January 28, 2010
Why Do Americans Always Say Happy Holidays In Place Of Merry Christmas?
I always watch commercials and other things and all they say is “Happy holidays” without ever saying merry christmas.The same applies to when people see each other,they say Happy holidays.How many holidays at all do workers get in December especially during the Christmas period?Its only on the 25th and perhaps 1st of January to,but all they say is happy holidays.Can someone explain the rationale behind this greetings or statement and why dont people just say Merry christmas as most Saxons do?
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Comments on Why Do Americans Always Say Happy Holidays In Place Of Merry Christmas?
Because Christmas is only one of the holidays celebrated. Happy Holidays can refer to all of the holidays celebrated. And since it is on national television, they cannot refer to religion, as it is one of those holidays that refers to religion (the birth of Christ). There are many people out there with different religions and different holidays to celebrate, so Happy Holidays can refer to all the holidays and all the religions.
Because “most” Americans are not “Saxons”. In fact, today less than 25% of Americans are white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs). And although Christianity is the majority religion here, Christmas is not universally observed. The holiday season includes everything from Thanksgiving to the winter solstice to new year’s day. And be aware that “holidays” in the US does not just mean vacation time. It can also mean festivities.
And as you can see from Ron’s answer, some of those who do insist on saying Merry Christmas say it belligerently, with a most Unchristian chip on their shoulder.
A good question and I have wondered that for years. You mostly hear this greeting in commercials and etc. The general public still says “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you went to a Muslim nation they aren’t going to stop saying their religious greetings simply because you moved there so why could Americans have to leave out “Christ” in their greetings because others are offended?
Because more than one holiday is celebrated during this period..Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. They simply say Happy Holidays because they don’t know what you celebrate..if you say Merry Christmas and they are Jewish..they might get offended. and holiday doesnt refer to a time when your off work..it refers to the actually holiday.
And also..i guess because America is pretty diverse..a lot of cultures mix in their holidays..
This God Fearing American will never say Happy Holidays.
There would not be a Christmas except for Jesus.
If someone wants to try to intimidate me for saying Merry Christmas it won’t work.
Merry Christmas Everyone and we pray a happy and prosperous New Year to come.
It is a part of the growing non-Christian attitude in what are traditionally Christian countries. I consider it as a way of giving in to the Muslims that are trying to take over the world. Using “Xmas” instead of Christmas is another.
some people feel insulted when we say merry Christmas bacause the word Christmas has the word Christ and some people dont beleve in Christ so people that say happy holidays say it so people wont get offended.
We have to be “politically correct” now. No matter what we say or do, it’s always offensive now.
This is out of respect for Jews and other non-Christians, who do not believe.
It’s because this country is so gutless, they can’t risk offending anyone.Everything has to be PC nowadays.