OPINION: Why ‘Happy Holidays’ is a more inclusive saying than ‘Merry Christmas’
“Happy Holidays” tends to be a more inclusive greeting.
As the holidays approach, the question of whether or not to greet people with “Merry Christmas” troubles many. Since some celebrate seasonal holidays other than Christmas, knowing what to say and navigating the politically correct way to greet someone during the holiday season can be difficult. A solution is to say “Happy Holidays” to all as this is a more inclusive greeting.
According to All Things Christmas, a site that provides information on the holiday, wishing each other a “Merry Christmas” has been a custom since 1699. Back then, an English admiral sent an informal letter to his friend using the phrase “Merry Christmas.” The phrase caught on and has been the norm, appearing in countless songs, movies and plays.
Recently, many who do not celebrate Christmas have started to become more irritated about others wishing them a “Merry Christmas.” “Happy Holidays” covers more traditions, including but limited to Christmas. The phrase is a more general saying that is appropriate for many different situations.
Coincidentally, those who do celebrate Christmas are offended sometimes when someone tells them to have a “Happy Holiday.” Since they participate in Christmas, they usually expect to be greeted with “Merry Christmas,” but a person’s religion is not usually known based on their outward appearance. Thus, using a specific greeting can be risky.
Besides the few, the likelihood of offending someone with “Happy Holidays” is slim since the greeting is so inclusive. However, wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” is fine if in fact they celebrate Christmas. Similarly, if someone is Jewish, wishing them a “Happy Hanukkah” is respectful – it shows acknowledgement and respect to their individual religion. Still, if this information is not known, “Happy Holidays” is a safe choice.
“Merry Christmas” does not acknowledge any other holiday besides Christmas, so saying “Merry Christmas” may be seen as a disrespectful gesture to those who do not celebrate that holiday. “Happy Holidays” is a better and more inclusive greeting to use this holiday season.
Will • Dec 11, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Merry Christmas is more inclusive. Replacing the Christmas label with the holiday label while talking about mainly Christmas is cringeworthy.
Emir Santana • Dec 8, 2021 at 4:20 pm
I think either is fineMerry Christmas or Happy holidays, , HOLIDAY comes from the words HOLY DAY so you have not removed God from Christmas, Holidays also include New Year, and many other holidays for various religions around the world. There are over 14 different holidays from November and December through January 24th, so Happy Holidays may be respecting other people’s religions but if you are Christian and decide to say Merry Christmas it too should not be taken as offensive, someone has taken the time to greet you with love and kindness. If you use Merry Christmas you are not asserting yourself and your religion upon a non Christian, just as saying Happy Holidays is not trying to take GOD and Jesus out of Christmas but rather also including the other religions. neither should be frowned upon nor taken as anything other than the spirit they were given. If you say Happy Holidays and I say Merry Christmas or vise versa we both are thankful and no one gets offended, that’s called being an actual adult and having actual compassion.
NW • Nov 28, 2022 at 8:08 am
The term “Holy” doesn’t only insinuate the Christian God. As a believer myself, it is important to recognize that “Holy” applies to many other customs and traditions. In Judaism, The Holy Temple. In Islam, Mecca and Medina. Holy can be tied to God, but Holy also implies something sacred. By saying “Happy Holidays,” you’re saying Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, etc. all at the same time. It would be unnecessary to repeat your culturally acceptable, celebratory phrase after recognizing all of the holidays including your own. In doing that, as you mentioned towards the end of your message, it would further imply that you believe your celebration is more important than those, regardless of your intention.