Responding to Holiday Greetings

[Halibut]

Gah. It's that time of year again when clerks, cashiers, waiters, doctor's office staff, etc. are going to start wishing me a merry Christmas. I shouldn't let it bother me but sometimes it does because, hey! I'm not Christian. Do I go around wishing people a happy Hanukkah or blessed Diwali or whatever?

If I'm getting a haircut and am trapped when the barber asks what I'm doing for the holidays, I'll usually just say I don't celebrate Christmas and hope he shuts it. But I do realize it's pretty churlish and rude to snap at cashiers who are just making passing small talk while working the register and not even looking up at me.

My wife tells me I should consider "merry Christmas" to be a non-sectarian greeting, but I'm not convinced. I guess it's the assumptions that bother me. Don't hang your religious beliefs on me, okay? I promise not to put mine on you.

[TheVillageChicken]

Gah. It's that time of year again when clerks, cashiers, waiters, doctor's office staff, etc. are going to start wishing me a merry Christmas. I shouldn't let it bother me but sometimes it does because, hey! I'm not Christian. Do I go around wishing people a happy Hanukkah or blessed Diwali or whatever?

If I'm getting a haircut and am trapped when the barber asks what I'm doing for the holidays, I'll usually just say I don't celebrate Christmas and hope he shuts it. But I do realize it's pretty churlish and rude to snap at cashiers who are just making passing small talk while working the register and not even looking up at me.

My wife tells me I should consider "merry Christmas" to be a non-sectarian greeting, but I'm not convinced. I guess it's the assumptions that bother me. Don't hang your religious beliefs on me, okay? I promise not to put mine on you.

Most of the folks wishing you a Merry Christmas are not intending to convey a religious connotation. They are simply telling you to "Enjoy the end of year gluttony and commercial greed fueled burden of mindless gift giving."

[ylisa7]

I don't celebrate holidays as any day I want I can celebrate. Many people are happy and excited when this time of year comes around. Truthfully I would rather be around happy people and I don't care of they wish me a happy or a merry anything as long as it isn't a go to he**, lol. It's all in good spirit so I go with the flow. What ever you wish me….MC, HC, HK, or happy holidays I just respond the same and go on my way. I'm happy if you're happy:)


I actually have more of a problem with the "merry christmas" for all of December. I don't tell people Happy Valentine's day for all of February. I consider Thanksgiving through New Year's one big holiday season…so Happy Holidays works for all:) and that is non secular.

[gerryann]

I've noticed completely the opposite. It seems that all of the sales clerks, etc say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I am Christian, but lived my whole life in a predominately Jewish community. My Children were the only Gentiles in the schools. I loved that they were able to share their beliefs with their friends and visa versa. Around my house the kids sang Hanukah songs as much as Christmas songs.
Instead of having it bother you, why not just respond with Happy Holidays? I'm sure that if the clerk, etc knew that you are not Christian; they would wish you a happy whatever you are. These are friendly greetings and not meant to offend anyone.

[gomoho]

Excellent suggestion Gerryann - a reply of Happy Holidays is friendly and appropriate for the season.

[graciegirl]

Most of the folks wishing you a Merry Christmas are not intending to convey a religious connotation. They are simply telling you to "Enjoy the end of year gluttony and commercial greed fueled burden of mindless gift giving."


I agree.

They mean kindness. Try to take it kindly or wish them a Happy whatever you do. The biggest Jewish feast is not celebrated at this time of the year if I remember correctly from my friends. Christmas is the most celebrated Christian holiday but that doesn't mean it's religious to all. If given in a kind way, take it in a kind way. I wish my friend Ruthie was still here to wish me shalom.

It isn't a bad thing to be happy about a tradition you love and that causes you to bubble over to others. I am sure that clerk was thinking of the surprises he had for his children or the fact that his mom and dad were coming to visit. Happy is a good thing.

[redwitch]

A simple thank you works if you don't want to respond with a happy holidays. Most clerks have no choice in the matter. Company policy dictates they wish customers a happy holiday. They are not supposed to say merry Xmas, but some do out of their own beliefs or to stick their tongues out at corporate.

Ignore the words and enjoy the sentiment.

[gerryann]

A simple thank you works if you don't want to respond with a happy holidays. Most clerks have no choice in the matter. Company policy dictates they wish customers a happy holiday. They are not supposed to say merry Xmas, but some do out of their own beliefs or to stick their tongues out at corporate.

Ignore the words and enjoy the sentiment.

Agree. It's a joyous time of year....no matter what you are!

[Halibut]

Most of the folks wishing you a Merry Christmas are not intending to convey a religious connotation. They are simply telling you to "Enjoy the end of year gluttony and commercial greed fueled burden of mindless gift giving."

Haha! Thanks, Chicken. I may start responding with, "Merry mindless gift-giving and angry, divisive debates over nativity scenes in town squares to you, too!"

Oddly enough, it doesn't bother me at Easter or when someone says "God bless you" or tells me to "Have blessed day in The Villages!" At least then I know they're doing it on purpose, out of a sense of Christian testimony or whatever. I guess I just find Christmas to be suffocating in general.

Company policy dictates they wish customers a happy holiday.

Even if the customer is wearing an abaya? ;)

[redwitch]

Even if the customer is wearing an abaya? ;)

Yup. Even if the customer is wearing nada. :loco:

[redwitch]

Course, if you're male wearing an abaya, you might confuse the poor clerk to no end.

[graciegirl]

Haha! Thanks, Chicken. I may start responding with, "Merry mindless gift-giving and angry, divisive debates over nativity scenes in town squares to you, too!" WOW.

Oddly enough, it doesn't bother me at Easter or when someone says "God bless you" or tells me to "Have blessed day in The Villages!" At least then I know they're doing it on purpose, out of a sense of Christian testimony or whatever. I guess I just find Christmas to be suffocating in general.



Even if the customer is wearing an abaya? ;) Wow.

Because so many people celebrate it, maybe it feels like you are left out. But no one means for you or anyone to be left out. It is important and beautiful and warm and lovely to a lot of us and not in a religious way for many, maybe most. It is TRADITION. It is a happy event, being repeated again, a time for families to gather, a time for dressing up and doing secret kind things for people you love. My Jewish sister in law always called it a National Holiday. Most Jews I know aren't religious. We can't all be the same or think the same but that doesn't mean we have to find fault.. Tradition is good.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+tradition+fiddler+on+the+roof&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=73A82056422ECE4E06AF73A82056422ECE4E06AF

[MikeV]

Christmas is a national holiday. Maybe, just maybe they are saying to enjoy the holidays.

[zcaveman]

In my opinion these clerks, etc, are just doing their job - trying to make the multitude happy.

To me you have four choices:

If you do not celebrate, just say thank you and basically ignore them but be courteous about it.
If you celebrate in the same religion, say "Merry Christmas" back.
If you do celebrate in another religion, reply with your religion's response. I doubt if they will care.
Say nothing. Why ruin the clerks, etc day?


Lighten up. I do not think it matters.

Z

[quirky3]

People who say "Merry Christmas" only mean well. People who say "Happy Holidays" only mean well.

No need for negative feelings toward either.

[Barefoot]

I think that clerks who say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" are merely trying to be pleasant.
I think that it's an automatic comment -- they aren't even thinking about it.
It gives them a vacation from having to say "Have a nice day".

[billethkid]

the only negative I have about the entire issue involves those who want to continue to pursue the removal of things like MERRY CHRISTMAS for all the lame excuses that are presented.

Nothing has changed in the lat 75 years except for the evolution to an environment where too much attention to special interests and minority (not race) groups is levied in the so called tone of not wanting to offend ANYBODY.

The old adage that not matter how hard we try we will never be able to please everybody........but we are sure trying.

When I am wished a happy holiday by anybody in a store I thank them and state we say Merry Christmas....almost every single one without exception....to date.....say we do too!!!!!!!!!!

To each his own, but please don't try to eliminate mine/ours because somebody does not like it!!!!!

[TheVillageChicken]

I think that clerks who say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" are merely trying to be pleasant.
I think that it's an automatic comment -- they aren't even thinking about it.
It gives them a vacation from having to say "Have a nice day".

When they tell me to "Have a nice day," I say, "Thank you, but I have other plans."

[dbussone]

People who say "Merry Christmas" only mean well. People who say "Happy Holidays" only mean well.

No need for negative feelings toward either.

Amen!

[mgm4444]

If this one of the things that bug you at retirement age, you should thank whoever or whatever you believe in that this is a concern to you. Really???

[CFrance]

Most of the folks wishing you a Merry Christmas are not intending to convey a religious connotation. They are simply telling you to "Enjoy the end of year gluttony and commercial greed fueled burden of mindless gift giving."
:1rotfl: I don't agree with you, but it's still funny.

Halibut. We once were the token protestants in a community of half Jews, half Catholics, for a three-year stint in North Jersey. I didn't know quite what to say to anyone about anything! The "December Program" at school was centered around Santa and the dreidel.

It's a different mix here. Sometimes you just have to endure and not take it too personally. If you said Happy Hanukkah to me, I would be glad for your well wishes. We have a Jewish brother-in-law and Jewish niece and nephew. We've had Hanukkah dinners that coincide with Christmas celebrations. We've figured out how to honor each.

[Bogie Shooter]

Gah. It's that time of year again when clerks, cashiers, waiters, doctor's office staff, etc. are going to start wishing me a merry Christmas. I shouldn't let it bother me but sometimes it does because, hey! I'm not Christian. Do I go around wishing people a happy Hanukkah or blessed Diwali or whatever?

If I'm getting a haircut and am trapped when the barber asks what I'm doing for the holidays, I'll usually just say I don't celebrate Christmas and hope he shuts it. But I do realize it's pretty churlish and rude to snap at cashiers who are just making passing small talk while working the register and not even looking up at me.

My wife tells me I should consider "merry Christmas" to be a non-sectarian greeting, but I'm not convinced. I guess it's the assumptions that bother me. Don't hang your religious beliefs on me, okay? I promise not to put mine on you.

Have you thought of wearing a name tag expressing your feelings.
How does anyone really know you are not a Christian?

[graciegirl]

Shalom.

I so miss you Ruthie.

[manaboutown]

My experience is very much the opposite in that all I get are "Happy Holidays" since the companies have gone all PC in attempting to not offend anyone. I actually can not recall receiving a "Merry Christmas" from a clerk, employee or merchant in several years, even some that know me. This is no doubt because of company policy in response to pressure from the PC crowd.

I exchange Merry Christmas with Christian friends, Happy Hanukkah with Jewish friends and only say "Happy Holidays" as a last resort. BTW I am fairly tired of routinely hearing the overused "Have a Nice Day" which is , pardon the pun, rather shop worn.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[TheVillageChicken]

Quote:


Originally Posted by TheVillageChicken View Post

Most of the folks wishing you a Merry Christmas are not intending to convey a religious connotation. They are simply telling you to "Enjoy the end of year gluttony and commercial greed fueled burden of mindless gift giving."




:1rotfl: I don't agree with you, but it's still funny.



I'm just saying that, to many..especially, younger folks, Christmas has become a cultural holiday instead of a religious one.

[sunnyatlast]

I think I'd be thankful that of all the countries where Jewish communities have tried to live in freedom and peace, this mostly-christian USA seems to be relatively safe and welcoming.

Judeo-Christian values have a lot to do with the good life we all have here.

"Merry Christmas" is also a greeting of thankfulness and peace during a Judeo-Christian holiday season.

[dbussone]

I think I'd be thankful that of all the countries where Jewish communities have tried to live in freedom and peace, this mostly-christian USA seems to be relatively safe and welcoming.

Judeo-Christian values have a lot to do with the good life we all have here.

"Merry Christmas" is also a greeting of thankfulness and peace during a Judeo-Christian holiday season.

We were founded as a Judeo-Christian country and 5 of my fore bearers fought in the American Revolutionary War in support of those principles. I do my best to maintain those rights, and encourage others to do the same. Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukah!

[CFrance]

Haha! Thanks, Chicken. I may start responding with, "Merry mindless gift-giving and angry, divisive debates over nativity scenes in town squares to you, too!"

Oddly enough, it doesn't bother me at Easter or when someone says "God bless you" or tells me to "Have blessed day in The Villages!" At least then I know they're doing it on purpose, out of a sense of Christian testimony or whatever. I guess I just find Christmas to be suffocating in general.



Even if the customer is wearing an abaya? ;)
I think you've kind of pinned down your feeling with that sentence, and the many Merry Christmas wishes of others point to that stifled feeling. My Jewish brother-in-law feels the same way about Christmas. Even though Christmas is celebrated in their family because his wife is Christian, it is kept very low key. A tree but no other decorations, and a few gifts but not a deluge. In the beginning of their marriage, he could almost get depressed at the overabundance of it all.

[lafoto]

I guess I just find Christmas to be suffocating in general ;)
When in Rome...do as the Romans do. If it gets too tough just run on down to Boca :) :smiley::smiley:

[jblum315]

Just to keep it real: Jesus (religious or historical) was almost certainly not born on Christmas Day nor even in December.
Taxes were collected in July so that is when Joseph would have taken his pregnant wife to Bethlehem where she gave birth.
The Christmas holiday is based on the ancient pagan celebration of the days getting longer after the winter solstice on Dec. 21. Thus the Yule log and trees decorated festively etc. I do not know when or why that festival got conflated with the birth of Jesus
The Pilgrims did not celebrate Christmas, workers did not even get a day off.
So you can say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or thank you or Bah Humbug but please don't tell me to have a nice day

[graciegirl]

Just to keep it real: Jesus (religious or historical) was almost certainly not born on Christmas Day nor even in December.
Taxes were collected in July so that is when Joseph would have taken his pregnant wife to Bethlehem where she gave birth.
The Christmas holiday is based on the ancient pagan celebration of the days getting longer after the winter solstice on Dec. 21. Thus the Yule log and trees decorated festively etc. I do not know when or why that festival got conflated with the birth of Jesus
The Pilgrims did not celebrate Christmas, workers did not even get a day off.
So you can say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas or thank you or Bah Humbug but please don't tell me to have a nice day

JEANNE....I want you to have a nice day, a wonderful day, a fulfilling day, a day filled with peace and joy. Today, tomorrow and every day, because I just love you.

Wanna fight?

[graciegirl]

This thread has made me sad. I love Christmas.

[dbussone]

This thread has made me sad. I love Christmas.

I heard a Christmas carol on the radio yesterday. Although it is still early for Christmas music, it picked up my spirits and brought on a smile. We are getting close to my favorite time of the year.

Merry Christmas, Gracie!

[charlie49]

When people say,"Merry Christmas" they are conveying good wishes. Some just do not realize that not all are Christians, or for that matter, hold any type of religious beliefs at all. "Happy Holidays" is much better in respecting that not all people are the same.

The Mesopotamians celebrated the winter solstice 4,000 years ago and this celebration may date back as far cave dwellers. It is an astronomical event that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Many religions attached their stories to this long standing celebration. Christmas varies from the solstice by a few days. This occurred when juluis Ceasar revised the calendar to make it more astronomically accurate. Early calendars needed many revisions before the actual length of an astronomical year was known.

Miracle birth claims are part of almost all relgions, Christians are far from being special in this regard. Just Google 'religions with virgin births' to see a long list.

The signs that state,"Put Christ back in Xmas" would be more historically correct to say,"Put the Stars Back in the Solstice." A good sign might be, "Take the Dollar Out of the Holidays."

Happy Holidays to all.

[Halibut]

never mind ;)

[manaboutown]

I always attempt to utilize an appropriate greeting for the celebration underway. When I attend the Testicle Festival in Clinton (don'tcha love the name of the town?), MT I greet people with "Have a ball!" Testicle Festival - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testicle_Festival)

And yes, I have the T-shirt to show I was there.

[gerryann]

This thread has made me sad. I love Christmas.

I love Christmas too! It's not a subject that should be argued about. Being with people you know at this time of year is always a guarantee that the good feelings will stay and our greetings will be accepted.
Unfortunately, public forums like this can bring out the unhappiness in people. Also, a lot of folks get depressed at this time and just plain don't want anything to do with the holiday or any happiness that others enjoy.
Just keep your own good feelings and the Christmas joy that that this season brings and run with it.

[billethkid]

When people say,"Merry Christmas" they are conveying good wishes. Some just do not realize that not all are Christians, or for that matter, hold any type of religious beliefs at all. "Happy Holidays" is much better in respecting that not all people are the same.

The Mesopotamians celebrated the winter solstice 4,000 years ago and this celebration may date back as far cave dwellers. It is an astronomical event that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Many religions attached their stories to this long standing celebration. Christmas varies from the solstice by a few days. This occurred when juluis Ceasar revised the calendar to make it more astronomically accurate. Early calendars needed many revisions before the actual length of an astronomical year was known.

Miracle birth claims are part of almost all relgions, Christians are far from being special in this regard. Just Google 'religions with virgin births' to see a long list.

The signs that state,"Put Christ back in Xmas" would be more historically correct to say,"Put the Stars Back in the Solstice." A good sign might be, "Take the Dollar Out of the Holidays."

Happy Holidays to all.

I like my roots and the way life has been until recent years concerns by too many about offending somebody.

In keeping with no issues or problems in the past and in the spirit of the season, Merry Christmas Charlie!

[Walter123]

I say MERRY CHRISTMAS.....others that don't feel this way can say Festivus for the rest of us!

[quirky3]

"Happy Holidays" is much better in respecting that not all people are the same.



Yes!! I know many, many people who say "Happy Holidays" out of caring and respect. I know zero people who say it to eliminate any other holiday phrases.

[graciegirl]

When people say,"Merry Christmas" they are conveying good wishes. Some just do not realize that not all are Christians, or for that matter, hold any type of religious beliefs at all. "Happy Holidays" is much better in respecting that not all people are the same.

The Mesopotamians celebrated the winter solstice 4,000 years ago and this celebration may date back as far cave dwellers. It is an astronomical event that has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Many religions attached their stories to this long standing celebration. Christmas varies from the solstice by a few days. This occurred when juluis Ceasar revised the calendar to make it more astronomically accurate. Early calendars needed many revisions before the actual length of an astronomical year was known.

Miracle birth claims are part of almost all relgions, Christians are far from being special in this regard. Just Google 'religions with virgin births' to see a long list.

The signs that state,"Put Christ back in Xmas" would be more historically correct to say,"Put the Stars Back in the Solstice." A good sign might be, "Take the Dollar Out of the Holidays."

Happy Holidays to all.


Happy Holidays Charlie. It isn't necessary to explain the holiday of Christmas...away. It wouldn't matter to me if someone proved Christ was not born at that time or ever. I would still do all the things I have always done, because it makes me happy. I think that if folks aren't having a good time at this time of year, they don't need to say things that belittle Christmas to those who are having a good time and who are enjoying Christmas.

Christmas is a wonderful time and everyone has their own feelings about it. Lacking the joy of Christmas in my childhood, I was determined to find the joy for my children and my husband. I created some joyful traditions that we repeated year after year. And every year Christmas comes to our hearts. Together or apart.

There is so much sadness in this world, so many painful realities, so many things to truly worry about that I will continue to treasure the Christmas season, and secretly wish everyone a Merry Christmas.