Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas, Not Happy Holidays

The last several years have seen an unpleasant trend arising out of the stupidity of political correctness. In the drive to include everyone in everything (which in itself disallows the legitimacy of dissent, the corner stone of freedom), the greeting of "Merry Christmas" has slowly given way to the silly "Happy Holidays." The intention is noble, and even laudable, but in practice, it merely makes a mockery of the language.

Christianity is defined largely by two celebrations, Christmas and Easter, or if one prefers, the birth and the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In an early time in America, celebrating Christmas could get on in trouble with a less fun-loving church, e.g., in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In May 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts decreed, " That whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labour, feasting, or any other way, upon any such accounts as aforesaid, shall be subjected to a fine of five shillings." So, it was, essentially illegal to have a Merry Christmas over two decades. That is gone, and now, to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God and the Savior of All Mankind, Macy's has a 50% off sale -- doors open at 7 am.

And yet, what of those who do not, like the 17th century Bostonians, partake of Christmas? Well, the Jews have Hanukah, which is a relatively minor celebration no matter how one chooses to spell it; it pales beside Yom Kippur and Passover, but it has found itself drafted as a kosher stand in at gift-getting time. And while a great many Americans don't keep Christmas in their hearts, they certainly keep it in their wallets. The country is full of C and E Christians (that is not an erroneous abbreviation of Church of England -- it stands for Christmas and Easter Christians, those who turn up twice a year at services) .

But really, what harm is there in wishing a Jewish neighbor a "Merry Christmas?" Or for that matter a lapsed Lutheran a "Happy Hanukah?" Anyone whose faith runs deep enough to legitimately feel offense is probably also spiritual enough not to take such offense. Experience shows that those whose own attachment to the faith of their fathers is the weakest are usually those who do the most fussing about the details of church and state. It is not beyond belief that a Buddhist could have a Happy Mohamed’s Birthday (peace be unto him) if he put his mind to it. But "Happy Holidays?" It sucks the very life out of this time of year. And which holiday? All of them? Does this count for July 4th? Must one still send Mother's Day cards if a "Happy Holiday" card went out a few months earlier? And what of Arbor Day -- does it still exist?

The country just finished Thanksgiving, when even those who deny the existence of a Creator, gather with family and friends to count their blessings. A perfectly non-sectarian day of spirituality (and gluttony, sloth and football -- nothing's perfect) which shows it can be done. If the world could lighten up a little and accept the goodwill extended by the greeting, maybe getting the gift shopping done would not be quite so viciously competitive.

The Kensington Review wishes all of its readers a Joyous Solstice.

© Copyright 2004 by The Kensington Review, J. Myhre, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent.

Home