Happy Holidays!

Symbols often mean different things to different people. To some, the Confederate Flag is about freedom. To others, it is about slavery. Both of those meanings make historical sense. I can easily understand why some people are offended by the Confederate Flag. I have a harder time understanding why some people are offended or ashamed of the American Flag. I also have a hard time understanding why some are offended by religion and spirituality.

Cultures generally have holidays. In American culture, the Christmas Holiday has become extremely important. It is common to hear the phrase “Merry Christmas” used in greeting or parting. To most people, it is absolutely inconceivable that anybody could be offended by such a thing. Yet, some are. They insist upon the term “Happy Holidays” being used around the Christmas Season. Why is this? It is said that not everyone believes in Jesus as Christ. To the Muslims, he was a lesser prophet, to the Jews, a heretic, to some atheists, he probably didn’t even exist.

I never understood this. First of all, these days Christmas is largely secular anyways. It has taken on different connotations. Are we to also stop using the word “goodbye” because it originated as “God be with you”? What difference does it make?

Second of all, how can one be offended by something they don’t even believe in? It’s not as if Christians are celebrating the destruction of others. Instead, they merely believe they have found the way and all are free to join. Silly perhaps, but why not allow them to be silly? I am not offended when wished a Happy Kwanza.

Third of all, how can we function as a society if the norms that hold it together are under attack? What’s next to go? The idea of having orderly lines and not cutting? The idea of driving on the right side of the road? The word please? The handshake? Might not every action we do offend somebody somewhere?

Fourth, the term “Happy Holidays” is usually only uttered around the time of Christmas. It is not as if people don’t know what is meant. Why not drop the pretense? “Merry Christmas” does no harm. Why not keep it?

So, do any of you feel offended by Christmas? If so, what solution can you propose that won’t make us all feel like we’re “walking on eggshells”? Also, can you explain to me what it is about it that is offensive? I can’t think of anything.