Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! There I said it. I know that in this day and age it is politically incorrect to say Merry Christmas and according to the federal government we should use Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings and other less offensive phrases. I firmly hold the opinion that this is semantic games and should be classified as balderdash. The Heritage Canada website lists ten holidays recognized at the national level. Any you guessed it, that terrible word “Christmas” is listed for December 25th. So why can’t we say Merry Christmas? After all, the Government uses the very word they ban.

When did the simple phrase “Merry Christmas” become so offensive? Does it really offend people who choose not to believe in Christ? I choose not to believe in Allah, but if a Muslim wants to say, “Praise Allah” that is their right and choice. I do not follow Astrology but if someone says, “Thank my lucky stars” go right ahead, but don’t stop me from saying “Merry Christmas”. The agnostic and atheist alike can come to work on December 25th and work all day long, if they want to. That is their choice. I choose to celebrate Christmas. These choices are not wrong, but they are diverse. Isn’t that one of the important aspects of Canada – diversity?

In my opinion one of the sweetest sounds at Christmas is the warm greeting people give when meeting around town. I love to hear elders blend the words “Merry Christmas” together dropping the enunciation of the three “r”s. I love the Joy that seems to linger waiting to infect anyone who accepts a “Merry Christmas” greeting. Like the flu, the Joy of Christmas does not need much exposure until you’ve got it. Before you know it you will reciprocate the greeting with a smile. If you choose to not say “Merry Christmas”, that is fine, that is your choice, however, my choice is to say “Merry Christmas”.

So there, I said it again. Merry Christmas!

Steve Donley