The phrases “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” both wish for a happy holiday season, but have different meanings. Merry Christmas refers to the Christian holiday on December 25th, while Happy Holidays is more general and includes all winter holidays. The debate over which phrase to use has become a casualty of political correctness, with some feeling excluded by Merry Christmas and others feeling that removing the religious aspect is wrong. Both phrases are meant to spread good cheer and should not be used to convert or denounce anyone’s beliefs.
Happy holiday! Merry Christmas! These two cheery wishes ring out on busy streets and homes starting as soon as the Thanksgiving meal has been wrapped up in leftover containers. Both are meant in the same spirit, stating a wish that the recipient has a happy holiday season. However, there are many controversies regarding the difference between Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. For some people, they mean completely different things.
The phrases Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays have some differences. Merry Christmas refers, in particular, to the Christmas party, celebrated on December 25th. It is a traditionally Christian sentiment. Happy Holidays is more general. It includes all holidays, religious or otherwise, celebrated during the winter holiday season. This phrase is considered more politically correct, as it does not exclude anyone’s religion or belief.
Christmas, however, is no longer considered by everyone to be just a Christian holiday. Christmas trees are enjoyed by many families, not just those who actively attend church. Stockings, presents and Santa Claus are concepts that everyone can appreciate. The traditional Christian Christmas, celebrated as the recognized day of Jesus’ birth, has been modified by many into a day filled with family, friends, food, and gifts.
The saying Happy Holidays includes all religions and cultures in its sentiment. Spread good news to those celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other holiday. Happy Holidays also includes New Year’s Eve. This sentiment works for both people who celebrate for religious purposes and those who enjoy the season for its own sake.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays were once easily interchangeable. Everyone seemed to understand that the spirit of desire was more important than the exact words spoken. Now, however, these phrases have become casualties in the battle of political correctness. Merry Christmas feels like leaving too many people out. For this reason it has been abandoned by many official institutions, such as governments and schools in the United States.
On the other hand, there are the churches that feel that removing the formulation of Christmas, and therefore of Christ, outside the festivities is wrong. America was built on the idea of religious tolerance. According to church groups, this should not only apply to religions other than Christianity. When asked to put aside the religious aspects of the holiday season, they feel that their own religion is not being tolerated.
This disagreement over the use of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays leaves some people worried about offending someone with their choice of greeting. Both wishes are meant to spread good cheer, little more. They are not means to convert non-Christians, or to denounce Christ as the reason for Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays are simple greetings between friends, acquaintances and strangers during a season when almost everyone is just a little more cheerful.
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