Today’s world is a far cry from simple. It is a labyrinth of cultures, race, skin color and vastly different systems of belief. It is a melting pot of strong ideals and judgements, and it is quickly becoming far less tolerant than it once was.
I happen to celebrate Christmas, and in the process of that celebration I can be heard uttering two words that, although were once mainstream, are now, by some, thought to be completely offensive. Merry Christmas. Two words that contain the ideals of the child I once was and now hold dear the spirit of a celebration that I embrace.
I am not a vindictive person and when I choose to verbalize those two words, I am not negating the fact that you may not celebrate this particular holiday. I am choosing to share my love of the holiday season in my way. I am attempting to insinuate my child-like joy into the moments of your day by choosing to wish you the best of the holiday season in a way that I learned through osmosis. There used to be something exceptionally special about watching the joy spread by speaking those two words. It was like watching a wave of true happiness spread from one person to the next. Now, instead of riding that wave, it is more like treading lightly on the edge of the water, ever mindful of sharp objects in the sand.
I have felt trapped at times, wondering if I should only articulate the two words that do not seem to easily offend, but happy holidays doesn’t encapsulate the true spirit I have at this time of the year. Sure, it may be less offensive to some, but perhaps they don’t take the time to know the feeling behind the words. By wishing you a Merry Christmas, I am merely saying that I want you to enjoy your way of celebrating as much as I enjoy mine and somehow inject some of my cheer into your day.
So let me throw caution to the wind and impart my holiday spirit to you on this Sunday morning. Merry Christmas to all and may the spirit of the holiday season, whatever your holiday may be, bring merriment to your smile and gladness to your heart.
polysyllabic profundities 
I love “Merry Christmas”
Me too!!
I agree, to enjoy and share your own holiday spirit is not a slam on anyone else. It’s a gift!
Thank you for that!
It’s okay to say Merry Christmas. It usually brings a smile to the person saying it and the person hearing it. If I know that the person celebrates Christmas in some way I make a point of saying it rather than Happy Holidays. If I know that they don’t, I will say Happy Holidays or Happy Chanukah, if appropriate. People should realize that the whole separation of church and state thing doesn’t apply to individuals; actually it allows individuals to celebrate whatever religion or occasion they choose. It certainly doesn’t require individuals to excise reference to whatever they celebrate. And saying Merry Christmas does not negate the existence of any other belief. Sometimes people say Happy Kwanzaa to me though I don’t celebrate it. I’m not offended. Nice post.
Thank you…..I appreciate your comment!
I love Merry Christmas and will say it no matter who I’m talking to. The whole PC thing has gone too far – I’ve never met anyone from any culture who is actually ‘offended’ by the saying ‘Merry Christmas’ – it’s only the do-gooders who ‘think’ people will be offended that want it changed (and this in itself is actually offensive to anyone from any culture!)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I agree!! And MERRY CHRISTMAS to you too!! 🙂
YAY!
Just had your birthday toast…..the wine tastes good!! 😉
It’s morning here – I want one now but I’m just going to have to wait! CHEERS 😉
There is no clock on your birthday!! 😀
Hahahaha! You’ve convinced me 😀
I’m devious that way!! 😉
I was very sensitive when sending out Christmas cards and then it occurred to me that they had a tree at their houses! So many Jewish people have adopted the holidays. When I started blogging a year and a half ago, I decided to call Christmas, Christmas and I didn’t get one negative response!
That is good to hear!!