CMs saying Merry Christmas?

[PrincessKitty1]

Disney is full of Christmas stuff, so I doubt very much they are anti-Christmas.

I personally do not think the "Happy Holidays" thing is a "PC" issue at all. It's an issue of being sensitive to religious and cultural differences. And what's wrong with that? I'm very glad I remembered to say Happy Holidays to my Jewish hair stylist instead of Merry Christmas. I think it is a kind and sensitive thing.

 

[JerJan]

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

 

[CleveRocks]

It's been Christmas for a couple thousand years. If we have to stop saying Christmas, maybe we should stop buying and giving gifts because without Christmas, there never would have been the gift giving to start with.

I wonder if retailers would change their tune about the word 'holiday' if no one bought gifts anymore.

A Merry Christmas to everyone!

Not looking for flames, just my personal opinion.

Mav

Did you know that Hanukkah dates back to 165 B.C.??? Now you do. There was wintertime gift-giving before the birth of Jesus. Jesus, a Jew, knew of the miracle which Hanukkah celebrates (he knew it historically, just like I know that The Louisiana Purchase happened about 160 years prior to my birth). Certainly, since Jews are such a tiny minority in the USA, there wouldn't be a nationwide frenzy of gift-giving every December, but there would be a few million people doing it even without Christmas.

I never understood anyone having a problem with individuals and private businesses wishing people "Merry Christmas." I DO have a problem with the federal government and state and local governments celebrating Christmas and excluding other religious practices, which clearly is a violation of the First Amendment, specifically the clause which prohibits the establishment of a state religion. I think too many people think about "separation of church of state" and think it somehow means that Disney or Radio Shack has no right to wish people Merry Christmas. If Disney wants to wish people Merry Christmas, God bless them!

-- Eric

 

[peter11435]

For whatever reason, there are a number of people whipping up a frenzy claiming the words "Merry Christmas" are in danger. While there may be a few more "Happy Holiday's" and a few less "Merry Christmas" being said, you can rest assured that the reports of Merry Christmas' death are *vastly* overstated.

Trust me its there. In my city there are banners hanging on the streetlights. There are three alternating banners used. Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukah, and happy Holidays. So it’s ok for city government (that’s who is responsible for the banners) to say Hanukah and Kwanzaa but they can't say Christmas.

 

[CleveRocks]

Trust me its there. In my city there are banners hanging on the streetlights. There are three alternating banners used. Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukah, and happy Holidays. So it’s ok for city government (that’s who is responsible for the banners) to say Hanukah and Kwanzaa but they can't say Christmas.

... which is an example of a well-meaning practice being carried out in a very short-sighted way. Of course you're right, if they're going to include Hanukkah it's just plain stupid to think they should still exclude Christmas. In trying not to slight Jews, the town slighted Christians as well as non-religious people who celebrate Christmas anyway (please, don't get me started on THOSE people). Kwanzaa is in its own league -- it's cultural/ethnic and not religious. People can very definitely celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.



-- Eric

 

[Wendy1953]

During their training (called Traditions), they are informed it's happy holidays.....never, ever Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah...they're told it could be the end of their employment.

 

[drakethib]

Either way is fine for me. I am not Christian - but don't get upset when people wish me Merry Christmas - and often I respond in kind back. I feel they are wishing a happy holiday season the way they are used too.

Elf

Thanks for your response on this and it is nice to have an opinion from someone with a different belief.

Being a Catholic, I am not offended when someone says Happy Hanukkah or Happy Quanza or whatever.



I just never understood why people get offended by someone saying Merry Christmas.

 

[Marthasor]

non-religious people who celebrate Christmas anyway (please, don't get me started on THOSE people).


-- Eric

You're kidding right? "Christmas" was started in the third century AD by the Roman Emperor of the time who had converted from paganism to Christianity and wanted his people to do the same. December 25 was chosen as the date of the birth of Christ because it was the date on which the Romans already celebrated the birth of their sun god. What better way to ease them into Christianity than by adopting the date they are already used to celebrating - so THOSE non-"Christian" people have been celebrating "Christmas" longer than Christians have.

Yup - it is completely out of hand. I am a Catholic married to a Jew who has two kids, born of a Catholic mother. The four of us are going to Disney next week with the kids' Jewish grandmother and her Protestant husband and we will all enjoy the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa or whatever celebration they are having because it only broadens our respect and understanding of our own and others' cultures and religions - whatever they may be. Wasn't this country founded on the belief of religious freedom and our right to practice and celebrate our individual religions as we see fit as long as we don't harm others? Why pass judgement on the way people celebrate a holiday?

Merry Christmas. Happy Hannukah. Happy Kwanzaa. And a peaceful Solctice to you all.

 

[TSR6]

During their training (called Traditions), they are informed it's happy holidays.....never, ever Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah...they're told it could be the end of their employment.

Hmm... I knew Traditions was bright and early at 8am when I took it well over a year ago, but I didn't think I slept through any of it. Apparently I must have nodded off through the clarification of "Christmas v. Holiday"

 

[Marthasor]

Don't you think if people are attending MVMCHRISTMASP, they understand that they are celebrating "Christmas" at the event?

 

[peter11435]

During their training (called Traditions), they are informed it's happy holidays.....never, ever Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah...they're told it could be the end of their employment.

I’m sorry but that is not true. Cm's say Merry Christmas all of the time. Additionally Disney itself says Merry Christmas, sets up nativities, and reads the story of the birth of Jesus three times each night.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Hmm... I knew Traditions was bright and early at 8am when I took it well over a year ago, but I didn't think I slept through any of it. Apparently I must have nodded off through the clarification of "Christmas v. Holiday"

Apparently me as well.

When someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, I'll generally respond with "Thank you, and a happy (insert day of week)" So, for example, today would have been "Thank you, and Happy Friday!"

(Yes, I could choose to respond with Happy Holidays, and do sometimes, but I like to mix things up a little)

 

[outtonight]

as well as non-religious people who celebrate Christmas anyway (please, don't get me started on THOSE people).

Please, get started. As one of "THOSE people," I'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

[LukenDC]

For whatever reason, there are a number of people whipping up a frenzy claiming the words "Merry Christmas" are in danger. While there may be a few more "Happy Holiday's" and a few less "Merry Christmas" being said, you can rest assured that the reports of Merry Christmas' death are *vastly* overstated.

I agree. This seems to be a manufactured "crisis" so that a few right wing political groups can try to whip their followers into a frenzy. Christmas is thriving in America. I think that the term "Happy Holidays" came in vogue because Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year form a holiday triumvirate and the entire season is festive and beautiful. And of course many Americans do not celebrate Christmas because they follow a non-Christian religion or their Christian religion does not observe the holiday.

As for this atheist, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

 

[iliketoby]

I am sick and tired of everyone saying you should not mention the C-word because it bothers the Jews. It was not, and is not, the fault of the Jews that "Christmas" has turned into a word people aren't saying. Goodness, every single Jewish leader has come out and said they have no problem with Christmas and don't blame this "Holiday" business on them, thank you very much.

I'm really not sure why people don't want to say it, but if they don't want to, fine. Just don't blame the Jews. Please.

 

[crisi]

Please, get started. As one of "THOSE people," I'd love to hear what you have to say.

So would I.

Happy Solstice everyone.

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

... which is an example of a well-meaning practice being carried out in a very short-sighted way. Of course you're right, if they're going to include Hanukkah it's just plain stupid to think they should still exclude Christmas. In trying not to slight Jews, the town slighted Christians as well as non-religious people who celebrate Christmas anyway (please, don't get me started on THOSE people). Kwanzaa is in its own league -- it's cultural/ethnic and not religious. People can very definitely celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.



-- Eric

Wow, and to me your comment is "short sighted".

I'm a "non religious person who celebrates Christmas".

Before it became a Christian holiday it was a "pagan" holiday surounding the winter solstice. Heck Christ's birth was mentioned in the bible as being during the springtime.
But, not trying to cause a fight, just stating what is factually true - and to me - intersting.
I think one of the great things about holidays and america in general is you believe what you want, I believe what I want.

So Christmas means something different to you then it does to me, what's the problem?

To me it simply is a time of year to show the ones I love how much I appreciate and love them, to be thankful for what I have, and celebrate the drawing to a close of another year. To make my own family traditions and share passed down ones.

The gift giving was around before it was called Christmas, as was the decorating of trees, and well just about everything else associated as Christmas lore except for the nativity scene and star on the top of the tree. There are so many myths, legends, and stories surounding Christmas that I think it would be rather absurd or silly to say that Christmas was originally a Christian holiday and should only be celebrated by religious people.

I call it Christmas because that's what it's called nowadays, that's what it says on my calender, and when I say "Merry Christmas" people know what I'm talking about.

So, anyways, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and I hope you and your family have a wonderful season!
And to anyone else celebrating anything else, Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating whatever it is they celebrate for whatever reason they choose!

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I am sick and tired of everyone saying you should not mention the C-word because it bothers the Jews. It was not, and is not, the fault of the Jews that "Christmas" has turned into a word people aren't saying. Goodness, every single Jewish leader has come out and said they have no problem with Christmas and don't blame this "Holiday" business on them, thank you very much.

I'm really not sure why people don't want to say it, but if they don't want to, fine. Just don't blame the Jews. Please.

Hmm, I haven't read a single post that says you should not mention the C-word because it bothers Jews. In fact, most posts seem to say that the OP is mistaken, and that Disney CMs say "Merry Christmas" readily and often.

I am another non-Christian who celebrates Christmas. Woo-hoo, it's a fun time of year!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

Christmas is not only a Christian holiday, it is a NATIONAL holiday. So that includes Americans of all faiths and those who practice no religion. Why on Earth would anyone be offended by the words "Merry Christmas"? It is a well wish. I am saying it a little more often and loudly this year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CleveRocks]

Please, get started. As one of "THOSE people," I'd love to hear what you have to say.

WOW, I had no idea that I said anything controversial, but by popular demand I will expand upon my stated opinion, even though I may well end up changing it after being illuminated by so many posts.

I've always thought of Christmas as a celebration of the birth of the Christian messiah. I'm fairly well-versed in the ancient origins of Christmas as a co-opting of existing celebrations so that the masses would more easily assimilate into Christianity (Halloween is the other holiday/tradition that comes to mind, at least in Western Europe). But in contemporary American society, again, I always viewed Christmas as a CHRISTIAN thing. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I've always viewed non-Christians celebrating the gift-giving aspects of Christmas as hypocritical ("I don't worship Jesus, what the hey, I'll celebrate his birthday anyway!").

I'm not a Christian, but I've often heard from Christians that they feel offended that their holiday is cheapened by the commercial aspects of the holiday without the sacred. I hear complaints about "taking the Christ out of Christmas" and not forgetting "the reason for the season." I grew up in a VERY devoutly Catholic neighborhood, and later as an adult two of my close friends and neighbors when I moved to a new town were a married couple who were Christian missionaries (taking a few years off in America for professional training). From those experiences, I learned of Christmas as a sacred holiday that many around me felt was cheapened by the lack of religion in a religious celebration. Let's face it, regardless of Christmas' ancient origins, a major gift-giving holiday near the winter solstice would not be celebrated by the vast majority of Americans if it was not for Christians celebrating the birth of their Savior.

Maybe I'm terribly misguided here.... I certainly don't mean any offense to anyone. At least you can better understand my perspective.