Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Also well said! The point is - you are wishing somebody happy __________. It is supposed to be a nice thing to do, not a political action! --Trudy San , CA "People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." ~Voltaire --------- 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 Also well said! The point is - you are wishing somebody happy __________. It is supposed to be a nice thing to do, not a political action! --Trudy San , CA "People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." ~Voltaire --------- 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 Also well said! The point is - you are wishing somebody happy __________. It is supposed to be a nice thing to do, not a political action! --Trudy San , CA "People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities." ~Voltaire --------- 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 Extra time off! That's just too cruel (bad enough some got extra days of holiday gifts once a year, but once a week! no way! LOL!). ps. Literacy no doubt goes hand in hand with tolerance. Both must be bad in many areas around here (as they practice and pursue neither). -----Original Message----- 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. ) -- " People who believe in absurdities will eventually commit atrocities. " ~Voltaire --- [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 STANDING OVATION!!!! I applaud you and (in case you couldn’t figure it out on your own) agree 1000000000%! –, Washington State 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. Bridget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 Actually the protest was not because other holidays were included but mainly because the term Christmas was being 'excluded'. Also I think the issue was employees were told they could not say "Merry Christmas" even if they themselves celebrated it. To me, lumping all religious celebrations into a single group is not exactly tolerant either, it's avoidance of the differences rather than acknowledging ALL of them and celebrating each as meant to be. If someone wishes another a "Happy _________" it should be taken in the spirit of goodness- wishing someone well during a special season or holiday kind of as a gift from that person who is celebrating whatever special event. Merry Christmas isn't meant to be offensive. Just as if someone sneezes and a stranger says "God Bless You"... It's meant as a good thing not bad whether the sneezer believes in the same God or any God or no God...it wasn't meant to be offensive. Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... that's what the fuss is about ...not intolerance of others but the removal of Christian Holidays from the public. Holidays that have been traditionally celebrated in a public forum for years. The very same stores that capitalized on this for many years are now excluding them by not mentioning them by name. That's my 2cents... Along with a Wish for Happiness and Peace for All!! :-) in VA "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" RE: OT: Happy Holidays I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting themfor using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated bystores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Thenagain, apparently intolerance for others is back "in fashion" in somecircles.> -----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 Actually the protest was not because other holidays were included but mainly because the term Christmas was being 'excluded'. Also I think the issue was employees were told they could not say "Merry Christmas" even if they themselves celebrated it. To me, lumping all religious celebrations into a single group is not exactly tolerant either, it's avoidance of the differences rather than acknowledging ALL of them and celebrating each as meant to be. If someone wishes another a "Happy _________" it should be taken in the spirit of goodness- wishing someone well during a special season or holiday kind of as a gift from that person who is celebrating whatever special event. Merry Christmas isn't meant to be offensive. Just as if someone sneezes and a stranger says "God Bless You"... It's meant as a good thing not bad whether the sneezer believes in the same God or any God or no God...it wasn't meant to be offensive. Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... that's what the fuss is about ...not intolerance of others but the removal of Christian Holidays from the public. Holidays that have been traditionally celebrated in a public forum for years. The very same stores that capitalized on this for many years are now excluding them by not mentioning them by name. That's my 2cents... Along with a Wish for Happiness and Peace for All!! :-) in VA "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" RE: OT: Happy Holidays I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting themfor using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated bystores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Thenagain, apparently intolerance for others is back "in fashion" in somecircles.> -----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 Actually the protest was not because other holidays were included but mainly because the term Christmas was being 'excluded'. Also I think the issue was employees were told they could not say "Merry Christmas" even if they themselves celebrated it. To me, lumping all religious celebrations into a single group is not exactly tolerant either, it's avoidance of the differences rather than acknowledging ALL of them and celebrating each as meant to be. If someone wishes another a "Happy _________" it should be taken in the spirit of goodness- wishing someone well during a special season or holiday kind of as a gift from that person who is celebrating whatever special event. Merry Christmas isn't meant to be offensive. Just as if someone sneezes and a stranger says "God Bless You"... It's meant as a good thing not bad whether the sneezer believes in the same God or any God or no God...it wasn't meant to be offensive. Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... that's what the fuss is about ...not intolerance of others but the removal of Christian Holidays from the public. Holidays that have been traditionally celebrated in a public forum for years. The very same stores that capitalized on this for many years are now excluding them by not mentioning them by name. That's my 2cents... Along with a Wish for Happiness and Peace for All!! :-) in VA "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" RE: OT: Happy Holidays I'm not sure. But people here are protesting in stores and boycotting themfor using it. Apparently, they prefer that ONLY christmas be celebrated bystores and businesses (rather than including all their customers). Thenagain, apparently intolerance for others is back "in fashion" in somecircles.> -----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 St Pat's is the celebration of green beer! It and St. Valentines have long lost much of their religious meaning (esp as they are celebrated by a majority that don't believe in saints). -----Original Message----- Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... --- [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 St Pat's is the celebration of green beer! It and St. Valentines have long lost much of their religious meaning (esp as they are celebrated by a majority that don't believe in saints). -----Original Message----- Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... --- [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 St Pat's is the celebration of green beer! It and St. Valentines have long lost much of their religious meaning (esp as they are celebrated by a majority that don't believe in saints). -----Original Message----- Pretty Soon the Easter Bunny will be the Spring Bunny and Cashiers will not be allowed to wish a Happy Easter and St. 's Day will be Leprechaun Day... --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi Sabreena, Thank you for your thoughtful post. Yesterday, I brought my son to the pediatrician, who is Chinese, and she was the first person ever to just come out and ask me if I celebrate Christmas. I thought that was great! Then I asked her and we wished each other a Merry Christmas. I think we are all so stranger-phobic that it just doesn't come naturally to go ahead and ask for a little personal information. I myself am naturally very curious, the type who gets into long conversations at the check out line, and I just like being friendly instead of just standing there like I don't notice the people around me. You know, sometimes the people I talk to are so happy to have a conversation with me that I can't help but wonder how much human contact they actually have. So after my experience at the doctor's, and after reading your post, I'm just going to go ahead and ask which holiday these "strangers" celebrate. I think that's the real meaning of the season, whichever holiday you celebrate--to bring us all a little closer together. That's my two cents! Dana, Gloriously GFSabreena Haque wrote: Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi Sabreena, Thank you for your thoughtful post. Yesterday, I brought my son to the pediatrician, who is Chinese, and she was the first person ever to just come out and ask me if I celebrate Christmas. I thought that was great! Then I asked her and we wished each other a Merry Christmas. I think we are all so stranger-phobic that it just doesn't come naturally to go ahead and ask for a little personal information. I myself am naturally very curious, the type who gets into long conversations at the check out line, and I just like being friendly instead of just standing there like I don't notice the people around me. You know, sometimes the people I talk to are so happy to have a conversation with me that I can't help but wonder how much human contact they actually have. So after my experience at the doctor's, and after reading your post, I'm just going to go ahead and ask which holiday these "strangers" celebrate. I think that's the real meaning of the season, whichever holiday you celebrate--to bring us all a little closer together. That's my two cents! Dana, Gloriously GFSabreena Haque wrote: Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Hi Sabreena, Thank you for your thoughtful post. Yesterday, I brought my son to the pediatrician, who is Chinese, and she was the first person ever to just come out and ask me if I celebrate Christmas. I thought that was great! Then I asked her and we wished each other a Merry Christmas. I think we are all so stranger-phobic that it just doesn't come naturally to go ahead and ask for a little personal information. I myself am naturally very curious, the type who gets into long conversations at the check out line, and I just like being friendly instead of just standing there like I don't notice the people around me. You know, sometimes the people I talk to are so happy to have a conversation with me that I can't help but wonder how much human contact they actually have. So after my experience at the doctor's, and after reading your post, I'm just going to go ahead and ask which holiday these "strangers" celebrate. I think that's the real meaning of the season, whichever holiday you celebrate--to bring us all a little closer together. That's my two cents! Dana, Gloriously GFSabreena Haque wrote: Hi all, I wasn't going to comment on this, but decided to... I am not sure how many on this list are not Christian. I am Muslim and obviously so because I do cover my hair. I grew up in Canada and went through all the Christmas concerts and parties. That was all fine. However I like now that more schools are trying tolearn more aobut other cultures. While this time of year has celebrations for some groups/religions, it doesn't for all. Our Eid celelbrations shift each year because we follow the lunar calendar. So each year it is 10 days earlier than the year before. So, at times, our Eid may be during this season. All that said, to be honest I don't find it particularly offensive to be wished a Merry Christmas although it is obvious to anyone seeing me I don't celebrate. But living somewhere predominantly Christian, I expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. I also appreciate when someone asks me if I celebrate Christmas, and if not what do we do? My only real point here is that I think whatever you feel comfortable with is fine. I feel uncomfortable wishing someone Merry Christmas because I don't celelbrate, so I wish someone a good holiday. I think people should try not to get so easlily offended with what we are wished because I would assume the speaker means well and is not trying to offend. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with trying to be more inclusive in phrases used either. Anyway... whatever you all are doing at this time, I do wish you all the best in every respect, particularly in good health for you and your families. It is hard to be ill, and to follow such a particular diet. So hoepfully the new year will bring good things and easier times to all Celiacs out there!!! Sabreena > > 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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