There’s been a resurgence this year in people saying “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays”. I appreciate it. I really do.
I appreciate it, of course, because I celebrate Christmas. But also because others acknowledge that it’s okay to say “Merry Christmas”.
In recent years, “Merry Christmas” has been replaced with the generic “Happy Holidays”. And that’s a shame. I’m not opposed to saying “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Joyous Kwanzaa” to those I know celebrate those holidays.
This is the time of year when people believe more. In anything. In Santa Claus. In having a Wonderful Life. In Miracles. In waking up to find they haven’t missed it.
I’m not opposed to saying “Happy Holidays” but I prefer “Merry Christmas”. That doesn’t mean I’m trying to force my Christian beliefs on anyone. I’m not being politically incorrect or insensitive by my choice of words. I’m sharing my belief that there is Joy in the World. That the chill in the air should also warm our hearts. That God loves you. That it’s not about who gets what and how expensive the goodies are.
And that’s my hope for Christmas. Every time I say it, wish it, think it.
To me, “Merry Christmas” is not to be taken lightly. It’s announcing that I’m celebrating Faith. Faith that there are better things coming. Hope that you will be blessed beyond measure. And Love. Love for all mankind.
To be forced to be generic with my holiday wishes is to tell me that none of them matter. I’m okay with seeing a Menorah lit up, or the Star of David on someone’s window. I’m okay with the cultural celebration of Kwanzaa. And I’m okay with seeing a huge tree lit up in the City Hall Park.
And so it’s with best wishes for a New Year filled with Faith, Hope, and Love that I wish you all a very personal Merry Christmas.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
