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I Say "Happy Holidays"

But I have no preference what you should say back.

Bobbie Szabo

Dec 19, 2016

Kent State University

Pexels

I wish people "Happy Holidays" when the calendar rolls around once again to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. I say it for a lot of reasons.

The biggest reason is because I am not religious. I have a Christmas tree, and I exchange gifts with friends and family on Christmas, but I do not believe in the birth of a savior. I celebrate what I like to call "Secular Christmas".

Another reason is because I fully recognize everyone celebrates a different winter holiday, and some people do not celebrate any winter holiday at all. I want to be inclusive, and I want to validate any and all peoples' religions and forms of spirituality. Our country is not a Christian nation, and I find it important to recognize that.

However, you do not have to say "Happy Holidays" back to me. I honestly do not care what you say in reply--as long as it is in a reciprocal tone.

"Merry Christmas!" Great, thank you. Happy Holidays to you, too!

"Joyous Kwanzaa!" Thank you! I wish you Happy Holidays as well.

"Happy Hanukkah!" You, too! Happy Holidays.

It is really easy to be respectful to other human beings, because in the grand scheme of things, what you say and what you celebrate does not really matter. How you treat other people is what matters. If you celebrate Yule, please be kind to other people. If you celebrate Festivus, please be kind to other people. If you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, please be kind to other people.

The words being said do not matter. The spirit behind the words is what matters. So just because I say "Happy Holidays" does not mean I except or want others to do the same. Just make sure to wish kindness and joy onto others.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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I Say "Happy Holidays"

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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