January 1st, 2010 - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and get the hell over it.
I was informed my last post wasn’t very ‘in the spirit of the holidays’ and that person is correct. It isn’t.
So here’s a more holiday-y post.
I saw a comic in the newspaper today were a retailer saleperson is trying to greet people appropriately. No matter which greeting she uses, someone is upset.
Why is this? Why does Christmas time have to be so offensive to EVERYONE?! Christians don’t like that ‘Merry christmas’ seems politically uncorrect. Atheists don’t like it because it has to do with God. Normal folk don’t like the commercialization and the music that tends to start 15 seconds after Thanksgiving (if you’re lucky).
With all the stress the holidays bring, more than they are supposed to ‘cure’ so to speak, what’s the big deal in how you greet someone? If you say Merry Christmas or Happy holidays, isn’t the message the same? You’re not trying to convert someone to Christianity or Atheism (or a variety of other religions that all seem to have the hugest of the huge holidays in December). You’re not trying to make them uncomfortable or combative/confrontational. You’re simply wishing them well in a stressful holiday season.
Why do Atheists have to get mad about saying ‘Christmas’? Why do Christians get mad about NOT saying Christmas? The intent is what was actually said, but the meaning behind it. ‘I wish you well in your day and a happy time of family togetherness and love’ is too much to say all the time and since Christmas has taken over the ol’ pagan holiday of the Winter Solstice (whatever the actual name was) this is what we’re stuck with. AND it’s been so heavily commercialized (like I mentioned before) it’s almost little more than just a word anymore anyway.
What should be a season of peace, love, togetherness, and all that crap is now marred by long lines at stores, people pushing, grabbing, trampling, others to get the best bargains, horrible traveling conditions at airports.
So again, I urge you, if someone tries wishing you well over the holiday season (which I know is passed, but for future reference), regardless of what their words are, smile, say thanks, return the greeting as you are most comfortable, and GET THE FUCK OVER IT!