Tell Us: Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
You might be surprised at the results of a poll on the subject.
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Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
When it comes to season’s greetings, a new poll shows the majority of Americans prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.”
According to a survey from Rasmussen Reports, 68 percent of people polled prefer the traditional “Merry Christmas” while just 23 percent like "Happy Holidays," which can cover a variety of occasions.
When it comes to holiday signs, a whopping 70 percent of shoppers polled said they prefer to be greeted with “Merry Christmas” in stores rather than the more neutral "Happy Holidays," according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
It doesn't end there. There have been "Christmas Trees" banned or replaced with "Holiday Trees," nativity scenes scrapped to avoid offending some, and the list goes on. Some say such things as “Merry Christmas” and nativity scenes exclude non-Christians.
The so-called “War on Christmas” has been a hot topic for years, with some saying “Merry Christmas” excludes non-Christians. Others believe the religious connotation behind the greeting does not belong in government or schools.
We want to know what you think. Take our poll and tell us if you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Let us know the reason behind your preference in the in the comment section below.
Ray Davis
9:23 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
It is Merry Christmas. You can celebrate any holiday you choose to and you can call yours whatever you want.
Christmas has many meanings but the meaning of the holiday is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and what that means . Merry Christmas to you .
Robert E
11:50 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
The meaning of the holiday is about the church adapting pagan rutual and practices in order to gain converts even though God and the Bible expressly forbids this.
So Happy Saturnalia to everyone.
Jane Wolk Wheeler
10:09 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Religious holiday decorations do not belong in government buildings. Stores are private entities and may do whatever they like. If you think the SALESpeople in stores greeting you or handing you your bags saying "Merry Christmas" are saying that with the birth of Jesus Christ in mind, think again! If Jesus himself were here today, I think he wouldn't be concerned with anything as inconsequential as how it's said, but the dedication of the person saying it to the true meaning of the holiday. Jesus would not be shopping, decorating a tree, waiting in line on black Thursday night, gorging himself on fattening foods, or arguing about the best way to wish others a nice day! He would be working in a soup kitchen, getting homeless people off the streets into shelters, or my personal wish, back in his homeland mediating peace in the middle east!
Oh, one more question...would anyone mind if a cashier in a store or a clerk at the DMV, or a waitress in a restaurant said to each person as they were leaving, "Happy Hanukah" or "Merry Kwaanza" during this season?
Donna
11:23 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
I don't have a problem with any decorations for any holiday being displayed in any establishment. You make a great point on how Jesus would celebrate the season. I also don't mind anyone wishing me any type of holiday greeting. If I was bothered by it I would say, I celebrate Christmas but Happy, Merry, whatever you're celebrating to you.
Chuck Flippo
1:24 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Christians can't have it both ways. Either Christmas is now a completely secular holiday that everyone is invited to share in, in which case I'll be okay with people wishing me a Merry Christmas. Or it is a religious observation honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, in which case it is presumptuous, even insulting to wish someone a Merry Christmas without knowing anything about their religious beliefs. It assumes we are all Christians, which we are not. If you wish everyone Merry Christmas because you assume they are an observer of the religious holiday, you may be right 70 to 80 percent of the time. But you have inappropriately addressed the other 20 to 30 percent of us. "Happy Holidays" covers pretty much everybody.
Robert E
2:02 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Don't forget there are Christian denominations that do not celebrate Christmas.
katherine
2:25 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
I would not be insulted if someone wished me a happy Hanukkah. In fact I think it would be nice. It is not insulting to get warm wishes from anyone. People get offended by everything these days. Just relax and enjoy the season. However you enjoy it, I am in favor of it.
Former Ports resident
2:04 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Also don't say bless you when I sneeze because you are insinuating I am religious.
Stanley Farak
3:13 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Gesundheit!! Health to you
Donna
11:26 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
I think if a person says, "God Bless You" then yes, you could say it was a religious reference. Just "Bless You" is just a form of well wishing, good luck, etc. in my opinion.
Portsmouth Citizen
6:37 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
According to a recent poll, 72% of Christians prefer to be upset about what seasonal decorations are called rather than be joyful about the birth of Christ.
Theresa Tobben
8:30 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
It is Merry Christmas. You can celebrate any holiday you choose to and you can call yours whatever you want.
Christmas has many meanings but the meaning of the holiday is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and what that means . Merry Christmas to you .
Jill Giggey
9:31 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
This holiday, Christmas, is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and should be called Christmas. Those who celebrate other things at this time of year such as Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Saturnalia and Eid-Ul-Adha should follow suit with what they believe. I don't understand this "holiday tree" hubub going on at the State House as in fact, it is a Christmas Tree - of historical means for Christians in this country - just as the Menorha is to the Jewish - not therefore a holiday tree. However, the question you pose is not so simple - if you are Christian, believing in Jesus Christ, Merry Christmas it is but if you celebrate any of the other holidays also present this month - Happy holiday's to you. This is what America is about - freedom to follow what you believe without fear of persceution... something we all haven't been good at lately.
FACT-FINDER
9:37 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Merry CHRISTmas!!
Joe Sousa.
5:39 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
I think more people see Christmas as a non religious Holiday. It's more about family ,friends and sharing our good fortune with people in need. For all who want to look way back at the Christmas tree tradition and find the word Christmas offensive. Let's look at the word Holiday .
"Middle English, from Old English hāligdæg, from hālig holy + dæg day
First Known Use: before 12th century"
From the term Holy Day we get Holiday.
Our language and culture is a mix of old and new. They are American traditions that welcome all who care to participate. The best of the melting pot .
Donna
11:29 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
Perfect! What's equally important is talking with one another and understanding and respecting the beliefs and customs of others.
portsmouthgirl63
12:12 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
And....Happy Festivus to the rest of us!