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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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I Say "Happy Holidays"

But I have no preference what you should say back.

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"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

28. I need a comfort dog so I can avoid all life and school responsibilities.

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

'tis the season to be jolly!

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Phase One: The “I got this” phase

Phase Two: The “I have time” phase

Phase Three: The uncontrollable sobbing phase

Phase Four: The “help me, I've fallen and I can't get up” phase

Phase Five: The rejoicing phase

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