the children and the grateful happiness of their mother."

This act of charitable giving by Neil reads like the end of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and became President Reagan's most unforgettable Christmas gift. He called it "a gift that will never grow old," as he would re-read the letter or think about the family's reaction to Neil's generosity.

Helping and serving others gives true joy and happiness, not only to the recipient but even more so to the giver. Maybe Neil's gift was particularly touching to Reagan because he knew what it was like to go without.

Today, there are still families out there who are in difficult circumstances and they face a bleak Christmas. A gift like Neil's may be the perfect gift for you to give to that someone in your life who has everything. Your church or locally based charities such as the Salvation Army are aware of needy families. You could make a difference and receive special Christmas joy by giving to a family who has hit hard times. Then write a letter similar to Neil's describing the family's reactions and give it as a gift. This is the true spirit of Christmas.

On Christmas Eve 1984, speaking to the nation, President Reagan said, "families and friends across America will join together in caroling parties and Christmas Eve services. Together, we'll renew that spirit of faith, peace, and giving which has always marked the character of our people."

At the end of his tale, Dickens writes, "it was always said of [Scrooge], that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May this be said of all of us. And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!"

Merry Christmas!

jerseymaria

dumb question here...what exactly do wiccan's celebrate at Christmas time?

iodine

I do believe it's the winter soltice.

Harley44

I always say Merry Christmas, but to be pc, I have started saying "Have a nice Holiday", if I am not sure what Holiday the person I am addressing celebrates. 

As the comic strip character ZIGGY used to say,  "Merry EVERYTHING, and Happy Always!"

KAK

Well, ladies, I was raised Catholic, now am sort of a non-religious believer, but love the spirit & the old seasonal meaning of Christmas.  One of my best friends Liz is Jewish & a classical singer & has sung solo's in Handel's Messiah & Bach's cantata's at Emanuel Church in Boston, but also sings as a cantor at a temple.  So, we're pretty chill about it all.  We celebrate everything.

So, I'm going to go out on a limb here a bit.  I was telling Liz yesterday about hearing about an album of updated Channukah music put out by Erran Baron Cohan (who is Sasha's composer brother) & today she emailed me this link to a music video of one of the songs on the album.  It's too funny for words:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHjpsmd_oXo

GryffinSong

As far as I'm concerned, as long as the speaker is happy about it, they can wish me a happy whatever. Christmas, solstice, yule, hanuka, kwanzaa ... I don't care. To me, its literally the thought that counts.

As for christmas, interestingly I know fundamentalist christians who won't celebrate it because of its pagan origins. So it's either christian or not christian, depending on your viewpoint.

I make my own holiday cards, and they usually simply say "JOY!" on them. That about covers it for my wishes for all.

abbadoodles

Peace on Earth, Good Will to All.

BethNY

Harley- I love the ziggy quote!!! 

I think if you know what the person you are speaking to celebrates, then you should use the appropriate greeting.  I think sometimes it can be an individual thing.  I'm a jew, and I'm marrying a catholic. I celebrated Hannukah as a child, but as an adult (that doesn't have children) it does not carry the same importance as it did when I was young. The story itself is a wonderful one, but when it comes to important Jewish holy days, it's not really near the top of the list.

 When I go to my fiances house to celebrate Christmas with his family, of course people are going to say Merry Christmas, b/c it's natural, and, why would that bother me? It's their holiday, and there's gift giving and great food and togetherness, and it's a happy event.

But, when I'm leaving a store, I prefer happy holidays. B/c I think that is being respectful of the fact that I don't celebrate Christmas.  Does that make sense? If you know I'm a jew, why say Merry Christmas to me? I think Happy Holidays covers all of the holidays, and it reminds me that it is the season of many holidays. Mind you, I think it's silly that stores have practically waged wars over whether or not they can say the word Christmas in displays. I mean, that's so silly. Of course the word Christmas should be used on displays... sometimes the PC stuff goes way overboard.

 What's important is that strangers show kindness to one another by wishing them joy in whatever it is they celebrate. And if they celebrate nothing, it's still a wish to have joy in your heart and in your life. Lord knows if everyone were just a little more kind, life would be that much better for all of us.

Anonymous

KAK, I have to admit I'm not knowledgeable about Jewish music or traditions.  But, what made the song funny IS there's a lot of rocky Christian music out there...LOL  So, it's time that there were some progressive Jewish songs.  Of course I'm about the Jewish song..not the Christian "rock." 

KAK

I love the riffing off the hip hop thing, Shirley.  It cracked me up so much!   What an incongruous fusion!!  There's actually some beautiful songs on the album, too, but I have to say I've actually been rocking out to "Dreidel" in my head all day!  LOL

iodine

For a totally different way to hear Christmas songs, ck YouTube for Trans Siberian Orchestra!

My dh made the concert Mon. night a suprise gift for me.  Just told me to dress and we were going somewhere.  I'd never heard them (I didn't think) and was just amazed at how great the sound was and the light show was absolutlely amazing! 

They are sorta Mozart meets Pink Floyd!