by N. David

Created on: November 23, 2009

The issue of "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" may have less to do with Christmas and holidays than with political correctness. Those who insist on saying "Merry Christmas" are, it often seems, actually trying to make a personal statement about what they see as political correctness run amok. They mean no disrespect or ill will. Quite to the contrary, they sincerely wish to express nothing but good will, though they refuse to bow to political correctness when they do so. While the desire to rebel against political correctness is understandable, some might even say admirable, is the holiday season really the time to do it?

"Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men" is the motto of the season. Given the real meaning of this refrain, if there is even a chance that "Merry Christmas" may seem inappropriate to someone, is it truly so hard to say "Happy Holidays"? There will be many opportunities to speak out against excessive political correctness throughout the year. During this season, though, perhaps we all could just let it go. In truth, we all do understand that "Merry Christmas" does not apply to everyone we meet. We may be shopping for Christmas presents, but perhaps the cashier at the department store is Jewish. We needn't say "Happy Holidays" to family members and friends whom we know celebrate Christmas, but in a situation where one is unsure, it simply makes more sense to say "Happy Holidays", as this wish is appropriate in a wider range of situations. To refuse to do so is simply excessive stubbornness, just as excessive as the political correctness being rebelled against, and is not in keeping with the true spirit of the holiday season.

The other side of the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" feud is not without blame, however. "It's the thought that counts," we are often told. If someone is trying, sincerely, to express wishes of happiness and good will, is it appropriate to show disapproval toward that person, simply because they haven't phrased things the way we would like? A gentle correction - something like "Oh, I'm Jewish. Happy Hanukkah!", said sincerely and with a smile - is really all that is needed. Good wishes have been exchanged, both people will know the appropriate greeting for each other in the future, and the one who said "Merry Christmas" may even wonder in the future if that is always the appropriate thing to say. In situations where there is no time for such an exchange, perhaps, again, one could just let it go, and simply say "Thank you", accepting the spirit, if not the letter, of the wish. In situations where someone is trying to hurt or disrespect with their words, it is entirely appropriate to stand up to those words. In situations where someone is trying to wish you happiness, it is not.

But if both sides are wrong, then what is the solution? As with many human problems, the solution may be for all of us to just lighten up. Say "Happy Holidays" if it will make someone happy. If someone says "Merry Christmas", smile and gently correct them, or simply let it go. The gist of both statements is "I wish you well". Do we really need to get hung up on the words used to express that sentiment? Haven't we far more important things to worry about?

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