It’s the Thought that Counts

I’ve got to admit that I’m sick of hearing the raging debate about whether you should say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” to people. Yeah, yeah, yeah I know we don’t want to offend people, but either way people are going to be offended.

There’s really no way around it.

Yes, I celebrate Christmas. And yes, to me it’s a religious holiday.

If someone says “happy holidays” to me, I’m not going to jump down their throats about a “secular greeting” or reply “Merry Christmas” to them. They expressed to me that they want me to have a happy holiday season… so I take that as an all-in-one greeting to cover:

– Thanksgiving (yes “happy holidays” greetings start in November)

– St. Nicholas Day

– Advent season

– Christmas

– New Year’s Day

(And any of the holidays within this time period that I celebrate. There are several holidays packed in the November-January time period!)

It’s a common consolation when you receive a horrible strange gift from a relative that “it’s the thought that counts.” I apply this perspective to holiday greetings as well.

I’m not going to be offended if a cashier says “happy holidays” as I leave the store, because he or she could have not said anything or could have been rude, instead that person chose to wish me well. No matter how it was worded.

There are a bunch of items floating around, especially on Facebook, that highlight the “Christ” in Christmas to the point that it feels like people are yelling at me. I start to feel defensive! Hey! I celebrate Christmas, don’t be mad at me. It’s a season of joy, celebration, peace, giving and a lot of other positive things (no matter which of the many holidays you celebrate) so please don’t make it an excuse to argue debate or force your opinions on other.

If you want to use Merry Christmas as your holiday greeting, go for it! But don’t be offended by people saying “Happy Holidays,” because it’s the thought that counts.

Is it really that big of a deal to you? Why?