According to an article in today's Baltimore Sun, and as previously reported by somewhat more observant news operations, a group of Christians led by the Rev. Jerry Falwell are unhappy with the use of "holiday" as a replacement for "Christmas."(Read the article here: Unhappy with 'holiday')
Specifically, it appears that some religious folks are upset that stores are more likely to wish you Happy Holidays or Season Greetings than a Merry Christmas. All it does, they argue, is minimize the importance of Jesus in the name of political correctness.
What this vocal group fails to realize, however, is that not everyone celebrates Christmas. In cities like Baltimore, for instance, some people choose to observe Chanukah (however you want to spell it), others go for Kwanzaa, and others still choose to avoid religious observation entirely. In other words, the First Amendment that gives you the right to celebrate your religion is the same First Amendment that allows others to worship (or not) as they choose.
But, instead of respecting the fact that retailers and others want to be welcoming to their customers too, this group of zealots is threatening boycotts and protests.
Retailers can't just focus on the Christians though. People who celebrate things other than Christmas are instrumental to profits at this time of year. Last week, Daniel Gross of Slate.com posed the question: "Can the Jews Save Christmas? Hanukkah is late this year. Will this help retailers?" Specifically, Gross discusses the slow start to the "Christmas" season and proposes that Hanukkah's late timing this year may bolster sales throughout the month. (In the interest of full disclosure, Gross does ultimately conclude that not even the Jews can save this shopping season.)
Simply put, not every town in America is like Jerry Falwell's backyard. Some even have large Jewish populations and, gasp, some of those Jews would rather hear Happy Holidays than Merry Christmas.
In addition to being more inclusive, "Happy Holidays" is just easier. It can include, if you so desire, days like Thanksgiving and New Year's too. After all, it is a holiday season and not just one day. Why make 17 different banners when you cover all your bases with a simple Happy Holidays?
So don't leave out Boxing Day, Festivus, and all the rest, just because they're not your first pick for celebrations. Keep the prayers in church and let the credit cards run free at Target.
