As excitement and anticipation for the holiday season builds, and everyone seems just a little friendlier, happier, and more considerate of others, society engages in a debate about whether the controversy over the seemingly simple phrase "Merry Christmas" is valid.

Some believe that we must stop greeting people with "Merry Christmas" around the holiday season due to the potential that they may not celebrate Christmas and get offended, while others argue that the phrase is more of an expression of cheer rather than a celebration of one religion.

Even holiday themed designs on Starbucks cups are deemed as offensive and inconsiderate to some, who claim that those who do not celebrate Christianity are pressured to conform, and do not want to be reminded of the beloved holiday in public as they are going about their day to day lives.

It seems that there is always something to complain about in society. I do not see the issue in spreading a little extra cheer and holiday joy, especially through something as trivial as a coffee cup. No one can be happy all the time, and there are always reasons to be offended, why must we nit pick and find fault with expressions of joy such as cheerful Christmas lights?

The phrase, which has been common since the 1700's, is meant as a genuine offer of kindness, and has represented wishes of cheer and good tidings for others before it was even associated with religion as a result of the popularity of the holiday classic "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Christmas is not strictly a Christian celebration; I have Hindu, Atheist, and Jewish friends who all partake in festivities associated with the holiday, including decorating a tree, setting up lights around the exterior of their house for those driving by at night to witness, receiving presents from the iconic Santa, and yes, wishing others a "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas" is not meant to offend others, or impose Christian beliefs onto those who never asked in assumption that Christianity is the superior religion. It is not a discriminatory phrase, rather, it is universal. By greeting a stranger and wishing them a "Merry Christmas" one is stating that no matter who the stranger is or where they come from, they are expressed love and kindness.

That is what the spirit of Christmas represents for so many who cherish the holiday, beyond religion. When I say "Merry Christmas," my religious affiliation is not a part of my thought process. From my perspective I am expressing warmth, and showing that I want nothing but happiness for the person I am greeting, no matter how similar or different they are in comparison to myself.

Of course, what holiday greetings we choose to use are our own personal preference, whether it be "Merry Christmas," the more supposedly politically correct "Happy Holidays," or any other religious or unreligious message. Why should I be criticized, and attacked for my beliefs, and pressured into suppressing what I love and choose to celebrate just because I get excited by Christmas and the spirit that the holiday represents? If someone were to wish me a "Happy Hanukkah," I would thank them, and feel appreciative of them wanting to share what they love with me.

As we live in a country the celebrates freedom of expression and encourages different cultures, we must remind ourselves that just because we do not believe in the same thing as another, we do not have the right to shame their culture or prevent them from celebrating what they cherish.