Friday, December 17, 2010

Happy Holidays!

<rant>

Saying "Happy Holidays" does not make me a weak kneed, politically correct drone.   Way back when I was a kid, before PC meant either politically correct or personal computer, "Happy Holidays" was shorthand for "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

So when I say "Happy Holidays" don't give me the morally superior eye roll and lecture me on moral courage.  You can blow it out your yule log.

And I say "Merry Christmas" too.  In fact, I said "Joyeux Noel" at our company party (that's Paris talk for Feliz Navidad).  If someone were to say to me "Happy Hanukkah" (note correct spelling) I wouldn't be offended but it would be rather empty as I don't celebrate Hanukkah (besides the fact that it's already over). [I would have no problem wishing my Jewish friends "Happy Hanukkah" because the greeting is all about wishes for them, not a declaration of my beliefs. -Ed.]

So everyone needs to climb down off their high reindeer and just chill.

And don't get me started on Xmas.  Just Google it for Christ's sake.

</rant>

They call it a rant for a reason.  Several hours ago I wrote the rant above after seeing something that set me off.  Now, several hours later I still feel the same.  When it's my birthday I don't walk around saying "Happy Birthday" to other people.  The greeting has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the person I'm addressing.  It doesn't take courage to say Merry Christmas.  It takes a true understanding of other people to know how to wish them the best.

3 comments:

Joel said...

Happy belated Chanukah! (note that correct spelling too)

Unknown said...

But we tried to celebrate Hanukkah, I just couldn't find candles to fit in the menorrah. Maybe next year.

John said...

You are both exactly right. But I couldn't find a third spelling for Hanukkah.