All I want to do is wish everyone a season filled with joy, happiness, peace, mirth, cheer, bliss, delight and more synonyms for “happy” … yet, twice in the last 3 weeks when I’ve wished someone “Happy Holidays,” I’ve been greeted with a terse and, if I may say so, rather snippy “Merry Christmas.” Really?!
Now, while I was raised in a household that wished everyone Merry Christmas, I realized as I grew up that there are a lot of people out there that don’t celebrate the same way I do. Thus, I adopted the Happy Holidays phrase so as to be considerate of others and their chosen path of celebration.
While I could easily get on my soapbox right now, I will not. All I ask is that “YOU” think outside of yourself and consider how your actions and statements might affect those around you when you wish someone a terse and snippy Merry Christmas instead of even a pleasant and warm “Merry Christmas.” Just changing the tone of what you say can mean all the difference. You don’t have to change the words, just how you deliver them.
And on that note …
May you be humbled by those who have less than you. May you be blessed by those who have more than you. May your heart be filled with the joy, love, goodwill and cheer that is this holiday season.
Oh, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!
Lisa
What a great post! I’m not Christian, and I don’t celebrate Christmas, and I so appreciate when people don’t assume that I do (“Happy Holidays”). And I use Happy Holidays also. It includes all those who celebrate things during this time of year, not just Christmas. Love the image too.