I think way too much effort is spent on being politically correct when it comes to wishing somebody a happy (fill in the blank with the holiday of your choice) when the end of December comes.
Are we afraid of offending someone, or afraid of being offended ourselves?
I celebrate Christmas -- always have, and, I assume, always will. I wish people a "Merry Christmas" this time of year. I remember the anniversary of the birth of my savior Jesus Christ and it's only coincidence that the holiday is also known for Christmas cookies.
That doesn't mean I'm forcing anyone to actually HAVE a merry Christmas if they don't want one. They can still enjoy their own Hanukkah or Kwanzaa if they celebrate those holidays instead. Heck, they can even have a miserable Christmas if they would prefer not to have a merry one.
I am just trying to share the celebratory spirit of my own holiday. I wouldn't take offense if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or even Happy Boxing Day. I'd like it even better if the boss gave me all of those holidays off, but that's not likely to happen.
So if you celebrate a holiday other than the one I am, feel free to share your own greeting of happiness with me. I'll wish you a Merry Christmas right back. Isn't sharing what it's all about this time of year, regardless of what holiday you are celebrating?
Have a happy one, whatever you choose to observe! That's what the holidays -- and America -- are all about.
