Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a " holiday concert " with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita Visser Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a " holiday concert " with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita Visser Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a " holiday concert " with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita Visser Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I can't see anything wrong with that. Have a nice day... Doreen OT: Happy Holidays Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I can't see anything wrong with that. Have a nice day... Doreen OT: Happy Holidays Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I can't see anything wrong with that. Have a nice day... Doreen OT: Happy Holidays Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a "holiday concert" with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita VisserSent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born> and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas> but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time> of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or> Season's Greetings. L> > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a "holiday concert" with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita VisserSent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born> and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas> but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time> of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or> Season's Greetings. L> > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I know this thread is off topic, but: I am Jewish, and my family has lived as a Jewish Monority in a Christian society for as long as we can chart it. I say Merry Christmas, and I am not offended when someone says it back to me. Most of my friends and acquaitnances say Happy Hanukkah back. I don't really know who the " Happy Holidays " people think they are protecting? Perhaps its cheaper to print one set or shopping bags; or perhaps they think they are avoiding lawsuits. I don't see Happy Holidays as more respectful, I see acknowledging differences and accepting/embracing them as more respectful. I can tell you this- we jews know we are a minority, and we are a lot more thick-skinned than to get hysterical over a few well-meaning words, even if they don't apply to us. . For all the conservative and reformed jews I know, Christmas is a great time, all the positives (food, decorations, parties, everybody in a good mood, acting pleasant, etc. ) without any of the work. I don't get the big deal about Happy Holidays either. You ackowledge someone else's holiday, you have the right to expect the same thing in return. We acknowledge three New Years (Conventional, Jewish, Chinese) because that's who we have in our community here in New Jersey. The sky does not fall, and the food choices are much better. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:08:20 -0500 > > > > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I know this thread is off topic, but: I am Jewish, and my family has lived as a Jewish Monority in a Christian society for as long as we can chart it. I say Merry Christmas, and I am not offended when someone says it back to me. Most of my friends and acquaitnances say Happy Hanukkah back. I don't really know who the " Happy Holidays " people think they are protecting? Perhaps its cheaper to print one set or shopping bags; or perhaps they think they are avoiding lawsuits. I don't see Happy Holidays as more respectful, I see acknowledging differences and accepting/embracing them as more respectful. I can tell you this- we jews know we are a minority, and we are a lot more thick-skinned than to get hysterical over a few well-meaning words, even if they don't apply to us. . For all the conservative and reformed jews I know, Christmas is a great time, all the positives (food, decorations, parties, everybody in a good mood, acting pleasant, etc. ) without any of the work. I don't get the big deal about Happy Holidays either. You ackowledge someone else's holiday, you have the right to expect the same thing in return. We acknowledge three New Years (Conventional, Jewish, Chinese) because that's who we have in our community here in New Jersey. The sky does not fall, and the food choices are much better. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:08:20 -0500 > > > > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I know this thread is off topic, but: I am Jewish, and my family has lived as a Jewish Monority in a Christian society for as long as we can chart it. I say Merry Christmas, and I am not offended when someone says it back to me. Most of my friends and acquaitnances say Happy Hanukkah back. I don't really know who the " Happy Holidays " people think they are protecting? Perhaps its cheaper to print one set or shopping bags; or perhaps they think they are avoiding lawsuits. I don't see Happy Holidays as more respectful, I see acknowledging differences and accepting/embracing them as more respectful. I can tell you this- we jews know we are a minority, and we are a lot more thick-skinned than to get hysterical over a few well-meaning words, even if they don't apply to us. . For all the conservative and reformed jews I know, Christmas is a great time, all the positives (food, decorations, parties, everybody in a good mood, acting pleasant, etc. ) without any of the work. I don't get the big deal about Happy Holidays either. You ackowledge someone else's holiday, you have the right to expect the same thing in return. We acknowledge three New Years (Conventional, Jewish, Chinese) because that's who we have in our community here in New Jersey. The sky does not fall, and the food choices are much better. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 21:08:20 -0500 > > > > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. L > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth are probably sufficient). But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims one year). > -----Original Message----- > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a Cristmas > tree. Holiday Tree. --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth are probably sufficient). But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims one year). > -----Original Message----- > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a Cristmas > tree. Holiday Tree. --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth are probably sufficient). But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims one year). > -----Original Message----- > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a Cristmas > tree. Holiday Tree. --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Then I'm proud to be out of fashion. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:05:47 -0500 > >I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting them >for using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated by >stores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Then >again, apparently intolerance for others is back " in fashion " in some >circles. > > > -----Original Message----- > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Then I'm proud to be out of fashion. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:05:47 -0500 > >I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting them >for using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated by >stores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Then >again, apparently intolerance for others is back " in fashion " in some >circles. > > > -----Original Message----- > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Then I'm proud to be out of fashion. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:05:47 -0500 > >I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting them >for using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated by >stores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Then >again, apparently intolerance for others is back " in fashion " in some >circles. > > > -----Original Message----- > > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born > > and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas > > but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time > > of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or > > Season's Greetings. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 A holiday tree is great whn it has every holiday as the year progresses- that's truth in advertising. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:20:23 -0500 > >Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure >what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth >are probably sufficient). > >But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the >decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after >that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims >one year). > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a >Cristmas > > tree. Holiday Tree. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 A holiday tree is great whn it has every holiday as the year progresses- that's truth in advertising. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:20:23 -0500 > >Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure >what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth >are probably sufficient). > >But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the >decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after >that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims >one year). > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a >Cristmas > > tree. Holiday Tree. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 A holiday tree is great whn it has every holiday as the year progresses- that's truth in advertising. > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: <SillyYaks > >Subject: RE: OT: Happy Holidays >Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:20:23 -0500 > >Can we go back to calling it a winter solstice tree? Although I'm not sure >what decorations go with that (none, I imagine, just greens on the hearth >are probably sufficient). > >But " Holiday Tree " may work - one person nearby has such a thing: the >decorations now are christmas. It'll be easter bunnies soon, flags after >that, ghosts a little later (and I believe there were turkeys and pilgrims >one year). > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > > I don¹t see any problem . But I would not go so far as calling a >Cristmas > > tree. Holiday Tree. > >--- >[This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Thank you Bridget! I've often thought the same thing - tolerance begins with the kids. I go to a church where we teach about all religions - including paganism - just so the kids can get an overview of other belief systems. I too grew up in a tiny town (Mass) where everyone was Christian. Many of my friends were Catholic and I used to be so jealous when they would all head off to CCD on Wednesdays and I had to go home. ) --Trudy San , CA "People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." ~Voltaire -------------- Original message -------------- I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a "holiday concert" with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita VisserSent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born> and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas> but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time> of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or> Season's Greetings. L> > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Thank you Bridget! I've often thought the same thing - tolerance begins with the kids. I go to a church where we teach about all religions - including paganism - just so the kids can get an overview of other belief systems. I too grew up in a tiny town (Mass) where everyone was Christian. Many of my friends were Catholic and I used to be so jealous when they would all head off to CCD on Wednesdays and I had to go home. ) --Trudy San , CA "People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." ~Voltaire -------------- Original message -------------- I agree....it's a Christmas Tree, you put Christmas presents under it not holiday presents. I think the phrase Happy Holidays is not at all disrespectful to Christmas, but in fact encompasses everyone's winter holiday, and also includes New Year's. I suppose, though, if you are raised somewhere that doesn't have a lot of/any non-catholic religions it seems weird. I grew up in a small Vermont town and I didn't know ANYONE who celebrated anything but Christmas until my 6th grade teacher moved in. He was Jewish and instead of incorporating his tradition into ours and teaching us about it, he just declared we wouldn't be celebrating anything. I find that very, very wrong. As a child I was crushed, as were my friends, that we would be having a "holiday concert" with none of the songs we loved, and we wouldn't be having a Christmas party. It wasn't explained why, just that we wouldn't. As an adult looking back, and now having friends of various backgrounds, I wonder why he didn't teach us about it. It's a fascinating holiday, and would've been very fun to learn about. And hearing about all the schools that are just observing nothing now, I don't get it. Why not teach our children about what others around the world do this time of year, instead of trying to hide it? I mean, the world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and it seems like more and more clashes are coming out of religious differences. Maybe if we took the time to teach our children about different religions, and why they are different but not bad, these things would be better. I dunno. Just my thought. But arguing about Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays doesn't seem to get us very far in terms of tolerance of others and their beliefs. Here in Burlington we have refugees from the Sudan, from Bosnia and Serbia, Vietnam, we have native Vermonters and transplants, Jewish, Muslims and various forms of Christians. I think it would be a shame not to capitalize on that and learn about other areas of the world and their traditions. I realize it could take the whole academic year to truly learn but December is a crazy month in grade schools anyway, but man..... That's just my two cents for the day. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Rita VisserSent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 9:08 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: OT: Happy Holidays > Would someone explain to me the problem with this phrase. I was born> and raised Catholic (Italian Catholic BTW), i do celebrate Christmas> but was also taught that when addressing a varied group at this time> of the year the RESPECTFUL thing to do is to say Happy Holidays or> Season's Greetings. L> > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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