Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.  The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Christmas time is by far my FAVOURITE time of the year.  It is the season of giving, being with family, and it is also associated with greater incidences of random acts of kindness. 

Of course I am a Christian, so my true love for Christmas originates there.   So, while some people like to say “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” I prefer to stay true to what this time of year is all about as I exclaim “Merry Christmas!”  I feel there should be no shame in saying Merry Christmas.  I mean, we don’t traditionally say Happy Holidays during Thanksgiving, or Canada Day or on Labour Day, so why should I say that for Christmas. 

And while I am a Christian, I still will take time to wish those who are Jewish, Happy Hanukah and so on for friends of other faiths throughout the year   Where has this need to be politically correct (Happy Holiday) for Christmas come?  Isn’t it because of Christmas that a holiday exists in the first place, as well as the birth of Santa?  I don’t believe saying Merry Christmas requires the recipient to be a Christian; but, rather to be welcoming of the spirit of giving, for after all isn’t that what Christmas is all about? 

And on that note, in the spirit of giving, practicing random acts is never a bad idea.  You don’t have to spend a ton of money; you can give your time, hold a door open for a stranger, or spread the contagious gift of a smile.  You never know how much you might change the course of someone’s life by these simple acts. 

Likewise, we should take time to reflect on the goodness, as well as the amazing people we have in our lives.  This is truly a perfect time to let people know how much they mean to us. 

So whether you are a Christian or not I say to you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  I truly wish the best for you and yours,

Nicole