Monday, December 20, 2010

Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

This debate really bothers me this year as my 4 year old is really getting into the Christmas spirit for the 1st time in her little life. We were at Michael's last week picking out decorative stickers and things to make Christmas cards for our friends and family. She picked out a big sticker that said, "Happy Holidays" in red glitter letters and holly on it. At first I tried to talk her out of it because "what if she gave one my friends or my parents a card that read 'Happy Holidays'?" What would they think I was teaching my child? Would they think I was using her to make a political or religious or non-religious statement? But then I snapped out of it and realized she couldn't read and didn't know about the negative connotations behind the pretty words she picked out. So, we bought it and instead of putting it on a card for someone she stuck it in the middle of the plain white shirt I was wearing along with a pink flower! She said, "There, now your shirt looks fancy." I was going to have to wear the words "Happy Holidays" all day long, to her gymnastics class, to the grocery store, out to dinner that night because my sweet girl designed a beautiful and festive shirt for me. Why would I even think twice about it? Why did those words make me feel uncomfortable? I think it started for me when Obama called it a "Holiday Tree." Then things just snowballed from there.


But really, when did it become a political statement to say “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas?” Christians are so offended when someone tells them “Happy Holidays” to the point that they will boycott their store or put them on “The Naughty List.” However, if someone says, “Merry Christmas” then they must be a Christian, conservative republican. Many people try to be sensitive to others’ beliefs by preferring to say “Happy Holidays.” However, others say they prefer keeping tradition and honor the “real reason for the season,” by saying “Merry Christmas.” I'm fine with either. I remember a time when we didn’t have to be politically correct because everyone had a right to their beliefs. I believe that Christmas is about Christ, but if someone tells me "Happy Hanukkah" I’m not offended just as I’m not offended when someone tells me "Happy Holidays". In this day of technology I’m just glad when someone is kind enough to engage me in conversation and wish joy and happiness on me and spread cheer. But now with the stress of being judged, people get nervous and just don't say anything at all. I think that's sad.

I don’t believe that it is my place to judge another’s heart as to whether or not they are intentionally trying to take Christ out of everything or wish me ill will. I feel like it is only God who can judge another’s heart. Heck, some people might simply say “Happy Holidays” because it is just easier and faster than saying both, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.” That doesn’t make them anti-American or against Christ in anyway. It just makes them lazy.  It think the debate stems from people say “Happy Holidays” because they believe Christmas should not be the only holiday represented and want to include all our Jewish, African, agnostic, Islamic, Shinto and Buddhist friends and wish them well, too. Which I think sounds very nice and in the Spirit of the Holiday. Maybe they do celebrate Christmas and don’t mean to take away from it by saying “Happy Holidays” but instead want to be more inclusive, to encompass under-represented holidays (of all religions). While it seems these people have good intentions and mean well they are actually missing something or rather someone very important in their lives. Why not let the Christmas spirit lead you to share Christ with them instead of boycott them?
Does it really make you a better Christian if you sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas?” I mean, nowhere in that song does it talk about the birth of Christ.
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I just feel like Satan is so pleased right now as he sits back and watches us divide ourselves, hurt each other’s feelings, fight, protest, punish and judge each other during what God intended to be a time of joyous celebration for all people. I don’t believe Christmas is just a holiday, but a Birthday.

This is what I think Christmas is all about. It makes me cry every time I watch it.

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