Christmas isn t alone
With all the fuss about what to say this holiday season, it's pretty ironic Christmas and the start of Chanukah fall on the same day this year.
Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday focused on family, community, and culture, begins Dec. 26 and ends Jan. 1.
Throw in New Year's and you have four holidays in a span of seven days.
With that said, it makes perfect sense to say, "Happy Holidays" to someone you pass by, see at the grocery store, or have wait on your table.
At the same time it makes perfect sense to say "Merry Christmas" to your Christian friends, and "Happy Chanukah" to your Jewish friends.
Some businesses around the nation are forcing employees to tell customers, "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas." Some non-Christians will be glad of the change, while others won't care at all. They are used to hearing "Merry Christmas" and usually smile and say it back. If someone refuses to uphold the policy, it's safe to say the world will go on. Just as safe to say it will continue if someone says, "Happy Holidays."
On the other side of the scale, many Christians are up in arms about the mere thought of anything else besides "Merry Christmas" being uttered. I am a Christian, but also know not everyone is.
So why is it such a big deal what is said?
According to Miami-Herald columnist Leonard Pitts, the American Family Association is trying to have Christians boycott Target because of its "Happy Holidays" rule.
Like Pitts went on to say, how is an employee to know if a customer is Christian or not?
While anyone who has a strong faith believes theirs to be true, some still have an open mind about other religions.
I've noticed some Christians do not fall under that category. They believe if a customer is not Christian they are wrong, and should have to hear "Merry Christmas" whether they like it or not.
It's just not that way anymore. The nation is slowly trying to become more accepting, but steadily being held back by those afraid to accept anything other than what they believe.
No matter what anyone says this holiday season, it all means the same thing. Have a good BLANK. Enjoy BLANK. Blessings to your family during BLANK.
Whatever you choose to celebrate this year, may it be a joyous time for you and your family.
-Mike Norris
