When we moved to the US more than five years ago, I was honestly a little surprised with a few cultural differences. I guess that is what to be expected and all people talk about cultural shock. It was not a shock where I went into seizure or panic crying, but more like “W-T-F?”.
I fully support political correctness, but we also have to be realistic and not overdue it.
When I first saw some adds for Christmas, or should I say festive holidays, I was surprised when I read “Bring Christ back in Christmas. In my head I was like “oh no, another Christian fanatic message trying to preach about Jesus.” But as I’ve lived and worked in the US for a few years, I can start to relate to that message.
Not necessarily the religious message about Christ and waiting for his second coming. But the fact that we cannot say Christmas any longer. That is starting to worry me, and the political correctness has stepped over the line.
Why is it that we cannot say ‘Merry Christmas’ to our colleagues?
We are being told that we offend people who do not celebrate Christmas. I understand that some people may be celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other holidays like Diwali or Mawlid … or nothing at all. And by using the political correct phrase “Happy Holidays” we apparently avoid discriminating or offending anybody.
I’m calling BS on that way of thinking. Why is it that we should (and must) express our well wishes to other special holidays, but cannot share the same courtesy for Christmas?
I have friends from many different religions, and none of them seem offended when Christmas is mentioned, and they wish me a Merry Christmas. I’m just as respectful for their holidays and will offer them my well wishes for their special days.
Some shops are even banning Christmas decorations such as Nativity scene, but will happily put up the Menorah. I don’t see a problem showing baby Jesus in the manger, while the wise men are holding a Menorah.
For many, saying Merry Christmas may not even be a religious statement, but rather a celebration for the family, and admiration for Santa Claus.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. This also means respect other religious holidays, without blocking out Christmas. It does not give you the right to send a Merry Christmas card to people who do not believe in your holiday, but I may send a card to my Jewish friends wishing them Happy Hanukkah.
If this trend continues, then one day we are going to be a sanitised country, where we don’t celebrate any holidays in public. We have to show that we are proud of being Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and other cool religions. We have to be able to celebrate and respect our holidays – that does not mean blocking them out with saying ‘Happy Holidays’.
Listen, if the atheists would have some sort of special day, then they are welcome to celebrate it too. They seem to be busy blocking everyone else. I guess if they don’t have a special day, then other people can’t enjoy their days. To me that is just rude and inconsiderate.
Anyway, Merry Christmas my friends … and Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Mawlid, and enjoy all the other special holidays. Don’t hold back celebrating your special days.