HapMerrJoy ChrisNakkwanziYule Everyone!

What?  I like Puppies!

Okay let's take a look at a list for a moment before we start the actual rant.

1. Bodhi Day: 8 December - Day of Enlightenment, celebrating the day that the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Guatama) experienced enlightenment (also known as Bodhi).
2. Winter Solstice: 21 December-22 December - midwinter
3. Mōdraniht: or Mothers' Night, the Saxon winter solstice festival.
4. Saturnalia: the Roman winter solstice festival
5. Christmas Eve: 24 December
6. Yule: Pagan winter festival that was celebrated by the historical Germanic people from late December to early January.
7. Kwanzaa: 26 December - 1 January - Pan-African festival celebrated in North America
8. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. 

   

   Huh, maybe should have left the puppies outside.

There are many many more Holidays and Times of Observance, but this gives you some idea of just how insanely hectic the month of December is when it comes to religious/spiritual celebrations. Now that we have this background set, ON WITH THE RANT!

Now, for years now I have heard people saying really not bright things like “We should say Happy Holidays” instead of (Insert your chosen Holiday here) so as not to offend people. This year especially I have seen article after article of opinion pieces (No way they could ever be called news pieces) saying that we all need to conform and “quit pushing our religious beliefs on other people.” Well I say bullcrap! (Actually I say something much worse, but I try to tone it down for the faint of heart.

Go towards the light, Carol Ann!

With very few exceptions, most of the events celebrated this time of year have deep, spiritual meanings. The followers see a strong connection with the faith/beliefs that drive them and the celebrations they participate in. When a Christian wishes you a Merry Christmas, he is celebrating the birth of his Savior. When a person of Jewish Faith wishes you a Happy Hanukkah, she is celebrating the power of her God in times of troubles. There is a much deeper meaning there than wrapping presents or lighting candles. Deeper meaning that just isn't covered by a generic Happy Holidays.

Our government grants us the Freedom of Religion. It gives us the right to practice our faith in all of its myriad forms. Despite what so many people seem to think, it does not grant us Freedom from Religion. Beyond controlling what can or cannot be displayed on Government properties, no laws protect people from a Hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS or even a God bless you!

When I was growing up in LA (Lower Alabama), we didn't have a whole lot of religious diversity in my home county. I don't think I knew a single Jewish or even Catholic person until I hit college. Diversity consisted of whether or not you were Baptist, Methodist or even occasionally Episcopalian. So needless to say, saying Merry Christmas wasn't even an issue. It would have never even occurred to my family to worry about offending someone by saying it.

(Huh, I have absolutely no idea what the previous paragraph's aside was supposed to do. But hey it was a neat little anecdote right? )

Ahh toasty!

Basically I cannot possible Grok how people can be offended by Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. The people wishing this upon you aren't proselytizing and trying to convert you. 9 times out of 10, they are simply wishing you all the best out of the simple joy of the season. How can you possibly be offended when someone is (Gasp Shudder) being nice? Here is a concept. Instead of being offended, smile and nod then wish them the same in whatever belief system you follow. I know it is a radical idea, but maybe being nice to each other can catch on.

In closing, let me say the following to all of my readers:

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanzaa! Cool Yule! Happy Holidays! May whatever Faith or Belief that sustains you keep you safe during this festive time of year and see you healthy and happy in the year to come.

End of Rant!