Happy New Year!

While I was perusing Facebook this morning, I saw a nice Happy New Year post wishing good health, good cheer and blessings of love.  I thought, oh, how nice, then it sunk it that it said, "Happy New Year."  Being of Christian faith, I didn't realize the start of the Jewish New Year is today, September 17, 2012. Happy New Year!

This brought my thoughts back to last Christmas. Numerous Facebook posts and emails attempted to remind Christians that it's okay to wish people a Merry Christmas rather than "Happy Holidays."  The subject line of those posts/emails was "Say Merry Christmas."  There was never any mention that it is also okay to wish people Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa or any other religious holiday instead of "Happy Holidays."   I found myself feeling saddened and disturbed that many of my friends and relatives would feel their religion is the only religion. Or is it that their religion is the only right religion?

I would not intentionally send a Merry Christmas card to a Jewish friend or relative  during their Chanukah celebration.  Although I would be surprised to receive a "Happy Chanuka," card, I would not be offended.

I guess my point is: Yes, it is okay to drop the 'Happy Holidays,'  but please remember that Christianity isn't the only religion.  If you see me on the street this 2012 Holiday Season, you won't hear me say, Happy Holidays; you'll hear Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy  Chanukah,  and you just might hear me say, Happy Festivus or Happy Chrismahanukwanzadan!  That is, of course, if I can figure out how to pronounce Chrismahanukwanzadan!

'Tis the Season!

Are you as bothered when you see Facebook posts, random emails, etc. promoting, "Say Merry Christmas," as if it is a crime to be tolerant of others' religions by saying, "Season's Greetings". As a Christian, it bothers me. Being Christian is, in itself, a good reason to be tolerant of other religions.

Sure, I say, "Merry Christmas," because that is what I am celebrating. Do I send a religious, Christian Christmas card to my aunt or friend who is Jewish? No! I carefully choose a card that does not contain a bible verse relating to Christ's birth; I choose a 'seasonal' card.

Would I be offended if someone wished me a Happy Chanukah? Most definitely not. But if they did, I would reply with, "Happy Chanukah to you and a Merry Christmas!"

The controversy surrounding 'Merry Christmas' will surely go on after I am gone, but maybe people will become more tolerant of others' religions in the years to come. That is what I want for Christmas this year!

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Happy Kwanzaa! I'm sure I've missed other celebrations that take place in December - my apologies to those who celebrate them! (And please feel free to add any I've missed in the 'comment' area.)