There was a time when “Merry Christmas” communicated good wishes. For some, it was religious. For some, it was a time for family. For the children, it was a time for gifts under a tree, good food and simple joy. Nobody took offense – the wish is not intended to promote religion, to demean, or to otherwise harm. It was a wish for us to pause, take time out for those we hold dear, and remember the year that is coming to a close.
In this time, it is a wish that is not politically correct. We are afraid we might offend someone who might not celebrate Christmas as a religious celebration. Instead, we say, “Happy Holidays,” a wish that can be applied to any holiday and therefore loses that special, magical wish unique to a time when the year draws to a close.
Whether we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other religious or secular event, let us take this time to simply enjoy the season. Take no offense at another wishing us joy and merriment, no matter how it is phrased. Look not for the excuse to get offended; look rather for the “Merry” in “Merry Christmas”. Let this be a time when we are united by our well wishes, rather than divided in our search for cultural or religious uniqueness.
Merry Christmas!
— Kevin Tan, Chicago
