It’s normal to hear some Americans every year in December engage in the controversy of whether we should say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”
This argument falls right in the midst of the political and cultural battles of the saying ‘War on Christmas.’
Many people believe that this controversy is nonsense and worthless to engage in.
Everyone has the right to their own opinions.
However, America should take notice that our country is undergoing some profound changes in demographics.
As a country, we are becoming more culturally and religiously diverse. Diversity is what sparks these ridiculous reactions to whether we should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.
We are also seeing more people feeling the need not to participate in religious tradition as our population growth keeps rising.
It is not surprising to see Americans that have faith in Christianity, the most dominant religion in America, feel as if they should say Happy Holidays.
“Whenever I see someone I don’t know I will say Merry Christmas because that’s what I learned growing up. If I know someone who does not celebrate Christmas I will say Happy Holidays. Simple as that,” Tia Smith, a junior accounting major, said.
Recently, the Christmas Village in Philadelphia got people to protest the name of it and say it should be named the Holiday Village.
This is similar to the controversy of whether it should be the Christmas tree or the Holiday tree.
People believe calling an outdoor shop Christmas Village is excluding others that celebrate different holidays. Others have other opinions, “I don’t see a problem with Christmas Village.
I bet they sell items that say Happy Holidays and do try to welcome people that don’t celebrate Christmas,” Summer Arnold, a junior education major, said.
December is a busy holiday month that involves several celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
What should happen is that the ‘War on Christmas’ should end because people are forgetting about the importance of the holiday season. It is the best time of the year and a time to be thankful for your blessings.
The season brings joy and happiness to the families that gather together.
It should be the time of finding peace and love with the people you are surrounded with. That’s what the most important part of this season is.
“No matter what holiday you wish to celebrate I wish everyone a happy and safe holidays,” Thomas Nebiolo, a junior accounting major, said.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays everyone.
Let us all come together to experience the joy and love of our families and friends during this holiday season.
@ThomasPBreslin
