Please be inclusive.

[Chicagopv]

I know you all mean well, but please be aware that not everyone (in the world, on this thread) celebrates Christmas/is Christian.

Happy holidays/solstice/new year to all.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Chigagopv, you are right, we should be more aware of this and I hope that no offence has been caused.

I wish everyone very best wishes for the season. Maz

[mhos61]

The best of wishes to you. Xx

[katiewalsh]

Thanks for saying this. I live in the US & here I say, happy holidays. But to folks on here from England I often say Happy Christmas as that’s the saying most used there. I shouldn’t be saying that to anyone anywhere. I live in Florida & it seems NO ONE says anything except Merry Christmas & they seem surprised when I respond with Happy Holidays. Good for you to post this. Happy New Year. Katie

[ChattyPanda in reply to katiewalsh]

I’m in FL too! 👋

[Cja1956 in reply to ChattyPanda]

Me, too.

[Scrollernut]

Have no interest nor intentions to start a religious debate but just to answer your comment I am a Christian and do not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday as there is no biblical proof our Lord was born anywhere new December but probably in the spring. but I still say merry Christmas once in awhile as it is a time for family regardless of religious beliefs. Maybe better is “happy holidays “ which I also do. Enjoy yours. ❤️ I’m assuming you’re in Chicago!? Me too. What about this crazy weather??? 60 yesterday, 18 with a -4 wind chill today (12/24). Dogs won’t stay outside. Stay safe and warm.

[Adlon57 in reply to Scrollernut]

Man needs a break, especially at a cold time of the year such as this, especially in these pandemic times, a time to meet old friends and relatives, review old times. A good time for everybody to get together like it is now, [maybe make it a bit less corny?] Make it a national holiday, maybe rename it, brush away ALL religious contexts, no excuse for religious differences, right across the board, colour, creed, sexuality, all beliefs! Maybe this pandemic is bringing the best out of the human being, it is humanity versus pandemic, we ALL stick together we can get through it together! Stick to the rules, patience endureth! Stay Safe!

[Chicagopv]

The word “Christ “ makes it Christian. Better to say happy holidays/light in darkness/solstice/etc.

[ChattyPanda]

Saying Merry Christmas is more traditional than anything. But it IS inclusive. It’s including Christians. Why exclude them? Brushing away ALL religious contexts EXCLUDES almost everyone and negates our uniqueness. Seems we should all chill and not get offended by people celebrating their uniqueness. Let’s not castrate one another. So whether it’s Hello, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, or Habari Gani (Kwanzaa greeting), just accept it in the friendliness that it’s offered. No need to be offended. Just my thinking.

[piggie50 in reply to ChattyPanda]

👏👏👏

[Bield in reply to ChattyPanda]

I agree wholeheartedly, sick snd tired of people looking for a reason to be offended. Any offering of good will should be accepted with good grace in which it’s offered. Some people just aren’t busy enough

[Tico in reply to ChattyPanda]

Couldn't agree more ChattyPanda, whatever religious or non -religious event we choose to celebrate and greet each other with should not make us feel we are offending or not including anybody. I for one didn't feel guilty wishing people I knew and people I didn't know, 'Merry Christmas', even more so after the year we've just had with Covid. I didn't even get to spend the one day i'd planned to,Christmas day with my family because I was feeling under the weather. Politics and religious beliefs shouldn't come into it.Merry Christmas and I hope everyone had a good day and let hope 2021 brings a new start. All the best to one and all. Tina.🤗

[Cja1956]

I also don’t celebrate Christmas, but if it makes someone happy when I say it, what’s the harm? I alternate between Happy Holidays and Happy Chanukah, as well, if it applies to that person. So, Happy Holidays to you!

[katiewalsh]

Happy Holidays applies to everyone. Merry Christmas ignores that this season has meaning for non-Christians & indirectly lays claim to this time as purely a “CHRISTIAN” time . To me Happy Holidays is a simple way to recognize that other religious beliefs are just as important. I agree with Maz that we should be more aware of this.

[Otterfield]

I think to wish someone a happy Christmas is a pretty neutral thing, as people of all religions and none celebrate what is now largely a secular festival. I am happy with being wished a happy holiday or anything else really, including Diwali, Eid,Hanukkah and other festivals. My understanding is that Happy Holidays is the tradition in the USA, but not everyone gets a holiday at this time of year so might someone be offended by that? I don't celebrate the solstice but I don't mind if you wish me a happy one. I think in this group more than anywhere, we need to be tolerant and focus on the important task of supporting one another whatever our beliefs.

[katiewalsh in reply to Otterfield]

Thank you, you’re right.

[katiewalsh]

Someplace someone replied to keep politics off this. I can’t find that post to apologize to her/him. But it reminded me that this site is a necessary refuge from added stress. So I apologize to any who may have been disturbed by my engaging in this discussion & stating my opinions. I wish us all whatever happiness we can find during this stressful time. Katie