NationStates Jolt Archive

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)

Doesn't bother me, either one.

I find it hard to comprehend why you made a copycat thread... of one of your own threads. :confused:

Either is fine; I'll either wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (got to include all of the holy days in that case) depending on if I feel like it.

There is more than one holiday in December so Happy Holidays is my choice.

Ah... There we go. Threw me with a loop with the X-mas thread, but now we're back on stable ground.

Frankly, if you get offended by someone wishing you a Merry Christmas, you're too easily offended for your opinion to count.

However, the same goes for Happy Holidays.

don't care.

Either one is acceptable, holiday means holy day so meh.

I also accept "have a nice day"

Well, Hyvää Joulua to you too.

I'm always surprised to hear that anybody actually cares.

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)It's the thought that counts. I couldn't care which of the two or more wordings is used to convey it.

Doesn't bother me, either one.

Ditto.


It's the intent of the message. Most people understand that.....

I find it hard to comprehend why you made a copycat thread... of one of your own threads. :confused:

I beg to differ, they may be similar but they are definately different. similar being that it's in regards the the Christmas and Holiday seasons, tis the season. Definately, different in topics, this one talks about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" as either saying or hearing.

The other one is seeing or writing of "Christmas" and "Xmas". Do you see the difference in the two, now?

Bah, humbug!

We don't seem to have this "happy holidays" thing in Britain, anyway. Unless I missed it. Which is more than possible.

I beg to differ, they may be similar but they are definately different. similar being that it's in regards the the Christmas and Holiday seasons, tis the season. Definately, different in topics, this one talks about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" as either saying or hearing.

The other one is seeing or writing of "Christmas" and "Xmas". Do you see the difference in the two, now?

Sort of the difference between slander and libel.

I beg to differ, they may be similar but they are definately different. similar being that it's in regards the the Christmas and Holiday seasons, tis the season. Definately, different in topics, this one talks about "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" as either saying or hearing.

The other one is seeing or writing of "Christmas" and "Xmas". Do you see the difference in the two, now?

So... they basically have the same difference as "Under Pressure" and "Ice, Ice, Baby".

Understood. ;)

Sort of the difference between slander and libel.

yeah, I think your right. Good catch. Good comparison. :D

I don't really care which. I'm just happy if someone genuinely wishes me well.
As long as they don't make bloodsacrifices in my name, they can almost do it any (legal) way they want.

I'm honestly not sure if I could care less.

Either way is a nice greeting, and I accept it in the spirit of which it is given. To get upset about it - one way or the other - is just petty in my mind.

I like happy holidays more since it is more inclusive of everyone and not just focused on christianity.

Merry Christmas.

They come to our country and expect us to conform to their standards. They're the immigrants. They shouldn't complain when their particular holiday isn't
mentioned in lieu of a holiday that the majority of the population celebrates.

I'd expect the same, for example, if I moved to Israel. Just because I celebrate Christmas, I wouldn't throw a hissyfit because Hannukah is the main thing they're celebrating there.

Merry Christmas.

They come to our country and expect us to conform to their standards. They're the immigrants. They shouldn't complain when their particular holiday isn't
mentioned in lieu of a holiday that the majority of the population celebrates.

I'd expect the same, for example, if I moved to Israel. Just because I celebrate Christmas, I wouldn't throw a hissyfit because Hannukah is the main thing they're celebrating there.

ROFL

It's "Merry Christmas versus Happy Holdays", not "Merry Christmas versus Feliz Navidad".

Merry Christmas.

They come to our country and expect us to conform to their standards. They're the immigrants. They shouldn't complain when their particular holiday isn't
mentioned in lieu of a holiday that the majority of the population celebrates.

I'd expect the same, for example, if I moved to Israel. Just because I celebrate Christmas, I wouldn't throw a hissyfit because Hannukah is the main thing they're celebrating there.

Your logic isn't.

The Pilgrims were immigrants, and not particularly legal ones at that. So, by your logic, we shouldn't mention Christmas in lieu of whatever Native American holidays take place around this time of year.

Typically involves swearin', cursin', drinkin' and spittin'.

Your logic isn't.

The Pilgrims were immigrants, and not particularly legal ones at that. So, by your logic, we shouldn't mention Christmas in lieu of whatever Native American holidays take place around this time of year.

I agree. Indians > Pilgrims.

I don't know any holidays, though.

Your logic isn't.

The Pilgrims were immigrants, and not particularly legal ones at that. So, by your logic, we shouldn't mention Christmas in lieu of whatever Native American holidays take place around this time of year.

Even though it wouldn't have happened back then, because they didn't have mass media in the 17th century.

And now, Native Americans are a minority.

I agree. Indians > Pilgrims.

I don't know any holidays, though.

Actually, though, by continuing logic, we shouldn't mention those holidays in lieu of the holidays celebrated by the wildlife.

Actually, though, by continuing logic, we shouldn't mention those holidays in lieu of the holidays celebrated by the wildlife.

Also true. Canis lupus > H. Sapiens.

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)
Who cares?

Even though it wouldn't have happened back then, because they didn't have mass media in the 17th century.

And now, Native Americans are a minority.

That's right. Because we imposed our culture on them.

And the whole genocide thing, but let's not get into that.

So, by that logic, Practicing Jews, should be able to force their culture on us, morally speaking.

I don't care one way or the other. Whichever greeting someone says to me, I'm happy to wish them the same right back.

If I'm the one giving the greeting, I say "Happy holidays" if I don't know which one the person I'm talking to is celebrating, because it's not my place to assume. If I do know for certain which holiday they're celebrating, then I'll tailor my greeting to them -- or not, depending on whether I care or not.

Mostly I don't care.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=509728

The above thread has the Christmas vs. happy holidays theme to it. Trust me it's relavant.;)

Actually, though, by continuing logic, we shouldn't mention those holidays in lieu of the holidays celebrated by the wildlife.

Clams got holidays!

The question is silly to me. If you're a devout Christian and someone wishes you "Happy Holidays" are you really offended? It is the holidays and you were wished well, so what's the problem? And anyway, it's not easy to tell a person's religion in the winter (pace to all you in the Southern Hemisphere, of course). The issue in the US is used to "energize the base," to get folks riled up over things they never think about the other eleven months of the year. And on the other side, some people should get a life and stop worrying about whether "Merry Christmas" is going to offend a Cargo Cultist or a Muslim or a Jew. If those people are adults and don't have their heads up their own fundaments, they'll understand that for some strange reason there are lot of Christians in the US and you're more likely to hear "Merry Christmas" at this time of year. :rolleyes: [/rant]

It's really simple though..

A: "Merry Christmas!"
B: "But I'm not Christian"
A: "Oh well, have a right miserable Christmas then!"

or

A: "Happy Holidays!"
B: "I take offense at that, I'm Christian!"
A: "Well, fine, have horrible holidays then, and a crappy new year."

It's really simple though..

A: "Merry Christmas!"
B: "But I'm not Christian"
A: "Oh well, have a right miserable Christmas then!"

or

A: "Happy Holidays!"
B: "I take offense at that, I'm Christian!"
A: "Well, fine, have horrible holidays then, and a crappy new year."

So...

We should wish people Merry Christmas, as in the end, we only want them to have one miserable holiday, where if we wish them Happy Holidays, we end up wanting them to have multiple horrible holidays?

I say Merry Christmas, and I have not had anyone complain yet.

I've been told Happy Holidays and I take no offense.

So...

We should wish people Merry Christmas, as in the end, we only want them to have one miserable holiday, where if we wish them Happy Holidays, we end up wanting them to have multiple horrible holidays?My point was more that if people don't want the one thing, you might as well try the opposite. And if people aren't content with a wellwishing, then bugger'em.

Who cares?

Obviously not you, thanks for posting. Merry Christmas ;)

This is a pretty dumb debate since both denote religious affiliation:

Merry Christmas (Merry {adjective meaning happy} Christ {Messiah of the Christians} Mass {Church service})

Happy Holidays (Happy {interchangeable with merry} Holidays {Translated into modern english, HOLY DAYS})

SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Merry New Year

Either is fine; I'll either wish them a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (got to include all of the holy days in that case) depending on if I feel like it.

I like to split the difference and go with the British "Happy Christmas."

I say Merry Christmas, however I am not offended by Happy Channachka...damn it...you know what I mean. Or happy holidays, or whatever kind greeting someone wishes to offer me...as long as they arent offended by my kind greeting....as a matter of fact anyone who gets offended by someone else offering kind words is just an asshole.

If Jews and Muslims can Shalam and Shalom eachother with smiles then Happy Holidays nad Merry Christmas should get along just fine.

honestly, i prefer to hear "merry christmas" because its traditional and it reminds me of my childhood.

i am happy to get a holiday greeting of any sort. i wouldnt complain or be offended by anyone wishing me a good time.

This is a pretty dumb debate since both denote religious affiliation:

Merry Christmas (Merry {adjective meaning happy} Christ {Messiah of the Christians} Mass {Church service})

Happy Holidays (Happy {interchangeable with merry} Holidays {Translated into modern english, HOLY DAYS})

SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

that's why i say "merry new year"

Other: "Hello, my lord god unholy master"

This is a pretty dumb debate since both denote religious affiliation:

Merry Christmas (Merry {adjective meaning happy} Christ {Messiah of the Christians} Mass {Church service})

Happy Holidays (Happy {interchangeable with merry} Holidays {Translated into modern english, HOLY DAYS})

SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Why do so many of my fellow Atheists overanalyze this stuff? Yes, the root of holiday is holy day, but that is NOT how it's used in modern english. And while Christmas has a definite religious aspect, it is also the name given to the day 25 Decembre in the western calender - and commonly used as such by people of every creed, whether they CELEBRATE the day or not. Even for many people who do celebrate it, they do so in a non-religious manner.

I just use Merry Christmas. It's traditional, it's pleasent, and anybody who takes offence isn't worth worrying about.

I say Merry Christmas to everyone. If they don't take it in the spirit intended, that's they're problem. :) Statistically, I'm right 80+% of the time.

This is a pretty dumb debate since both denote religious affiliation:
<snip snip>
SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

So what you're saying is that a more appropriate term would be "Happy Shopping Season" or, alternatively, "Good Capitalist Tidings to you!" or even, "Merry Consumas!"

After all, we all know what this time is truly about; shopping, consuming, business, and other similar (usually) non-religious practices. Why else would we have little chocolate Jesus candies, giant inflatible santas, and (sometimes)whorishly decorated pine trees around this time?

Not to say capitalism is evil, but that this time just isn't a very religious time thanks to the wonderful little system of Capitalism.

Hmm...I'm reminded of a satirical thread I made not long ago...I think I'll post it here. Everyone will get a good laugh I'm sure.

This is a pretty dumb debate since both denote religious affiliation:

Merry Christmas (Merry {adjective meaning happy} Christ {Messiah of the Christians} Mass {Church service})

Happy Holidays (Happy {interchangeable with merry} Holidays {Translated into modern english, HOLY DAYS})

SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Not really, I made an option for "other, please explain" which opens it up to anything in the world of your likings. ;)

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)

My two best friends are a Jew and another agnostic, so I just go with Happy Holidays.

I say Merry Christmas to everyone. If they don't take it in the spirit intended, that's they're problem. :) Statistically, I'm right 80+% of the time.

Alrighty. Here's my little copy of my fun thread of happiness. Hope you all get a good laugh. If you don't understand satire though, please don't read because you will likely not understand the point of this.

____________________________________________________________

The war on Christmas has already begun. As stores put up their "holiday displays", less people are exposed to their recommended daily dosage of Christianity. This is quickly becoming an epidemic in the US and more stores are following the dark path towards secularism. Soon even the government will fall to this hateful attack upon Christian values, and I for one, will not stand by and let this happen. But first, some explanation of this attack on Christmas.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Businesses no longer promote Christianity.

http://www.katiesstore.com/pages/tourpages/images/ChristmasOrnaments.jpg

Just look at this store display! Not one cross! Not one Bible! These sick individuals have gone as far as to stick nutcrackers and snowmen all over the place, but completely remove any sign of Christianity from this display. It's obvious that they hate Christmas and Christians by this foul display of discrimination against a religious group.

2. The Government is failing to enforce Christian values upon the dead around the holidays.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12979013/

Just look at this article and be appalled by the rampant support of pedophiles and pagans! The government doesn't recognize the wiccan symbol for a reason! It is an evil, vile symbol designed to promote drug use and heavy metal in teens, turning them into drug dealers and prostitutes! The government should crack down on this, especially around the holidays. It's a blatant attempt from the Godless left to force their values on Americans.

3. The government doesn't support Christianity like it used to.

http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/Happy_Holidays.shtml

This secular propaganda is already showing up in our government and it has to stop! If it doesn't, the basic moral fabric of our Christian nation will be ripped apart. Soon, Christmas will be banned and no one will be allowed to say the "C" word. We all know that secularism is a lie from the liberal left, and that the founding fathers were completely faithful Christians. It's obvious when our very government is designed to promote Christianity that this is true. But when this Godless left forces their opinions on everyone else, the government all but listens! But no, when a good Christian group wants to have a Christmas display, then all hell breaks loose. What's next? You can only eat chocolate pentagrams but not chocolate Jesus’? :rolleyes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sumary

Clearly, this is a war on American, and Christian values. I hope you'll all join me and help fight this war on free speech. Pretty soon, Christmas will be outlawed, and no one will be allowed to say the "C" word. We all know that without Christmas, society would almost collapse. It WILL collapse once Christians are banned, and it's obvious that the first step to this is banning Christmas. Help me help you, and together we can say "Merry Christmas" freely!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

End of Satire. Questions are serious. Ignoring them AND taking the above seriously will only encourage me to continue the satire. Just remember to reply all angry-like so everyone else can laugh at you.

Discuss.

- Is there a War on Christmas?

- What can be done about this War?

- Is saying "Happy Holidays" over "Merry Christmas" going to destroy Christmas and society's basic social fabric?

- Why are businesses saying "Happy Holidays" AND/OR "Merry Christmas" in order to gain more profit depending upon which one they say? (They tend to do research to figure out what would appeal to the most people.)

- Are Christians responsible for the current commercialization and secularization of Christmas by not standing up and saying "no" to all the commercialization before that brought about the secularism?

____________________________________________________________

That's it. Don't answer the questions, as they were meant to sway those who answered them into thinking more about what the holyday has become than what they want.

As a Muslim I prefer happy holidays.

I don't care at all whether people wish me a merry Christmas, happy holidays, lovely Kwanzaa, happy Chanukkah, or super-awesome December 28th. If people are wishing me happiness, who the heck am I to complain about what day or days they particularly hope for me to enjoy?

As for myself, I generally use "Happy Holidays" if I don't happen to know what holiday(s) the person I'm speaking to celebrates, since that way I'm assured of including their holiday of choice.

Bah fucking humbug.

Oh, and Happy Solstice here too!

SO as an atheist your damned if you do, and damned if you don't.You could just wish people a happy Agnostica. It has no religious connotations, but is instead all about celebrating science.

Merry Christmas.
Most people that say Happy Holidays don't regard 'it' as a Holy day/s, just Secular tools.

Merry Christmas. It just sounds nicer to me, or maybe I just like using the word "merry."

Merry Christmas is responded to with either, 'Fuck Christmas' or 'I don't celebrate it.'

Happy Holidays with 'Uhh, thanks... I'm not celebrating anything...'

That said, it's funner to see the look on people's faces when I say 'fuck Christmas'.

So what you're saying is that a more appropriate term would be "Happy Shopping Season" or, alternatively, "Good Capitalist Tidings to you!" or even, "Merry Consumas!"

After all, we all know what this time is truly about; shopping, consuming, business, and other similar (usually) non-religious practices. Why else would we have little chocolate Jesus candies, giant inflatible santas, and (sometimes)whorishly decorated pine trees around this time?

Not to say capitalism is evil, but that this time just isn't a very religious time thanks to the wonderful little system of Capitalism.

Hmm...I'm reminded of a satirical thread I made not long ago...I think I'll post it here. Everyone will get a good laugh I'm sure.
pah. just say merry new year.

If it's Christmas, then "Merry Christmas", if it's Chanukah then "Happy Chanukah", etc.

"Happy Holidays" across religious lines is ok. Within religious lines it's an insult.

I've grown more and more cynical regarding most holidays as I've grown older, so I tend not to wish anyone either a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. The only time I use either phrase is at my job, and only if it's used on me first.

So whatever people are speaking at me...that's what I use. :p

Anyone who is genuinely offended by either is a sad, sad person.

Happy Yuletide everyone!

I prefer drunken rambling, thank you very much.

(Poll coming Soon)

So what do you prefer to hear, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It doesn't really where you hear it but everybody has their preferences. Some are offended by hearing others say Merry Christmas but some rather would say Merry Chrismas than Happy Holidays. Your ideas and/or thoughts, please. :)
I find Happy Holidays to be more appropriate, since the overwhelming majority of people in my area observe multiple winter holidays (including the New Year). I wish them joy on all the holidays, not just merriment on Christmas, so Happy Holidays makes more sense.

couldn't care less really. although "happy holidays" does sound a bit silly.

I find Happy Holidays to be more appropriate, since the overwhelming majority of people in my area observe multiple winter holidays (including the New Year). I wish them joy on all the holidays, not just merriment on Christmas, so Happy Holidays makes more sense.

And that we should all celebrate my birthday on the fifteenth is also most excellent a reason for a holiday.

So what you're saying is that a more appropriate term would be "Happy Shopping Season" or, alternatively, "Good Capitalist Tidings to you!" or even, "Merry Consumas!"

After all, we all know what this time is truly about; shopping, consuming, business, and other similar (usually) non-religious practices. Why else would we have little chocolate Jesus candies, giant inflatible santas, and (sometimes)whorishly decorated pine trees around this time?

Not to say capitalism is evil, but that this time just isn't a very religious time thanks to the wonderful little system of Capitalism.

Hmm...I'm reminded of a satirical thread I made not long ago...I think I'll post it here. Everyone will get a good laugh I'm sure.


I prefer "Merry Day-after-Christmas". That's the day I can return all the crap that I received the day before for cold hard cash...;)