by Carolina Dream Chapman

Created on: December 09, 2008   Last Updated: February 11, 2011

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

Once upon a time, not so many years ago almost everyone celebrated Christmas in America. Even though some celebrated the Birth of Jesus while others celebrated Santa coming with presents, some celebrated both while others celebrated religious holidays along with it. Those who did not were not offended by being wished a Merry Christmas.

So why is it that everyone wants to run around getting offended? I do not celebrate Halloween and personally think it is a silly holiday with horribly ugly decorations. That is my personal opinion however, I would never ask others to tone down their celebration just because I do not celebrate that specific holiday. Nor do I get offended if someone wishes me a happy Halloween.

If the clerk at a store, or a friend or passerby wishes me a Happy Halloween then I know they celebrate it and I smile and wish them a Happy Halloween. It is their choice to celebrate Halloween and it is my choice to pretend the holiday does not exist. However, I would never expect them to ask me if I celebrate first. Wishing someone a happy whatever holiday is approaching is common decency and a friendly thing to do.

It should be accepted as such. People who are offended by the words Merry Christmas are just looking for something to be offended about. As people, we have the ability to choose to be offended. So why not choose to celebrate any way you wish while allowing others the privilege to do so also.

This means that if a person wishes you a Merry Christmas it should not offend you. If you celebrate Hanukkah then reply with Happy Hanukkah or Holidays or whatever pleasantry you wish. Nevertheless, do not try to tell others that they cannot say Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah or that they have to buy cards that are governed by the very easily offended people.

It is just not fair to take away the right to freedom of speech and Christmas cheer just because some people do not like the word Christmas. I personally refuse to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Even Santa Clause has said Merry Christmas in the stories, books, cartoons and movies. It just would not be right to hear Santa proclaiming Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.

The long and short of it is that people need to stop being so easily offended and they need to stop trying to make everything politically correct by insisting that everyone that doesn't agree with them should lose their rights and privileges. It is really no different than me not celebrating

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