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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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