Holiday greetings.

You’ve all heard them. You’ve all probably said them. And that’s perfectly ok. Take a deep breath people, holiday greetings are nothing to get upset about.

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of annoying  posts on the lovely Facebook of things like “I say Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays” and “If hearing Merry Christmas offends you then shove it” or something similar.  Umm, just full of holiday cheer, aren’t we?? We try to teach our children acceptance and understanding, and then turn around and tell one another that if you say the wrong thing about the holidays, well  you better watch out. And not ’cause Santa’s coming to town. Your neighbour just might hang you with your own “holiday” lights if you’re not careful about what you say.

I don’t like to get involved in other people’s business, or to tell others what to believe and how to live. To each his own. In this case though, I just simply don’t understand what all the fuss is about! Why do people feel the need to shove their opinions and beliefs about the holidays down one another’s throat? The way I take it  is, no matter what holiday you celebrate, it is the holiday season. So saying “Happy Holidays” encompasses all the holidays and is basically a wish for them to be happy and pleasant. Which is what we’re trying to do anyway. People forget that others may not say “Happy Holidays” to offend you, but just the opposite. The cashier at the Dollar Store doesn’t know what holiday you celebrate, so saying “Happy Holidays” covers them all. Which is great! At least she’s in a good mood and not rolling her eyes when scanning the 30 packages of ornaments you bought. I would rather wish her “Happy Holidays” as well and be on my merry way instead of scowling and saying “Merry Christmas” or educating her about how to say it in Serbian. That would be unpleasant, unnecessary, and would simply take up too much of my time. ‘Cause I have things to do, you know. Like putting up more lights or making more cookies. Or eating said cookies.

My daughter’s school is having a “Holiday Concert” this year. They’re singing “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. I think it will be adorable and there’s nothing offensive about it. The holiday concert includes everyone, whether they celebrate Christmas or not. Which is how I think it should be. I don’t recall anyone refusing to participate when in grade 3 we had an “Under the Sea Holiday Concert” and we were dressed up as fish and other sea life and sang”Jingle Bells”. The parents and teachers thought it was cute, they enjoyed the concert, and we went home for the winter break happy as clams.

This doesn’t just apply to holiday greetings, either. We have a family friend who signs all of our birthday cards with “Wishing you many happy returns of the day” instead of “Happy Birthday”.  We don’t make a fuss, and don’t get upset. We accept the card (and her) the way they are. Plus, I think her saying is more creative than plain old “Happy Birthday”. It’s all about acceptance, see. Once you accept people the way they are, you can move on and spend your time on more productive things. Like baking.

So the next time someone says “Happy Holidays” don’t judge them. It doesn’t matter what you celebrate or don’t celebrate, there’s no need to be a negative Nancy and make someone feel bad for giving you a holiday greeting and wishing you well. At this time of year, there are so many people who are stressed and rushing around, and also many more who are struggling to make ends meet. Your holiday greeting might just make their day.

Sooo…..Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy New Year! Sretan Bozic! Hristos Se Rodi!  Joyous Kwanzaa! Happy-whatever-you-choose-to-celebrate!

Have a sugarrific day!

M xoxo