Merry Christmas.

…You offended?

It’s Christmas, so like many others, I’ve been shopping a little more than I should, and one thing I’ve noticed is that I’ve been wished “happy holidays” upon leaving most stores.

Mind you, there isn’t anything bad about saying “happy holidays”. It’s a wonderful exclamation that covers a broader range of individual holidays (Christmas, New Years, Epiphany for those that observe it) than “Merry Christmas”, which seems more day-specific (unless you observe Christmas through the Epiphany).

However, I’ve always said “Merry Christmas”; that’s just what I’m used to saying and hearing. But why do some people use “happy holidays” instead? Is it because it covers a broader range of days? Is it because it’s more generic and encompassing for all kinds of people? I don’t mind it if it’s those reasons.

What I do mind is if it’s political. That you don’t want to be offensive, that you want to find that middle ground that doesn’t favor any side, that you don’t want to use the one that mentions Christmas because not everyone believes in God.

Oh good lord, guys, it’s Christmas!

It’s a time for putting away grudges and just celebrating with whoever we can. It’s a time to be thankful for those in our lives, regardless of our differences. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus if that’s part of your tradition.

At this time of the year, I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat, I don’t care if you’re conservative or liberal, I don’t care what you identify as.

I really don’t care if me telling you “Merry Christmas” triggers you to oblivion for whatever reason. Just accept it and move on, because this time of the year (and any other time of the year for that matter), contrary to what we may all think of the spirit of the holidays, I don’t give a damn if you’re offended.

And I’m sorry for you if you do get offended over such a little thing, because really, no one’s going to ask if you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “happy holidays” before they say it. No one’s going to ask what offends you, and I’m sure as hell not going to walk the thin line to make sure that I cater to making you happy and not triggering you, because that’s not how I am and that’s not how the world works. And if you don’t like that, suck it up.

On a side note, please don’t fear offending someone with the gesture of saying “Merry Christmas”. Disregard religious tolerance, disregard politics; regard sending your blessings upon someone, and if that someone gets mad, let them get mad. I cannot fathom anyone getting mad at being wished a “Merry Christmas”, because that would be sad.

However, if you want to keep saying “happy holidays”, I respect that. I respect that to no end, and I hope you have one as well, but I just hope that you aren’t actively avoiding saying “Merry Christmas” for any politically correct reason.

In the end, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I hope you share it with the people that you love and that you have a good feast and that you can make it to Mass and that you enjoy each other’s company. Forget political or religious leanings for once. If they differ, tolerate it, but don’t let it dictate how you wish or how someone else wishes you blessings this season.

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, because that’s what I want you to have, and I hope you have it.