Nowadays I'm noticing "Happy Holidays" used more often than "Merry Christmas" in the English speaking world. Is it in your view politically correct, used not to offend other cultures, or is it just a matter of respect and being polite? Please share your views.
I'm not even a Christian, but I still make a point of saying "Merry Christmas", just to avoid giving the jews and other forces of political correctness more control over our society.
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I'm not a Christian, so it annoys me if someone tells me Merry Christmas. Not everyone celebrates the same kind of thing.
That said, Yule is the last thing people think about when they say Happy Holidays. They say it not to offend the Muslims, Jews or Africans.
Here Happy Holidays is said often as alternative to Merry Christmas, although I've doubts it has mostly to do with political correctness. The Saxons and Magyars celebrate Christmas too, because they're Protestant and Catholic. There are very few other minorities, and most of the stores, cafes and public places decorate for Christmas and play Christmas carols this time of year.
In my view it's politically correct when it's used for those who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the like. What annoys me however is when Christmas decorations and meals aren't allowed because they might offend other cultures.
I'm not a practicing Christian, however I think Merry Christmas is just fine. The majority of whites are Christian and celebrate this holiday, even the secular ones. So why should we be politically correct about it? I don't care if some foreigner whinges. Besides, politically correct greetings sound ridiculous...
Ten Politically Correct Christmas Carols
1. O holiday tree
2. Have yourself a merry little day of winter
3. Frosty the snowperson
4. Chestnuts roasting over a safely contained, continuously monitored, eco-friendly, nontoxic outdo (more)
1. O holiday tree
2. Have yourself a merry little day of winter
3. Frosty the snowperson
4. Chestnuts roasting over a safely contained, continuously monitored, eco-friendly, nontoxic outdoor fire (for which I do have a permit)
5. Higher power rest ye merry gentlemen
6. Grandma got allegedly run over by an unidentified non-human perpetrator
7. Deck the halls with boughs of undamaged foliage (If office policy approves)
8. Hark! The herald mythical winged creature sings
9. I saw mommy greeting santa claus with a purely platonic expression of inoffensive mutual affection
10. I'll be home for a short time in December
I don't think it's necessarily politically correct. Not everyone is a Christian. I bet you wouldn't like it if the standard greeting were Happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Saying happy Holidays is just a courteous way to include everyone and avoid enforcing your culture on others.
Here in England 'Happy Holidays' is seen as an American term. Most English still use 'Merry Christmas', although the awful PC term 'Season's Greetings' is increasingly common.
I'm just thinking maybe here they say Happy Holidays to refer to both Christmas and the New Year.
"Holiday tree" seems really ridiculous indeed. And "mythical winged creature" makes me laugh.
I don't think that argument stands if you travel to Israel or a Muslim country. Nobody will wish you Happy Holidays there.Originally Posted by White Africa
I say Merry Christmas like every other English person. I doubt it offends anyone here, but if it does, well that's just a bonus.
Seriously, I rarely even consider the religious meaning of this time of year. It's a time for family and friends, and if you have kids, it should be mainly be about providing a magical time for them. And I believe everybody knows it's called Christmas not a "holiday" or some other nonesense.
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