CMs saying Merry Christmas?

[Nancyg56]

I couldn't agree with you more. I've always made sure my precocious, highly verbal kindergartener doesn't "out" Santa to any of his classmates and playmates. I tell him that just because we don't believe Santa brings him presents doesn't mean that other kids shouldn't believe it, that they enjoy believing it and he'd better not do ANYTHING to get in their way of enjoying it. I hope the other parents of kids in his class feel the same way. We live in an ethnically diverse suburban community, and I'm figuring that there are 2 Jews, 2 Muslims, 2 Sikhs, and 1 or 2 Buddhists (and who knows how many with no religious background) in his class of 21 kids. Kinda like a little multi-cultural Noah's Ark ....

-- Eric

Nicely said! My niece used to work in a preschool that was held in a Synagogue. Children all backgrounds attended together. The teachers used food to teach the children about the different Holidays that occurred during the year. All were invited to attend, but is was not mandatory, and parents generally encouraged their childrens participation. It was a nice way to introduce young children to other traditions.

 

[Feralpeg]

I asked my sister, a CM, about this topic. She said they are not told anything about what to say. However, she said it is a no win situation. Most people are very pleasant regardless what she says. There are some who snap at her when she says "Merry Christmas". Others tell her they are sick of hearing "Happy Holidays". She said she really doesn't care anymore. She says what she feels at the time. People will either like or not. You can't please everyone.

 

[mommyoeo]

I asked my sister, a CM, about this topic. She said they are not told anything about what to say. However, she said it is a no win situation. Most people are very pleasant regardless what she says. There are some who snap at her when she says "Merry Christmas". Others tell her they are sick of hearing "Happy Holidays". She said she really doesn't care anymore. She says what she feels at the time. People will either like or not. You can't please everyone.

I'd hate to be in their shoes! I started this thread because I had bought tickets to the MVMCP and was surprised that I didn't hear many Merry Christmases while I was there and figured they must have to walk a tight line.

 

[Flyerfan]

This PC thing burns me up!!

What about ME......It "offends" ME when people say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Check out Larry the Cable Guy's Politically Correct Christmas video.....

http://livinginthepast.us/?p=347

 

[SandrA9810]

A little off topic here. Kari got yelled at work because she would say merry christmas to people who were buy christmas trees.
Now if you're buying a christmas tree wouldn't that mean you're more than likely celebrating christmas and not another holiday??

 

[UrsulasShadow]

IMO, the greeting reflects the greeter, so if one who celebrates Christmas says, "Merry Christmas" to a Jew, why shouldn't they respond with, "Happy Hanukah"? And a pagan/wiccan with "Happy Solstice"? Can't see how that would offend anyone, and would pass the good will around, and give a little info to each other. Seems a very tolerant, pleasant way to greet each other over the holiday season.

 

[snowbunny]

So, Who wants cake.

And just a bit of perspective: one of the first things the Puritans did after arriving in the New World was to cancel Christmas and outlaw celebration of it, for many years, because of its pagan associations.
(http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/holidays/christmas/real3.html)

 

[TiggerandBelleFanMom]

I find it really, really, REALLY difficult to understand how Christians can get bent out shape when people don't wish them a "Merry Christmas" but instead say "Happy Holidays," as a few posts above suggested. Christians are certainly NOT a persecuted minority in this country, and it's the thought that counts, right? If someone is wishing you a Happy Holidays, they are still wishing you well, right?

Before bemoaning the PC nature of America, might I suggest that you ponder how often you wish your Jewish friends a Happy Rosh Hashanah or acknowledge Yom Kippur, the two holiest days in the Jewish calendar? Is there a Mickey's Happy Passover Seder in the spring? Do you always remember to acknowledge Ramadan? Does Mickey celebrate Eid with his Muslim friends? Christianity is the dominant religion in this country. Every religious minority knows this, and many celebrate a secular Christmas to one degree or another. But if some members of these faith communities feel more comfortable saying "Happy Holidays," I honestly think you should let it go!

Merry Christmas and/or Happy Chanukah and/or Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate...and a happy school vacation to all the kids and teachers!

 

[LukenDC]

I find it really, really, REALLY difficult to understand how Christians can get bent out shape when people don't wish them a "Merry Christmas" but instead say "Happy Holidays," as a few posts above suggested. Christians are certainly NOT a persecuted minority in this country, and it's the thought that counts, right? If someone is wishing you a Happy Holidays, they are still wishing you well, right?

Merry Christmas and/or Happy Chanukah and/or Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate...and a happy school vacation to all the kids and teachers!

And let's not forget that Disney hosts Night of Joy for its Christian guests. I don't recall hearing about special shows for people of other faiths.

 

[jarestel]

Well, yes it does. You seemed to be trying to make the point that the majority rules, which is perfectly fine, so everyone else needs to just get with the program or get over it.

The sad part is that although I am not a Christian (yes, I am one of those people) I've always loved Christmas. But Christmas wielded as a blunt instrument by culture-war fanatics really ruins the spirit of it.

No at all, snowbunny. I'm just saying that in a non-autocratic society, you will never get total and absolute agreement from everyone on anything. Not to mention that nothing at all functions under that scenario. In matters of practicality ( electing representatives, deciding to build highways, malls, etc... ), we all recognize this, but when it comes to the more esoteric matters of culture and tradition, for some reason we think 100% approval is a workable idea. Just because everyone doesn't agree with something is not necessarily a reason to toss the idea away.

By the way, fanatacism to any degree is more of a selfish motivation by people who just want it to be "all about me and what I want". I'm not saying "get over it" to anyone except the people who go out of their way to find insult where there is none and feign emotional hurt when none was intended. Reasonable people can certainly see past the foolishness of the fanatics and get along quite nicely, whether they are in agreement or not.

Feliz Navidad!

 

[cleo]

Well said, jarestel! Very well said.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did you know that Hanukkah dates back to 165 B.C.??? Now you do.

That's all? I thought it'd been around a LOT longer than that!

During their training (called Traditions), they are informed it's happy holidays.....

Now, see, I disagree with that term FAR more than with Merry Christmas, based on the word origin. As an earlier poster stated, the word holiday is derived from holy days.

Happy Solstice everyone.

Um, but isn't the Solstice on the 21st or 22nd?

Anyway, this just in from one of my friends - if she missed anything, let me know: Ramahanakwanzmasolstivas

 

[WDWBetsy]

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!

As another non-religious person who celebrates Christmas, I totally agree.

 

[scrump]

We just got back from WDW (12/4 - 12/10) and we were very surprised that we hadn't heard one CM say "Merry Christmas" - it was all "Happy Holidays" for us. Though I personally am not Christian and prefer Happy Holidays, I don't find Merry Christmas offensive at all. DH's family is very Catholic, and they found it funny that I bought Holiday cards, but my friends are all pretty religious diverse and I didn't see the point of Christmas cards. Not sure if DH's family understood my position, but they seemed ok with it.

 

[Sunkissed]

Probably a bad analogy but I'll try anyway: it's your neighbor's birthday and he's gonna have a huge party. You're happy and excited for him, you may help him decorate the house, but you're not going to go to the party thinking it's your birthday too and expect gifts.

Eric - Thanks for that! That is how I tend to view holidays which I do not celebrate, Christmas being just one.

I'm not offended if someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas". As many posters have said, it is the "well wishes" behind the phrase that I can appreciate. That said, the phrase I use most often is "Happy Holidays" in general social settings. If I am celebrating with friends or family of a known faith, I will usually use a more specific greeting.

 

[salmoneous]

Don't any of you folks celebrate Festivus?

 

[peter11435]

Don't any of you folks celebrate Festivus?

SERENITY NOW!

 

[maxiesmom]

Don't any of you folks celebrate Festivus?

That is perfect!

I don't understand why we don't embrace and celebrate our differences instead of being afraid of them.

 

[Puffy2]

I would think CMs are told in general not to say Merry Christmas, because it is not PC to mention the name of our NATIONAL holiday but how about during MVMCP? I said Merry Christmas to every CM because a) I wanted them to have a Merry Christmas and b) I was very curious if they could say the word Christmas at the Christmas party. I found only 1 who resonded in kind. It sort of shocked me, since I had happily paid $45 for the Christmas ticket and was clear what I was buying before I bought it. We were there in October and did not get MNSSHP tickets because we do not celebrate that holiday. If we had bought tickets, I would expect people to mention Halloween though.

I just plain don't care.

As a matter of fact, with all the "controversy" that has been stired up by a few anal retentive Christians over this "happy holidays v/s merry Christmas" nonsense it has down right taken the joy out of this holiday for me this year.

So bah hum bug, thanks a lot, and have a what-ever-the-heck-you-want-to-have-day. I just don't care anymore.

 

[Nancyg56]

Don't any of you folks celebrate Festivus?

Loved that episode!