I celebrate Christmas. My house is decked in lights and my tree is sparkling in the living room. There is an evergreen wreath is on my front door. I collect nativity sets from all over the world. I send cards that specifically say “Merry Christmas”. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the music, the decorations, the gift-giving, and the religious significance. And when someone wishes me a “Happy Holidays,” I say “Thank you” and wish them the same. It does not offend me. I have a friend who is Jewish. He wishes me a Happy Hanukkah. I thank him and wish him the same. It does not offend me. I don’t why it would or should offend when someone is simply wishing me happiness. And I would hope that when I wish someone a Merry Christmas, that they know I am simply doing the same.
A Little More Kindness, A Little Less Judgement
There are many holidays celebrated this time of the year. Yes, Christmas is my favorite, but I know that is not the case for everyone. If someone wants to share their culture and their celebration with me, then I am happy to be included and thought of. And isn’t this time of year supposed to be about generosity and love? In fact, how can we exemplify those qualities if we’re offended by someone wishing us happiness?
In the month of December, people around the world celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice, and this is only a partial list., With such a diversity of celebrations, is it any wonder that people have taken to saying Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings? That way everything is covered and no one gets left out. So I don’t take offense to generic holiday greetings. How is the bank teller supposed to know which holiday I prefer to celebrate? I’m fine with a generic greeting or a specific one. It’s nice just to be wished well.
Diversity is One Thing We All Have in Common
I do believe we take the generic thing too far when a Christmas Tree becomes a Holiday Tree. No, it’s a Christmas Tree. And a Menorah is not a Holiday Candle holder. It’s a Menorah. Perhaps this comes trend from not wanting to offend, but, again, why should anyone be offended by a Christmas Tree or a Menorah? Religious and cultural celebrations are rarely meant to be offensive or antagonizing. They are a remembrance of significant events. They’re about community and family.
This issue often comes up in regards to public schools and other public places. Should we read Christmas stories at school? Can we put up a Christmas Tree in the town square? To this, I say, there’s room for everyone. Let’s sing Christmas Carols and learn to play with a dreidel and have a lesson about Kwanzaa, It’s much more fun to share our traditions and celebrate together. Being inclusive is much nicer than tiptoeing around and trying not to offend.
Humans are diverse in many ways, but we are also the same. We love, hurt, dream, worry, get tired and worn down,and hope for something better. Everyone laughs, smiles, and cries. We just do these things in different languages, in different places and with different traditions. So while our holiday traditions may be different, the way we celebrate are often quite similar…food, family, songs, stories.
A wise person knows that there is something to be learned from everyone.
Learning to appreciate other cultures and to respect beliefs different from our own is a valuable life skill. This is more true today than ever before. Our world becomes smaller and smaller as technology and international transport bring us closer together. People can be in Shanghai one day and London, New York, or Moscow the next. And our ideas travel the internet even faster. Treating one another with kindness and respect is essential to getting along in today’s world. Unfortunately, not everyone has developed this skill, and there is much sadness and pain because of it.
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men
As a Christian, I should always remember that the importance of Christmas isn’t whether or not a store clerk says “Happy Holidays”or “Merry Christmas” to me. It’s much more than tinsel, lights, and beautifully wrapped gifts. It isn’t even about the words “Merry Christmas.” It’s about love, kindness, gratitude, generosity, family, and friends. It’s about celebrating our faith and the love we have because of it. If we truly want to be Christ-like at Christmas, then we need to act with His qualities in mind. To me that means: be generous, be kind, be forgiving, be humble, be loving.
I truly hope the spirit in which I wrote this comes through, and that you know I have no intention of offending anyone. Merry Christmas to you all. I wish you peace, love and joy in the new year to come, I hope you’ll wish the same for me, in whatever way or tradition you keep.
Please share and thanks for reading.
