Merry Christmas!

I would like to take this moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, although I was recently told that I’m supposed to say “Happy Holidays” instead.

Why can’t I wish people a “Merry Christmas?” I realize that it’s not considered politically correct to use that phrase because it’s a Christian one and not everyone is a Christian. So, whenever someone wishes me “Happy Holidays,” I thank them and respond in kind, respecting the fact that they are probably not Christians. However, whenever I wish people “Merry Christmas,” the same respect does not always seem to be reciprocated.

But Christmas has its foundation in Christianity. According to Wikipedia.com the word “Christmas” is derived from “Christ’s Mass,” “an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.” So, just as people of other denominations have their holy days and holidays, such as Hanukkah, Ramadam, and Diwali, we Christians consider Christmas a holy time. And, in case anyone’s wondering about the “merry” part of the wish, the traditional definition of the word “merry” is “peaceful” or “blessed.”

I understand that most people in the world now celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday. However, Christians celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, so shouldn’t our rights be respected as well? If, in today’s world, we want to emphasize the need to be considerate of everyone’s feelings and beliefs, shouldn’t that consideration extend to Christians as well?

While I fully respect every individual’s right to practice their own religious beliefs – or not practice anything at all if it suits them – I hope that, in turn, people will respect my right to practice my Christian beliefs.

So my sincere wish to each and every one of you is a wonderful Christmas, however you choose to express it. And may it be a joyful and enriching time spent with the people who mean the most to you.

[tags]christmas, x-mas, holidays, Hanukkah, Ramadam, and Diwali, Jesus[/tags]