Merry Christmas

[Guest c**io**m7]

This topic has been debated over and over but, every year, I still get annoyed. "Merry Christmas"...is that so fucking hard to say in Canada?

 

I respect choice, I do...but...where did Merry Christmas go? As a child, it was Christmas everywhere: the local Kmart, Canadian Tire, all over TV, school concerts and pageants, churches...everywhere you turned, it was "Merry Christmas".

 

There were umpteen Christmass parties...the list goes on.

 

Now, we have "Happy Holidays", holiday parties...hell, I heard someone use the term "holiday tree" the other day. I was told officially at work that if I want to put a season greeting in my email, I must use "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays".

 

As I said, I respect choice but, what about those of us who choose "Merry Christmas"?

 

Just a rant on a topic that will be debated for the next few weeks and it will continue to surface until the last if the "Merry Christmas" generations are long dead.

 

Until then, a very Merry Christmas to all.

[Midnite-Energies 110563]

I agree, I go through this every year. What gets me is that in society's ploy to be politically correct and not offend anyone, they are offending me because it's my holiday too. I can't talk about my holiday because it might offend others but yet they have free reign to speak about theirs. Have we really become that sensitive that someone can't say something to us without getting bent out of shape? If someone says Happy Hanukkah, I'm not going to get offended, I'm going to smile and say "thanks, same to you". If I want to say merry Christmas to a clerk in a store who then says it back, they shouldn't get spoken to because they did. We used to teach about tolerance and acceptance but because it's being pushed to rigorously, it seems to be having the opposite effect. Just like "social media" which was supposed to make us more social, has actually reduced our ability to be social with other people. We're great behind a keyboard but not in person anymore.

 

Too many rules about too many things and not enough of the basics.

[redskin44 3588]

happy festivus

[Andee 220524]

I have no qualms about saying "Merry Christmas". It's harmless and if someone is offended by it, then perhaps they should stay home for the "holidays".

[Athos 108589]

Isn't Christmas a pagan festival???

 

Porthos

[roamingguy 300292]

[piano8950 32577]

This is a topic I truly still feel as a foreigner fresh of the boat.

 

First of all, the biggest question I have - who are these elusive people on the Happy Holiday brigade? I've constantly seen the war on Christmas stories, especially on Fox, but who is the enemy?

 

2. I get there are some companies that are switching for some unknown reason, but who cares about what a store says anyway? As far as I've understood, retail have done an amazing job inserting themselves into the psyche of Christmas, so much so that it's now seen as blasphemy that they would say anything other then Merry Christmas. As someone who has celebrated one Christmas only, for me it was about being with friends, having a nice meal, and catching up.

 

3. I know a lot of people who don't celebrate Christmas. From new immigrants to those here for a few generations, and not one of them have ever shown their disdain of anything Christmas, and they are definitely not offended when someone wishes them Merry Christmas.

 

4. What really makes me uncomfortable is that every year, inevitably someone brings up this conversation with me around (like physically around). And it always ends up in a kinda/sorta accusation that people like me are ruining Christmas.

 

 

I had a professor once who told the entire class that the only note of any kind (card, email, etc) with the words Merry Christmas came from the 9-10 year old Bangladeshi Muslim community newspaper delivery boy.

 

I once got a gift basket at work from the HR manager and he wished me Happy Holidays...I responded with a Merry Christmas and he was surprised that such words would come out from my mouth.

 

I have tons of examples of this sort, where people who do celebrate it don't say it to each other, but hear it from people who don't.

 

I wish people a Merry Christmas every chance I get, but normally I do so a little closer to Christmas, not starting from the first week of December...which is another thing I've yet to figure out.

 

So Merry Christmas folks

[Studio 110 by Sophia 150333]

I say " Happy Holidays and have a Merry Christmas" this way I feel that I am not abandoning my Christmas tradition and still being mindful of other belief systems:) At the end of the day the "Christmas Spirit" does affect all people. There is just something that is in the air that unites us all around the globe:)

 

I do feel it is wrong that the work place to demand a certain greeting:( This just not seem to be the Canadian way. To enforce what we are allowed or not allowed to say. Seems to be it is dumping on those of us that Celebrate Christmas traditions.

 

Another thought....seems that many business like to cash in Christmas, weather they belief in Christmas, or other celebrations. So I suppose as long as money is to be made, then they can reap the benefits that go along with Christmas celebrations, As long as we just don't say it? LOL

[Katherine of Halifax 113932]

It is even very hard to buy a greeting card they all say Happy Holidays. I just ad my own written Merry Christmas at the end .

On a positive note I attended my nephews concert this week in Halifax. In previous years there was not even a tree permitted and not one traditional Christmas Carol . This year the last song was , We Wish You A Merry Christmas . That was very nice !

[drlove 37204]

I feel there should be respect for all holiday traditions, where people are free to express them without fear that they may offend someone. I agree with Katherine - political correctness has gotten way too out of hand. What's the deal with Christmas trees being termed 'holiday trees' anyway? It's akin to calling the Menorah a holiday candlestick...absolutely ridiculous! It's a Menorah, steeped in tradition, the same way a Christmas tree is. Let's get over ourselves and remember it's not what's said, but the intention behind it. Just something to think about during this season of cheer and goodwill to all...

[Chanel Reign 28097]

I celebrate Christmas with my family because it is a tradition I grew up with. It makes my Mother happy. No effort or obligation there. She's an important part of my life.

 

But I observe Festivus and I also celebrate Hogmanay.

 

I don't observe Halloween, but I do participate in Samhain (no Im not Pagan). I choose to celebrate other traditions because of the commercialism of the big ones. (I find it rather sickening)

 

The Christmas I see today is a rushed, debt laden, spat of a few days of harried activity that isnt really much fun. What happened to and afternoon of baking of cookies with children? Parties that are relaxed and not forced entertainment with an exhausted host(ess)? Taking the time to do something to pay it forward? So I say Merry Christmas and if I'm not sure I say nothing.

[Guest N***he**Ont**y]

I am not afraid to say Merry Christmas in any language! Merry Christmas!

 

En pelkää sanoa Hyvää joulua millään kielellä! Hauskaa joulua!

I bid all my Cerbie friends a Hauskaa Joulua!

[Brad 49548]

I think what people have to keep in mind is there is an important difference between expressing your tradition vs. forcing others to do so as well.

 

So no, I don't believe anyone should be offended if someone chooses to say Merry Christmas. I know I certainly wouldn't be offended if someone said "happy Hanukkah" or wished me a good "Kwanzaa".

 

Why would I? The intent is to offer me good wishes.

 

But though I strongly feel no one should be told they can't express a given holiday wish in whatever terms works for them, I don't think others should be told they have to use the same. I'm very much in favour of separation of church and state, so I actually agree that public schools should have "holiday concerts" and leave out religious carols. The public sector should be inclusive. I don't think it is fair to pressure kids of other faiths (or atheist) into singing along with a particular religion's hymns.

 

So yeah, everyone say whatever is true for them live and let live. Pretty simple, but I'd say this chart just about sums it up:

 

[Guest N***he**Ont**y]

The problem is that we have allowed politics to invade the best of what this season is wishing Good Will To All Men(Women) forgive me for this part its an old saying.

[Guest a**4*]

I say Merry Christmas I don't care who it offends this country was built by our forfathers to have and celebrate our customes who we are as Canadians and now the ones that formed our country are rolling over in there graves to see what is having for thoeses that don't like our ways and customes you can leave you won't be missed this is my country Canada and I am Canadian this country is ours I am sick of people coming here and telling Canadians what they have to do and Canadians are not racists they are just tired of all the bullshit that is caused by others that come here to change our ways don't like it to bad get use to it and shut the f up

[IsaMassage 54318]

I am not afraid to say Merry Christmas in any language! Merry Christmas!

 

En pelkää sanoa Hyvää joulua millään kielellä! Hauskaa joulua!

I bid all my Cerbie friends a Hauskaa Joulua!

 

I am with you on this one!

 

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y UN PROSPERO FELIZ ANO NUEVO A TODOS MIS AMIGOS DE CERB!!!!!

 

XOXO

[Brad 49548]

I say Merry Christmas I don't care who it offends this country was built by our forfathers to have and celebrate our customes who we are as Canadians and now the ones that formed our country are rolling over in there graves to see what is having for thoeses that don't like our ways and customes you can leave you won't be missed this is my country Canada and I am Canadian this country is ours I am sick of people coming here and telling Canadians what they have to do and Canadians are not racists they are just tired of all the bullshit that is caused by others that come here to change our ways don't like it to bad get use to it and shut the f up

 

Respectfully, I think I have to disagree with this sentiment.

 

First of all, I think you're overestimating the "war on Christmas". There really aren't that many individuals, immigrants or otherwise, who get offended by someone wishing them a Merry Christmas.

 

I'm proud to be Canadian (I think my choice of avatar says as much!) and traditions do have a place and can be important to people. But suggesting that because something was a certain way when the Country was founded means it shouldn't ever change is a bit silly don't you think?

 

I mean, many of those who formed our country, as great as they were in a lot of ways, would be rolling over in their graves over a lot of other things that have changed before they'd get upset over someone saying "happy holidays". The fact that women can vote and that gay marriage is legal goes against the tradition of our founders as well and wouldn't exactly sit well with them either. Neither would escorting for that matter.

 

What I'm trying to say is that, though a tradition may very well be good and valuable, just because something was done a certain way in the past isn't enough to say it should be the same in the present.

 

Also, given that I don't think many of us here are Native Americans, don't you think it's a little problematic to argue that no one should ever come over here and change our ways? Immigration has always been a part of Canada's history (dare I call it a tradition?) and our society is constantly evolving. Moreover, many of the people living in Canada who don't celebrate Christmas have been here for generations and this country, like it not, belongs to them as well.

 

Again though, I think you're overestimating how many people who aren't Christians are suggesting you don't say Merry Christmas. Go for a walk and say it to a random hundred people and see how many actually take offense.

 

As I stated before I think everyone should be able to wish someone well in whatever manner suits them, and people should be free to celebrate as is right for them, be that 'happy holidays' or 'merry Christmas'.

 

Now, let's go share a traditional glass of egg nog, eh?

[roamingguy 300292]

At least NORAD, tasked with the air defence of North America hasn't lost the Christmas spirit

 

http://www.noradsanta.org/

 

RG

[Ice4fun 78407]

Canada is a multicultural country and as the diversity of our population continues to change so will the traditions and values that we see as Canadian.... this is not good or bad it is just a fact.

 

One of the things that I think has made Canada such a great country has been our willingness to Embrace difference cultures and I encourage us to continue to do just that.

 

What we have to be careful if is the over reaction from accepting new Canadian traditions to disrespecting current traditions and values. Rather than thy to remove Christian Traditions and references in public and schools we should be looking for opportunities to welcome the new Canadian traditions.

 

So for me it is Merry Christmas...it is what rolls off my tongue the easiest... it not disrespecting others it is respecting my traditional a Canadian.

[Guest N***he**Ont**y]

What gets my blood boiling is when they disrespect us for our Traditions but yet !@#@!!! on us when we don't follow theirs. Get with the program people we have Traditions too!

[Erica Obsession 2076]

I prefer Merry Christmas as well. In my opinion, the term has transcended its original religious connotation and, for me, is an all-encompassing term to describe the holiday season.

 

Besides, Merry Christmas is far more positive and festive than saying what Manitoba MLA Brian Pallister said. In an impromptu scrum with reporters, he wished holiday greetings to "infidel atheists" who "wish to celebrate nothing." Seriously, I have no idea what this political bonehead was thinking...

 

See the link here: http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/manitoba-tory-leader-wishes-infidel-atheists-all-the-best-for-the-holidays-1.1570662

[Guest a**4*]

Respectfully, I think I have to disagree with this sentiment.

 

First of all, I think you're overestimating the "war on Christmas". There really aren't that many individuals, immigrants or otherwise, who get offended by someone wishing them a Merry Christmas.

 

I'm proud to be Canadian (I think my choice of avatar says as much!) and traditions do have a place and can be important to people. But suggesting that because something was a certain way when the Country was founded means it shouldn't ever change is a bit silly don't you think?

 

I mean, many of those who formed our country, as great as they were in a lot of ways, would be rolling over in their graves over a lot of other things that have changed before they'd get upset over someone saying "happy holidays". The fact that women can vote and that gay marriage is legal goes against the tradition of our founders as well and wouldn't exactly sit well with them either. Neither would escorting for that matter.

 

What I'm trying to say is that, though a tradition may very well be good and valuable, just because something was done a certain way in the past isn't enough to say it should be the same in the present.

 

Also, given that I don't think many of us here are Native Americans, don't you think it's a little problematic to argue that no one should ever come over here and change our ways? Immigration has always been a part of Canada's history (dare I call it a tradition?) and our society is constantly evolving. Moreover, many of the people living in Canada who don't celebrate Christmas have been here for generations and this country, like it not, belongs to them as well.

 

Again though, I think you're overestimating how many people who aren't Christians are suggesting you don't say Merry Christmas. Go for a walk and say it to a random hundred people and see how many actually take offense.

 

As I stated before I think everyone should be able to wish someone well in whatever manner suits them, and people should be free to celebrate as is right for them, be that 'happy holidays' or 'merry Christmas'.

 

Now, let's go share a traditional glass of egg nog, eh?

 

Respectfully I think you are overestimating that this is not happening here in this country if it does not why is it happening in our schools not all are offended but there are the ones that are.I am overestimating maybe so co-workers friends they say the same as I and many others and we are as Canadian as you and some are Quebecers many of us are not native Americans like it or not it is a part of our history in forming our country go talk to the people and see what they are saying about what is going on in this country and don't be surprised they are saying as I and many others Merry Christmas now let's have that glass of egg nog

[piano8950 32577]

4. What really makes me uncomfortable is that every year, inevitably someone brings up this conversation with me around (like physically around). And it always ends up in a kinda/sorta accusation that people like me are ruining Christmas.

 

I say Merry Christmas I don't care who it offends this country was built by our forfathers to have and celebrate our customes who we are as Canadians and now the ones that formed our country are rolling over in there graves to see what is having for thoeses that don't like our ways and customes you can leave you won't be missed this is my country Canada and I am Canadian this country is ours I am sick of people coming here and telling Canadians what they have to do and Canadians are not racists they are just tired of all the bullshit that is caused by others that come here to change our ways don't like it to bad get use to it and shut the f up

 

What gets my blood boiling is when they disrespect us for our Traditions but yet !@#@!!! on us when we don't follow theirs. Get with the program people we have Traditions too!

 

 

Not physical presence this time...

 

But true to my own Christmas tradition, I've heard this almost every year since coming here around Christmas. Any chance it might be people who do celebrate Christmas, but rather not seeing public money spent on Christmas events, or agnostics/atheists who really don't have any religious attachment to holidays? I've seen examples of both.

 

I'm sure there are some people who immigrated here that for some bizarre reason feel offended, but trust me, as a voting bloc, this group has very little influence. Look for that war on Christmas enemy somewhere else.

 

And no way in hell will I shut the f up if I see something I disagree with here, just because I don't have an ancestry of 'true' Canadians.

[Fresh start 17467]

I think people should grow up seriously wether you believe in it or not wishing someone merry Christmas or happy holidays. They should take it as the sentiment it's the thoughts that counts. To get offended for something so petty is ridiculous.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Guest N***he**Ont**y]

You are out of line here.