by Gary Maclean

Created on: April 11, 2008   Last Updated: February 06, 2012

What would you like to do for your birthday this year? Remember, we can't do anything that would remind anyone of you. We also cannot do any of your favorite things. We certainly do not want to wish you a happy birthday and we can't have your name on a cake. And, please, nothing that is themed like a birthday party. We don't want anyone getting the wrong idea; you know, that we are recognizing you.

How ignorant is that? It's exactly what we are doing when we tell anyone not to do anything that might make someone think of the birthday of Jesus, on his birthday. It doesn't even make sense. It's like forcing us to say Happy Harvest Day instead of Happy Thanksgiving. Or maybe, calling President's Day, Old Man in Politics Day. It doesn't matter if you are Christian or not. The day we celebrate as Christmas, December 25, is and always has been Christmas, the day set aside for remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The word Christmas comes from the Old English words Cristes moesse, 'the mass or festival of Christ'. The first celebration took place in Rome about the middle of the fourth century. The exact date of the Nativity is not known, but even in pre-Christian times the period between December 25 and January 6 was considered a special time of year - now known as "The Twelve Days of Christmas". (Dictionary.com)

Using the words Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas simply disrespects the man we are trying to respect by having a holiday in his name. Martin Luther King Day? I think not, let's call it "Black Man who Speaks Well" day. How stupid do we have to get? We recognize Martin Luther King for many things; we are not going to change the name of his Holiday.

Happy Holidays is a nice salutation; I like it. It efficiently covers all holidays that occur around that time of the year; Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and any other ethnic Christmas type of holiday. I really do think it should be used, but not exclusively and certainly not in place of Merry Christmas. I especially don't think anyone should ever give a directive that no one should use Merry Christmas for fear of reminding someone of Jesus.

Its historical fact, Jesus Christ lived and wandered this earth. He did many great and wonderful things. He helped change a world. He gave thousands of people hope. Today his words continue to give millions of people hope. If you must, forget the fact that he is the savior, let's just call him a man who did good things. Can we please have a holiday that recognizes

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