Merry Holidays?
David talks about the issue with holidays, and our bland and politically correct wishes. This is the comment I posted there:
I agree with that, by wishing only Happy Holidays, we get mired in the PC of our times, neglecting to acknowledge our differences and to speak through them. Although I do recognize that different beliefs and even political instances must be respected, in the same vein those that celebrate Christmas ought to have their holiday acknowledged.
Thus, I openly say that I celebrate Christmas, and invite others to celebrate with me. If they opt not to, I might say Happy Holidays, then, and go on. However, to wish just a Happy Holiday seems to be an exercise in denial, a easy way out that allow the ones saying it to happily ignore the other party?s affiliation: once I do not have to enquire about your particular observance, I can get away with knowing less about you. You are not a person anymore, just a part of a thoughtless mass.
In conclusion, I will rather wish you Merry Christmas: I will make mistakes, but those will force me to get to know people.
Comments
I think I have proven that this is true. I would have never suspected a friend of being Jewish had I not insisted he have a Merry Christmas. As a result, I was able to demonstrate my acceptance of his beliefs and hopefully remove a potential pitfall in our dealings with each other.
Posted by: Karen | November 29, 2003 8:43 AM
In Norway, everybody use the Pagan term "God Jul". The word "Kristmesse" doesn't even exist.
The Pagan Yule is so integrated in Christianity, that the Church can say "the real meaning of Yule" when refering to the Gospel.
Posted by: Jan Egil Kristiansen | December 1, 2003 5:33 AM