Happy Holidays?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, at least based on the number of e-mails in my inbox asking me to stick to my guns and say Merry Christmas. Of course, that’s only if I am a true Christian and don’t want to turn my back on Jesus Christ.

I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins. I celebrate Christmas. However, I do say Happy Holidays—though not out of political correctness. To me, it is a more apt reflection of the time of year. I am not going to wish you Merry Christmas on Thanksgiving. I'm not going to wish you Merry Christmas on December 1st or 5th or even the 10th. I will say Happy Holidays at those times though, to encompass ALL of the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Solstice, All King’s Day, etc.) that people will be celebrating for a six to eight week period.

Perhaps I am naïve, but I really don't believe a Jewish person or a Muslim or even an atheist is going to take offense at my saying Merry Christmas to them.

I also don't believe that other people's religious beliefs should be considered less important than mine, so I am equally not offended if people say Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa to me. To me, those greetings are well wishes to ring in a season of celebration and hope for all.

According to these e-mails, the only acceptable form of holiday greeting is Merry Christmas. But if you’re not Christian, why would you say Merry Christmas?

I don't think anyone should be told what to say or what to believe. And at this time of year, it seems like people would have more positive and important things to focus on. But for those who don’t, I will simply be hitting delete.