With the cultural melting pot of America today, many holidays now seem to be "competing for attention" with Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, pushing Hallmark and gift card vendors to scurry to design and distribute well-wishing expressions for everyone. We often tip-toe around commenting on our own traditions and shy away from greetings or beliefs that we’ve shared our whole lives so that we don’t ‘offend’ others.
Here’s why it’s okay to express your joy for the season, and in my case, ‘Merry Christmas!’
· Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ is exactly what it sounds like; you are wishing the other person the very best during this particular season - and who wouldn’t want that? Same goes when other people wish you diversified holiday greetings.
· Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ isn’t evangelizing. The phrase in itself does not try to push ideas or change a view point, it’s a recognition of the reason for the Christmas season as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. Thankfully we still have freedom of religious expression in America.
Most folks are pretty laid back about this topic. I have several friends of other faiths who good-naturedly respond to my wishes with ‘you, too’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah.’ We respect each other's beliefs and opinions - and self-expression.
· If you are still uncomfortable, feel free to use the politically correct phrase, ‘Happy Holidays.’ Though a bit more impersonal, you know what you are celebrating that holiday season. But by no means do you have to keep your traditions a secret—it’s one of the few times of the year you can give insight into what makes you who you are.
With that, Merry Christmas everyone!
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
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