Happy Holidays!

Ya know, when that Happy Holidays stuff really became a big deal a decade ago or so, it really got to me. At that time, I wasn't even really what I consider to be a Christ-follower, but I wanted people to say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays. 

But now, it doesn't bother me anymore.

When someone says to me, "Happy Holidays!" I will likely respond with "Yup, Merry Christmas!" because the way I look at it is this -- Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is next.  Sure, Hannukah falls in there somewhere, too - but I don't observe Hanukkah.  Yeah, if they're Jewish or something, I hope they have a Happy Hannukah -- but that doesn't change my point.

If someone says "Happy Hanukah!" to me, I'll say "thanks! and Merry Christmas to you!"  Because, after all, that's the holiday I observe.  I hope I do have a Happy Hannukah - and frankly, I hope the Jewish friends of mine have a Merry Christmas - because really, when I wish that on someone I'm wishing them a happy day, and who doesn't need one of those?

In fact, when someone says "Merry Christmas!" to me, I often giggle and say "Yup! And Happy New Year!"  And sometimes I'll even say "And Happy Hanukah, and Happy Saturday, and Happy everyday!" because I'm a dork like that.

And besides, isn't it more Christ-like to accept whatever well wishes one bestows upon us? How Christ-like is it to say "wtf? Happy Holidays?? I'm Christian, you ho'bag!"  I mean, really....  can you imagine any of the disciples reacting negatively to a well wish ...especially one from a non-believer?

We are called to show God's love by living as examples.  To me, the big debacle over "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas" is comparable to a driver who has road rage issues -- is it worth your effort and frustration to prove your point, to show your frustration and anger -- when really you're just making a tool of yourself and acting un-Godly?