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Merry Christmas

I am offended by you people who say "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Listen: The holdiay is Christmas. You people don't say "happy holidays" for Thangsgiving, Easter, or Halloween, so why do you use this insult for Christmas?

I will be paying close attention to all Christmas advertising, and I will not patronize any store that insults me by saying "happy holidays."

And any card I receive that says "happy holidays" on it will bypass the recycle bin and go straight to the trash barrel. They don't deserve to be recycled.

Linda Haner

12:37 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

I always say Merry Christmas with a smile. I think many people forget the real meaing behind Christmas, and that's sad. But, where I live, Merry Christmas is the norm.

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Maureen

2:43 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Most stores require their employes to say "happy holidays". When I worked at Sears they told us we would get in trouble if we said "Merry Christmas", but a lot of us would say it anyways.

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Ron Newman

5:18 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

There are multiple holidays at this time of year: Christmas, New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, ahd Hanukkah. 'Happy Holidays' acknowledges them all.

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Brian McCarthy

11:41 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Winter Solstice? You're a nut.

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Patrick

2:23 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

@Brian: Why is Ron a nut? Because he doesn't dismiss people/businesses who recognize that there is not one, single American religion to which we all subscribe? Putting his post next to yours, I would sooner ascribe the "Nut" label to you. Happy Holidays!

Kathy Moberg

7:32 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

I say both and that just covers the season. Not everyone celebrates "Christmas". I have a lot of Jewish friends

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Diane Mulder

8:01 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

I say Merry Christmas on Christmas. Happy Holidays at this time of year and in general covers Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year and seems to be appropriate.

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Gail Buckley

8:53 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Brian, this is awesome!!! I feel the same way. I'm sick of the political correctness that has taken over our society. I have many Jewish friends as well, and they all celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, both have become the most popular holidays in this country. Winter Solstice was made up by atheists, it's not a holiday....what rubbish. Hey Brian, Merry Christmas!!!! ;)

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Ron Newman

12:58 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012

there was a Winter Solstice long before there were any Christians or Jews.

Brian McCarthy

11:41 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Anyone who says Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas is a bigot against Christians.

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Patrick

2:24 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

What about Happy Hannukah?

Robin Colleen Moore

1:37 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012

No, they're not--I still consider myself a Christian, and I say "Happy Holidays" simply because you never know what a random person might believe, and it's only polite to be inclusive. (Quite a few religions have holidays in December or that reference "light" in some way during that time of year; I like to think of this as something that unites people, since it touches on our need for light during the darkest time of the year.) A lot of what people claim is "political correctness" is simply good manners and treating others as you would wish to be treated, and wishing people "Happy Holidays" simply shows that, no matter what their religion may be--if, in fact, they even have one--you still wish them well. If I specifically know that someone is a Christian, then I wish them "Merry Christmas", or, if Jewish, "Happy Chanukah"; when dealing with unpleasant people with a persecution complex who resent the fact that not everyone is just like them, and who want to feel persecuted for no good reason, however, I reserve the right to leave them strictly alone.

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Brian McCarthy

1:54 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012

Saying "happy Holiday" is an insult from bigots. Will you be saying happy holiday tomorrow for Veterans Day? Of course you won't be. Case Closed!! Only bigots say happy holiday. Now seek treatment for your intolerance.

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Michael J Wade

10:10 am on Monday, November 12, 2012

Brian, your behavior exactly matches the dictionary's definition of bigot: "A person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices".

I match my greeting with the recipient. If I am aware of their practice of Christmas, then I certainly use it. Otherwise, I pass on the seasonal greeting altogether.

Our society is rapidly moving toward a majority minority nation. According to the 2010 census, more than half of all babies born here were minorities.

In my opinion, it's insensitive to stick to a greeting that perpetuates a belief system onto people who don't believe.

Brian, by your logic, saying Happy Holidays is bigoted against Christians, well that's narrow sighted. Saying "Merry Christmas" to people of other religions can be considered bigoted against them, so the safest thing to do is tailor your greeting or keep to something non-specific.

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SomervilleGirl

10:10 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012

As long as they don't ban our Christmas Trees, I'm happy....where I once worked, we were not allowed to have any Christmas Trees or decorations of Christmas in or around the office. I understand Brian's point, but people should just be respectful of their own rights to celebrate holiday's of their choice. That would be the best solution.

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Shelly Burress

7:58 am on Friday, November 30, 2012

I am a Christian and except for a few days right at Christmas From Thanksgiving - New Years Day I say "HAPPY HOLIDAYS." It encompasses the whole SEASON! I think some people are just looking for something to argue about (why else would you post this? and trying to draw attention to yourself) Do you think Christ would throw a fit about people and stores saying "Merry Christmas?" instead of a respectful and happy "Happy Holidays?"

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Brian McCarthy

8:51 am on Friday, November 30, 2012

Again. Only anti-Christian bigots say happy holidays. Merry Christmas to you Shelly.

AHM

8:19 am on Friday, November 30, 2012

I really don't care, whole thing is stupid. If you say Merry Christmas I will say thank you and wish you one, same with happy Hanukkah or whatever it is one celebrates or believes in. Want a manger, sign, golden cow, whatever, I am okay with it. The whole thing has gotten way out of hand. I am not insulted by any good wishes towards me, only the opposite. It is just being polite and respectful to everyone that matters. Wish me a happy athiest day and I will still say thank you. We are not here long enough for all this crap. With tat I wish everyone a nice day<G>.

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