Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays
A few days ago, I visited many blogs and read many posts and commented on majority of them in the spirit of Christmas. While doing so, I was struck with a question – whether to use Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. The dilemma stems from the possibility that the blog author is non-Christian and may be offended by such a greeting. As a general rule, I used Happy Holidays unless I saw the word Christmas in any of the posts.
There’s also this article I’ve read somewhere saying that a US law was passed changing the holiday name from Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays. Correct me if I’m wrong because I’m not American. A friend in the US told me that these two greetings are used interchangeably. And so I did a little research. Apparently Happy Holidays is used as a greeting for all winter holidays including Thanksgiving and New Year. That makes Merry Christmas the more appropriate term.
It isn’t really important which greeting you use as long as the true meaning of the season is there – giving, sharing and loving.
Continue reading...
- Merry Christmas 2011!
- Happy New Year!
- Christmas in Free Realms
- Happy Chinese New Year!
- “Da Best ang Pasko ng Pilipino”, the ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2011
Anne says:
December 30th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I use happy holidays unless I know the person is Christian. Happy New Year is a good one because most people in the US celebrate New Years. Some people might be offended by wishes of Merry Christmas, but I think many would accept it in the spirit it was meant. I don't get offended when people wish me happiness for a holiday I don't celebrate. I am always happy to receive well wishes.
Grampy says:
December 31st, 2009 at 7:56 am
The using of one phrase or the other is not important. As you said it is the meaning behind it. Merry Christmas should not offend anyone. I have some Muslim friends that say Merry Christmas.