Holiday Greetings: How it should work

From the Hero Board by Input.Jack, posted by permission:

I keep hearing people getting mad at each other because person A didnt use the "correct" holiday greeting for person B's religious beliefs.

As a public service, I present to you how it SHOULD work:


Vondy, Prodigy Duck, and I are all walking down the street, when we happen to converge on an intersection at the same time. Its the holiday season, and all three of us are in a pretty good mood.

"Merry Christmas!" I say, with a smile and a wave.

Vondy nods and smiles, and says "Happy Hannukha!"

ProdigyDuck waves at us both and adds "Joyous Festivus!"

And we all go on our way, having shared our good cheer with one another, and basking in the goodwill of our fellow human beans.


Here's how its NOT supposed to work:

I approach another corner, where I see someone I dont know, but Im still in a good mood, so I wave and say "Merry Christmas!"

"I DONT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS YOU ARROGANT PUSHY OBNOXIIOUS RELIGIOUS FANATIC!" Stranger Bob screams. "I CANT BELIEVE YOUD TRY TO PUSH YOUR RELIGION ON ME LIKE THAT!" *Hits me with a brick*.

Once I wake up, I stagger to my feet, make sure the bleeding has stopped, and try to remember which way "home" is.

As I approach another corner, I see someone who smiles and waves. Not wishing to offend (or take another brick to the head) I say the more neutral "Happy Holidays!"

"OMG ITS SUPPOSED TO BE MERRY CHRISTMAS! YOURE TRYING TO TAKE AWAY MY RELIGION!" she screams, pelting me with rocks as I run off into the darkness.

As I huddle in the shadows, I wonder what the heck happened. When did people suddenly start expecting everyone ELSE to somehow be telepathic, and know -exactly- what flavor of holiday they celebrate?

When did people start taking offense at other people trying to NOT be offensive, and using a more neutral expression?

For that matter, when did people start assuming that freedom OF religion means freedom FROM other peoples' religions? I thought that tolerance and understanding were what this country was supposed to be all about!

As I ponder all of these things, I am lifted from my reverie (and possible concussion) by a gentle voice and helpful hand, from a kind man who helps me get to my feet.

"Thank you" I say.

He asks, "What happened?"

I explain how my day has gone, and he looks concerned and sympathetic.

"What holiday is this for you?" I inquire.

"I am Muslim, so it is nearing Eid ul-Adha, this year."

"Well, happy Eid ul-Adha to you, then." I say.

"And merry Christmas to you." he replies. I thank him again for his help, and we part ways, both smiling.

Now, in the above examples, who was truly in the spirit of the holidays, and who wasnt?

Bottom line: If someone expresses a friendly greeting and hopes that you have hapy holidays, I hope you all will do them the courtesy of understanding that they mean well, and try not to overreact because they werent telepathic and omniscient and didnt know the -exact- brand of holiday you prefer. Just accept the happy greeting in the spirit its been given and reply in kind, and spread a little goodwill