I try to not get controversial on my blog. It's not who I am. On the internets, and in real life, I am very non-confrontational. I've had a bit of liquid courage this evening though, so I am going to get this off my chest, for all the world to see.
When did wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" become an insult? I understand not everyone celebrates Christmas. I understand that there are a lot of other holidays occurring at this time of year for many different beliefs. There's Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, Yule, and Kwanzaa. There are people that don't celebrate any of those, and just celebrate the new year. I get that. I really do.
However, when I wish someone a "Merry Christmas", I am not giving their religion the finger. I am simply expressing goodwill towards that person, and including them in my celebration of this time of year. I am saying "Hey, even though you don't believe what I do, I want to include you." It seems society is turning that phrase into a dividing factor, when really, it's an including one.
I can say I have been on the other side of the coin. I have Jewish friends, many of them in fact. More than once I have been wished a "Happy Hanukkah" by them. Was I at all offended? No. I mean, why should I be. I thanked them and smiled. Like I said in the above paragraph, it's them telling me "Hey, I care about you, and want to include you in my holiday." I have even been included in Jewish celebrations, and can play a mean dreidel. I loved getting to know my friends better that way, and being with them during a special time for them.
That's what this time of year is all about, for all of the religions that celebrate a holiday. It's a time for coming together, and celebrating with friends and family. It makes me sad that so many out there want to use our differences to divide us further, when this is a time we should all be coming together more.
So, I will say unabashedly, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you out there, no matter what your beliefs. I hope you have a blessed holiday season.
1 comment:
People upset by those words are looking for things to be upset and "right" about. While I am not Spanish, if you say Hola to me, I don't get all "Fuck you for your ignorance and inconsideration and... are you calling me a spic?". Well-wishing in any language even profanity should be returned in kind.
fun post. glad i checked in.
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