Monday, December 24, 2012

Your Turn

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

89 comments:

Anna V. Xol said...

Both! I say Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas and i even throw in a Happy New Year. If people don't like it then sorry but it's not like i flipped you off.

FSP said...

Feliz Navidad

timebob said...

when Hanukah and Christmas overlap I say Happy Holidays but when Hanukah is done i'm all about the Merry Christmas or Festivus for the rest of us

IDoTheRobot said...

Both! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to the CDaN family! :)

Ari said...

Happy Holidays because it's diplomatic

Fairmaiden327 said...

Merry Christmas, then Happy Holidays!

Frufra said...

Both! And when it's not the holiday season, I love a good "have a great day", or "enjoy this lovely weather", or even "Happy Thursday!"

Yeah, I'm THAT person. And if you look sad, I may give you a sticker,too.

Happy Merry, my fellow CDAN'ers! Peace and joy to all! <3

rhinovodka said...

Happy Holidays, covers everything.

smash said...

Frufra- you are great! Same here.

Both happy holidays and merry Christmas. And I totally throw in happy new year. :)

LottaColada said...

I like to use both. But it is Christmas Eve today soooo.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

SashaJames2 said...

Merry Christmas!!

Kelly said...

Both. But lately more Merry Christmas from me!

mynerva said...

Happy Christmas! Happy Holidays sounds too American to European ears like mine.

Anna V. Xol said...

Aww! You sound lovely frufra. :)

Unknown said...

Happy Christmas.. That's how I roll xxx

G said...

Merry Christmas.

Lindsey said...

I say Happy Holidays, unless I know the recipient celebrates Christmas. If so, I say Merry Christmas. But I also like to tick off my conservative friends who are outraged on the "war on Christmas," & purposely say Happy Holidays. ; )

Amy in MI said...

Both. My BFF is Jewish so I like to say both

redronnie said...

Merry Christmas and #IdleNoMore

VIPblonde said...

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Also, one of my friends posted on FB that when she drove through Starbucks today, the person before her paid for her coffee! So she did the same for the person behind her. I'm totally doing this tomorrow at my Starbucks drive thru before I make the big drive to the big family Chistmas.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. And by buying coffee for others :)

Mango said...

I use Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy Festivus for the rest of us.


OT: a friend of mine texted me last week and asked me what I wanted for Xmas.

I texted back. "Nothing. Don't need anything."

Well, he persisted and texted again, so I replied, "Whirled peas".

Well I spoke to him yesterday and he said, "You know I've been looking all over for Whirled Peas and there's a game, some jewelry, and a band by that name. Which is it you want?"

OMG, he has a great sense of humor and doesn't live under a rock. I could not believe that I had to I had to explain the joke to him.




Borg Queen said...

I say Happy Holidays to encompass Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

Yesterday I greeted a neighbor's visitor with "Happy Holidays" and said visitor replied that she hates the Happy Holidays greetings. Just say Merry Christmas. I replied I am trying to be politically correct and she said she is not politically correct. B*tch.

Sherry said...

Happy Holidays. Too many jewish family and friends so I want to make sure I cover everyone.

And Borg Quess: Nothing was gonna make that person happy!

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays at work, because who wants to make others feel left out at the holidays?

JSierra said...

Both. People need to stop stressing about the whole Christmas politically correct thing. I'm not a Christian and I have no problem when people wish me Merry Christmas. Heck I'm not even religious and I could care less if someone tells me "Happy Kwanza".

Then again I am pretty laid back so very few things bother me.

Whatever you prefer, I hope everyone has a great week and happy, merry wishes to all!

Jaiden_S said...

both. :)

orpheus12 said...

It's Happy Holidays because it is very non-denominational.

Sugar said...

Merry Christmas!! But even though I get irritated that people choose to be all upset when someone says Merry Christmas to them, I have incorporated happy holidays too, just to shut their faces up.
hehe. Happy Christmas!

TerryTowels said...

Happy New Year.

Meanie Rhysie said...
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Agent**It said...

We say: Merry Christmas... or not ?! Always gets at least a grin.

auntliddy said...

what ever they celebrate!! merry and happy does the job for me. And a beautiful christmas, and holidays to all my cdan friends!!!!!!!!

iheartjacksparrow said...

Merry Christmas.

mistang said...

Anything and everything I can say to brighten up the day! I heard about the Starbuck's thing, too. It was in a bunch of locations. What was weird, though, was my friend said she got to the counter and the girl taking her order told her the guy before her paid and would she then like to pay for the person behind her. She said it was awkward because it then turned into pressure on the customers as opposed to doing something to be nice.

Reese said...

Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah.

Cheryl said...

I do both. Most people are not offended. If I see that someone is wearing a sign of their faith which makes me assume they are not Christian (religion related clothing or a piece of jewelry) then I would probably say Happy Holidays. My best friend is Jewish but loves Christmas. To be honest though, I am Black and grew up in a predominately Black neighborhood and I have never met anyone who celebrates Kwanzaa. I'm all about holidays though so bring on the potato pancakes and whatever else you got. I'm in.

astrogirl said...

It's Christmas Day here and I would like to wish everybody a wonderful day from me!!!

astrogirl said...

It's Christmas Day here and I would like to wish everybody a wonderful day from me!!!

SusanB said...

Merry Christmas. I live in a heavily Jewish area though and am wished Happy Hanukkah a lot. I don't mind, because how can I be offended by someone wishing me well on a day that's important to them?

Christopher Cruz said...

Happy everything to everyone!!!

Unknown said...

"Hail Cthulhu who sleeps in Ry'leh!"
There is nothing that expresses the spirit of the gibbering sanity-smashing holiday as that does.

The Black Cat said...

I had a Jewish friend in high school who was thrilled when I gave her a Christmas card. It just felt wrong not to give her one like the rest of my friends and she appreciated it so much to be included, being from the only Jewish family for miles around.
It's always better to include rather than divide, someone doesn't want to participate that is their decision but at least the offer was put out there.

White lilly said...

It makes no difference for us here in Brazil. But I guess I say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Never seen anyone get offended by it. But if they did, I'd just ask how they would like me to greed them, lol
Speaking of which, I wish everyone in the CDAN family a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, a good week, a wonderful Tuesday, an awesome Hanukkah (I know, a little late), a nice turkey day (well, that's when we eat it, since we don't have Thanksgiving). Did I forget anything?

xoxo from Brasil!!!!

Frufra said...

@Susan - yes! Why get offended when someone is wishing you well! Very well put, lady.

Frufra said...

Alma - right back at ya! I always enjoy your comments :-).

Frufra said...

Aww smashie - right back at ya! Happy happy!

Turkish Taffy said...

I don't personally celebrate Christmas, although I enjoy the warmth and spirit of the season. I wish a Merry Christmas to my friends and family that celebrate. New Year's is different, that's for everybody. I say Happy New Year to everyone, regardless of their religion or culture.

Tru Leigh said...

Glædelig jul.

Tru Leigh said...

98% of Americans celebrate Christmas, so unless you're in Crown Heights, Merry Christmas is unlikely to offend anyone.

Ian said...

Both. I am agnostic, and my boyfriend is Jewish (non-practicing) so the holidays hold no special place for us. I say both, and I find it is usually a nice gesture someone is making when saying it to you, so I always want to return that respect and say Thank You, and generally reply back Happy Holidays/Christmas to them.

dia papaya said...

Frufra - that's why we love you so much! Always spreading the joy!

JSierra said...

@Frufra I want some Happy Christmas stickers! If I ever run into a friendly, sticker weilding stranger on the street I will know it is you!

Frufra said...

@JSierra - you'll know it's me, cause smiling's my favorite!

And I do love stickers. Thank God I work with elementary school kids most of the time. They celebrate my genius - and I got to wear my fancy reindeer antlers three times this year!!

feraltart said...

Merry Christmas! It is Christmas Day here in Australia, we are having a beautiful sunny day. Hope you have a wonderful day on Christmas wherever you are in the world. If you celebrate other holidays, hope you have a wonderful time during those celebrations.

Meanie Rhysie said...
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Anonymous said...

Either. Doesn't matter. I'm just pleased when someone is friendly and smiling and greets me.

FalseProfit said...

'Bless you' or 'may god have mercy on your sinful soul?'

Not everybody buys the ferry tale. Get over it.

EGB said...

I am sooo team @frufa about all of this! I work with kids too, so I stick with the happy holidays, because I would hate to think I would make someone feel left out. Shopping today though, and said merry Christmas to everyone I saw. And I also wish people happy whatever the holiday, to enjoy their weekend, have a great day, etc. Smiling is also my favorite!
And I have an amazing sticker collection that I give out generously. Mrs. Grossmans grab bag stickers are only $5 on their website for any fellow sticker lovers!

witwritergirl said...

Both, and I'm that chipper person you want to smack in the face too. I always say " have a wonderful day". Have " a good day or great day" doesn't quite do it for me.

yodelay said...

Depends. Today is definitely a Merry Christmas kinda day! I'm trying to use it as much as possible.

Chilie said...

Yes, antlers sound awesome. My friend decorated her husband's car with antlers attached to the roof, and a red nose on the front grill. He is a good sport about it despite absolutely not looking like the type of guy who would go for such a thing. His car doesn't really lend itself to this either. Which made me double over with laughter the first time I saw it.

Oh yes, I say both. I haven't said Merry Christmas in years, because I always favoured Happy Holidays to be more inclusive. But this year I decided Christmas is not a bad word, and the intent behind it is more important than the words.

Shocky said...

It's Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas in the UK but I like the Happy Holidays used here so I mix them up. I like to live life on the edge.

SusanB said...

"ferry tale"? What do boats have to do with this?

Meanie Rhysie said...
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TracySwingKid said...

Happy Holidays. Then you catch everyone regardless of their persuasion.

JSierra said...

@Susan and @Reeses is it just me or is the holiday spirit totally lost on a lot of people today?

@Reeses my mom used to put bells on all of our shoes when we were younger and I totally ate it up. She would make us go all out when we had free dress days in December, definitely something I will pass on to my future nieces and nephews/potential children.

Meanie Rhysie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
OKay said...

I have always celebrated and love Christmas. But Happy Holidays feels more inclusive for me. Still, if someone says Merry Christmas to me I'll say it in return.

califblondy said...

I didn't buy anyone's coffee, but I gave a lady my 20% off coupon at Macy's and she was thrilled.

Happy everything to everybody!

prolixe said...

It depends on the minute or the hour or the day or the line or... whatever I feel like saying. I really love that there are so many cool CDaners here - why turn away a blessing on a day that's important to them? - that was a really wonderful way to look at the holiday season.

BTW, I'm a Christian and every time someone says something about putting Christ back into Christmas, I say then we should probably take Black Friday out of it - commercialism is doing more to "ruin" Christmas than someone saying Happy Holidays.

That said - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwaanza, Happy Festivus, Happy New Year!

gr8p said...

Happy Festivus

ms_wonderland said...

'Holidays' means vacation in English English, so for years I thought Americans all went away for Christmas.

In the UK, it's merry/happy Christmas to all, whatever their background. You're only wishing them a good time after all. Or, going back the old soltice celebration, happy Yuletide!

Eeekalicious said...

I just use whatever matches the faith, like most people above. If I don't know, I say Happy Holidays or Have a good holiday.

For atheists: Happy Nothingness!

Robin the Mad Photographer said...

Spike: I was hoping someone would mention Cthulhu, so thanks! ;-)

Either or both, depending on whether or not I know the person and/or know what they celebrate. In general, I'm more inclined to say "Happy Holidays" simply because (a) I don't automatically know any particular stranger's preference/belief system, and (b) many religions have holidays around this time of year, so why not be inclusive? (From what I can see, most of them have an emphasis on light, which makes a lot of sense during the winter solstice IMNSHO.) Likewise, I'll happily accept whatever greetings someone else wants to give me, because, unlike some people who live to be offended, I appreciate the fact that someone is greeting me and being pleasant. Thankfully, I've never run into the kind of people who get all pissy if you don't say "Merry Christmas", which is probably a good thing, since I might have to bite my tongue lest I snap back something along the lines of "fine, how about I say "fuck you!" and call it even?" and that wouldn't speak well of me. *sigh* (BTW, "happy holidays" is not a recent development; IIRC President Eisenhower started it back in the '50s with the intention of being more inclusive.)

Anyway, Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas/Happy belated Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus, happy whatever the hell you do or don't celebrate--just be happy, OK?

Tara said...

Snazzy Krampusmass !!

Bit dams said...

happy holidays, less likely to offend.

Zeeky_Boogy_Doog said...

DBZee, you win the internets!

The whole "war on Christmas" isn't saying "happy holidays." It's ads changing the lyrics of "Silent Night" to "Shop at our store" or "Hallelujah!" to "Target gift card!"

It's also pepper-spraying or punching shoppers so you can get the last 50" TV for a hundred bucks.

I say "Happy holidays" because there's probably 7 or 8 of them in a month's time. If today is Christmas, I'll say "merry Christmas." If it's New Year's Eve" I'll say that.

Zeeky_Boogy_Doog said...

Incidentally, a lot of the hatred of saying "Happy Holidays" comes from Fox News. They do many reports on it.

However, if you search the word "holiday" on their site, they use "holiday" as much as anyone. Holiday trees, holiday parties, holiday spending, etc.

I'm not trying to pick on conservatives or anything of the sort. Just on this topic, they're scamming a lot of good people.

Unknown said...

A couple of times each month I do that when I go to Starbucks. I figure that if I do a kind gesture for someone maybe I'll get one back sometime. ;-)

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas!!! ;-)

Bxrlvr said...

Merry Christmas. I hate the politically correct crap and besides, it's a legal holiday so I think we ought to be able to say it without recrimination.

Unknown said...

merry christmas...but I do say both...

Jennifer said...

Depends on the date. If it's the start of December, probably happy holidays, as there are a bunch upcoming. If it's within a few days or a week before christmas, then merry christmas, and if it's after christmas... well, then happy new year.

Jennifer said...

oh, and I don't think taking the religion of the recipient of the greeting into account is really that important. I have so many family members and friends with marriages of mixed religious upbringings (jewish, christian, muslim, buddhist, atheist), that we...probably like most Americans... think of this time of year as full of fun holidays and get-togethers than anything really religious. I mean, come on, shopping stampedes weren't part of the 1st christmas. :-)

That said, it never hurts to remember others' holidays that you don't celebrate. So send a happy hanukkah or happy eid (eid sa-id), or what have you, at the appropriate time of year.

MadLyb said...

I'm an atheist - both! "Merry Christmas" a few days before and on Christmas, and "Happy Holidays" from Thanksgiving through New Years. Or "Happy Hanukkah!" to my Jewish friends.

Maja With a J said...

I say both - "Happy Holidays" is kind of a blanket statement in the weeks leading up to. Today, I say Merry Christmas, because it's freaking Christmas. If you're offended by that, you clearly need a life *L* Merry Christmas everyone, hope you have a lovely time!

babo said...

Merry Christmas, definitely.
It s my tradition. I am not Christian, Jew or anything else but it s Christmas I celebrate and it s those good Christmassy vibes I want to pass around by greeting other people.
If people don t want to get the good vibes because they don t wear the right label for their bigoted tastes, it s up to them and their narrowmindedness.
I d be pleased just as much if people wished me a "Happy Hanukkah" or whatever instead.
It s the "Happy holidays" thing that I find bland.

BFSkinnerchick said...

Frufra, thanks for making CDaN a friendlier place. The world could use a few more like you :)

Lelaina Pierce said...

I say both. The cards I sent out said "Happy Holidays."

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