By Tobi Schwartz-Cassell
It’s not that I don’t have genial family and friends who refuse to offer me good wishes. I am blessed with the most supportive, friendly, nutty bunch in the entire Universe. But they tend to wish me a Happy Hanukkah. And to them, I wish a Happy or a Merry, whatever the case may be.
The people who I want to wish me a Merry Christmas are those I know casually who don’t give my religion a second thought when wishing me such a lovely greeting. And why should they? Wishing me or anyone a Merry Christmas, no matter what their or my religion, is a lovely greeting of the season! And, for those who celebrate, it’s also a reminder of the true reason for the season.
So, if you see me on the street or at a party or wherever at this time of year, please don’t hold back because you’re not sure what I celebrate. Wish me a Merry Christmas! Or, a Happy Hanukkah! I’m proud of my heritage and the beauty that comes with it, so no worries. I promise you, you won’t hurt my feelings, whatever greeting you bestow upon me.
And if all else fails, and you’re not sure what to say, please say, “Happy New Year!” Because every one of us—whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Ramadan, Festivus or any other holiday—every single one of us could really use it.
Happy everything, everyone!
Big Hugs & Love,
♥,
PS: Please share your thoughts on this post in the comments section below, and please be sure to wish me a Merry Christmas!
I have no problem if someone wishes me Merry Christmas although I celebrate Hanukkah. I appreciate the expression and do not correct them. Personally, I tend to say happy holidays if I don’t know what the person celebrates. I think it is more inclusive and respects what other people might or might not celebrate. I recently had an experience at work where one person wished me happy holidays. The person with him said “Its Merry Christmas”. This assumes that everybody celebrates Christmas. So whatever you celebrate have a happy and healthy time with your family and Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays, friend! Wishing for you and your family an abundance of all good things during this miraculous time of the year! I am on my way to Maryland tomorrow!
Much love,
Katherine
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Here’s to a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018 Looking forward to seeing you all soon
Well said, Tobi! I don’t care what holiday greeting you use…..I’m just happy that you thought to give me well wishes!
Happy, Merry, Joyous! May the season bring you good health, wealth and happiness…
Its sad that people just get so caught up in being “politically correct”. Grouping together by saying Happy Holidays sounds so …fake
I feel that if you take the time to ask the person what holiday they celebrate, then act accordingly (by addressing their specific holiday). Taking an interest in people is important, it shows you care about mankind.
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your Family Tobi! Hope to see you in the New Year for another fun event! In the mean time be Happy and healthy!
Hugs,
Roni Bruner & Family
We celebrate both holidays as an interfaith family, but I still say Happy Holidays when I don’t know what the other person celebrates. Ultimately I believe in the separation of church and state and I believe in respect and empathy for all different beliefs. Wanting to only say Merry Christmas to everyone regardless of what they celebrate to me is at the least inconsiderate and at the worst representative of a history of forcefully converting or killing people who don’t believe as you do.
I totally agree. It is the most wonderful time of the year because people are happy and nicer than usual they are in the reflective and celebrating mood. People are more apt to communicate and respond to what I normally consider nice to just greet someone in passing. What was considered politically incorrect in the past has been finally rebelled, more and more i.e., with signs of “Keep Christ in Christmas”, etc. Regardless of what you celebrate, holiday greetings should be embraced; as the person initiating the greeting is not trying to be disrespectful, but trying to spread their personal joy to others during the holiday season. Happy New Years to all and may you find Peace and Joy in the Season!
Generous Blessing to you and your family, Tobi!
Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and a Merry Christmas! 🙂
Merry Christmas, Tobi!! Wishing you and your family all the best in the New Year, too!
I try to stick with Happy Holidays … seems politically correct during this festive and religious time of year.
Happy everything to everyone!
Wishing you the best of everything during the holidays and into the new year!
Sweet essay. Merry happy joyous everything!
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy 2018!
A Very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!