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December 05, 2006
"Happy Holidays" my butt!
I loathe the watery, bland, non-denominational "Happy Holidays!" foisted upon us by the sensitivity brigades.
Although I'm Jewish, I was raised in a decidedly Christian culture, learning all the traditional Christmas carols, singing them in the Riverside Drive Elementary School Yule Tide Pageant. Years later, I still hum along when I hear the tunes -- they make me smile, too -- and they haven't harmed my self-esteem or diminished my Jewish identity.
I hate it when people wish me "Happy Holidays!" For Pete's sake, pick a holiday and commit to it, will you? Whenever a cashier says the dreaded words, I respond by telling her, "Merry Christmas." Usually she looks relieved and says, "Merry Christmas," too.
Am I offended when someone gives me the Christian greeting, instead of the Chanukah version? Never. I enjoy the feeling of fellowship, of a stranger wishing me good tidings.
When I see a commercial on TV with "Christmas" replaced with "Holidays," I make a point of shopping elsewhere.
So, this memo from the governor of Missouri was like a breath of eggnog- and chesnuts-roasting-on-an-open-fire scented fresh air.
From: Governor Matt Blunt
To: Department Directors
Date: December 4, 2006
Re: "Merry Christmas"Last year there was a great deal of public discussion regarding the Christmas season. Specifically, we heard from those who believe that the Christmas break should be called by a non-religious name such as "Winter Holiday." They also argued that traditional Christmas greetings such as "Merry Christmas" should not be used.
Missouri state government employees should not have to worry about this matter. To ensure that there is no confusion regarding our state policy I am directing that each of you inform all members of your department that they should feel at ease using traditional holiday phrases, including "Merry Christmas" and they should have no fear of official reprisal. I also ask that you inform your staff that the objections of those who are offended by these phrases be given due consideration, but that no state employee will be reprimanded or in any way disciplined for saying "Merry Christmas."
This holiday season should not give state employees reason to feel as though they must check their religious views at the door of a government building. Instead, it is my hope that each state employee enjoys the holiday season with full confidence that their government exists to preserve their liberty rather than constrict it.
Holy Moses! It took the governor to make it kosher to say "Merry Christmas"?
Oy vey.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah; it's all good, baby.
Posted by Mike Lief at December 5, 2006 11:44 PM
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Comments
Merry Christmas, Michael, and may God bring you a happy new year . . . even though you are a lawyer.
Posted by: The Little Coach at December 6, 2006 07:36 AM
And a Merry Christmas to you, Little Coach.
G-d bless you and your loved ones with much happiness and good health in the coming year.
Posted by: Mike Lief at December 6, 2006 07:44 AM
I couldn't agree with you more, Brother. My office has decorated with all of the holiday's, Hanukkah, Christmas, even Kwanzaa.
I've always loved Christmas music and have never been offended by friends sending me Christmas cards. I think it's incredibly lame that someone would be offended hearing "Merry Christmas" or people apologizing profusely to me after they had wished me a Merry Christmas and then learned I was Jewish -- why would someone ever think I could get offended with someone wishing me warm sentiments??
OY is right!
Posted by: April at December 6, 2006 08:31 AM
Jes, I agree. Oh and have a merry Chrisnukkahzaa and happy new Hijri .
Posted by: Kamal at December 6, 2006 11:50 AM
"It's all good" should have been closer to the idea behind greetings at Christmas, rather than "everything else is better than Christmas." Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah, Mike. :)
Posted by: Anwyn at December 7, 2006 10:35 AM