Tuesday

Christmas vs. Holidays

Last weekend was the busiest shopping day of the year, and many stores still haven't decided on how they will greet their customers.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Welcome to [our store]. I heard them all last weekend and it always seemed like the person greeting me made it a question, as though I might launch into a tirade for the mortal sin of wishing me well this season.

Do you know any Jews or Muslims who are offended by 'Merry Christmas'? Seen any boycotts of stores by atheists who have nothing better to do but lash out at stores that dare to wish a Happy Hannukah?

Here's my simple solution, for what it's worth. Say whatever you want. The flap in the papers is largely the result of a few people with a lot of time on their hands. The spirit of the holidays (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year's) is to wish people well. Who cares how they do it?

So Merry Christmas, everybody. I hope you and yours have a safe and happy season, whatever holiday you celebrate.