For a change of pace, nothing this week about books, libraries, reading, book signings and similar events, or such. Instead, we’re going to talk about words,or more specifically word choices. And, even more specifically, this will be a rant about other people’s rants.
I’m about to take on all the people who decry those who say “Happy holidays” rather than“Merry Christmas” at this time of year.
What’s all the fuss about wishing people “Happy holidays” instead of the more specific “Merry Christmas”? This is supposed to be the season of “Peace on Earth, good will toward men,” and instead so many people are making a fuss over other folks who greet people with “Happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”
Bah, humbug!
Look,there are FOUR holidays at this time of year (not even including Thanksgiving).There’s Christmas (obviously), and for Jewish people Hanukkah falls around the same time, and for people of color there’s Kwanzaa, and then for everybody there’s New Year’s, just one week after Christmas. It’s a pretty safe bet you’re celebrating at least two of them—either Christmas and New Years or Hanukkah and New Years—and if you’re a POC you are likely celebrating three—Christmas AND Kwanzaa AND New Years. And if you’re a Jewish person who celebrates the secular side of Christmas, putting up a tree and telling your kids that Santa will bring them presents, you’re celebrating Hanukkah AND Christmas AND New Years. So almost everyone is celebrating AT LEAST two holidays and often three.
Therefore,if you’re addressing someone at this time of year, and it’s pretty safe to assume they’re celebrating at least two holidays and maybe three, why is it inappropriate to wish them “Happy holidays”!?
You’re not insulting Jesus as the complainers decry. You’re not dissing Christmas.You’re just recognizing that there are plural days to celebrate at this time of year, and wishing that ALL of them are HAPPY for the person you’re addressing.You’re expressing a wish that the person you’re talking to should enjoy this festive season to the max.
So that’s my rant this week, a blog post about word usage.
Happy Holidays to you all.