The “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” debate has really gotten out of hand. Fox news reported that a Florida women is suing her former employer who allegedly fired her for refusing to say “Happy Holidays”. Radio ads from some companies proudly proclaim “we still say Merry Christmas”. Other companies are the subject of boycotts from one side or the other because of how they describe December 25th. Now some of my fellow Christians are rebuking or correcting those who wish them a happy holiday season because the word Christmas was left out.
Bernardo thinks everybody should chill out. When somebody is kind enough to wish me a good day or season, I appreciate it regardless of whether they call it Christmas, Gift Day or Pig-out-on-cookies Day. “Thanks, same to you!” is a suitable response in just about any case, if you ask me.
Besides, not everyone who says “happy holidays” is trying to exclude the message of Christ. In the early days of running my business, I used “happy holidays” quite often, for no other reason but that it was quicker than saying “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. Nobody ever rebuked me for it, but now I’m careful to say “Merry Christmas” around those who might be offended otherwise.
To the lady who refused to say “happy holidays”: isn’t Christ supposed to be in every day, not just December 25th? Did you insist on wishing God’s blessing to the customers you spoke with on other days of the year? As far as I’m concerned, if following company policy means violating your convictions, you should find work elsewhere. If you like to pick fights, perhaps you should get a job at a bar. Then you can sue them after they fire you for refusing to serve beer.
Christians don’t have a monopoly on December 25th. According to my reading, it was a pagan holiday before it was a Christian one. Instead of fussing about the definition of Christmas, we should be pointing others to Christ. We do that by being Christ-like, not picking fights and wearing our feelings on our sleeve.
As Christians, our family celebrates the birth of Christ in late December. To us, December 25th is Christmas. If you have other preferences that is fine with me. But consider inviting Christ to be part of your life, both during this holiday season and the rest of the year. And know this: After you celebrate your last earthly holiday, there is one known as the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb”. Jesus has invited you, but you will need to make a reservation in advance.