For example, there have been many posts defending the right to say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays." I wish more people would just say what it is that they want to say and not have to feel it needs defending. Part of the problem, in my humble opinion, is too many people believe that saying "Happy Holidays" is a negative greeting. To be fair, any phrase that starts with "happy" shouldn't be viewed negatively.
The month of December has several holidays within the month. Hanukkah is eight days in length that falls in the calendar somewhere within the month and has been celebrated for more than five thousand years. Christmas is always on the 25th and has been celebrated for a little more than two thousand years. Kwanzaa starts on the 26th and lasts until January 1st and it has been celebrated for almost fifty years. And, even though it starts at midnight of January 1st, we traditionally have included New Years Eve and New Years Day, which have been going on for more than two thousand years.
If you celebrate any of these or none of these, you are not any less American. That is what is supposed to separate us from the rest of the world. It is in that view that I wish it would just be accepted when someone says "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays," without having to worry that someone will be upset or feel slighted.
The reason of your celebration is important to you. Remember, it is important to everyone, for their reason, even if that reason is not the same as yours.
I saw this post back in November on Facebook and I have not been able to find its origin, but I believe in its message and that's why I am sharing it here:
To my friends and family all over the world:
For the last eight days I made it a point to share a photo posted from one of my cousins, Rivkah Hamer. She displayed many menorahs with the appropriate candles lit each night. "Happy Hanukkah!"
To my friends and family all over the world:
Today is December 24th. It is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is Christmas Day. The next twenty-four hours have meaning to many. They deserve to have and share it without feeling guilty for expressing it. "Merry Christmas!"
To my friends and family all over the world:
On Friday the 26th, a holiday I know very little about, but I know it's important to those that include it in their culture. "Joyous Kwanzaa!"
In the spirit of the season to all of you,
Love and Light
Thank you.
that's the Brick Way...
