The holiday season is now upon us. In a world adorned with red and green, it is not uncommon to find Santa Clauses staked out inside shopping malls, kitchens that are nearly overflowing with cookies, and wide-eyed gleams of anticipation in the eyes of nearly every child as they await their turn to unwrap a gift meant solely for them.

It is in this season of giving in which people forget the true meaning of such a wonderful time of year. The need for material items often clouds our vision, and selfish beliefs can paint a dark cloud over a time that is meant to celebrate happiness and togetherness.

Amid all the busy behavior we find the time to wish others "Happy Holidays!" to spread the good cheer that has been made a staple of Christmas, a holiday of massive proportions -- celebrated by around 90 percent of Americans.

I am part of that 90 percent. Raised as a Christian, I always eagerly looked forward to Christmas and all that came with it. I impatiently awaited spending Christmas Eve at my grandparents' house and digging into the large dinner made by my grandmother. Following the death of my grandfather, we created a new tradition of attending my church's candlelight service where I would play Christmas hymns for the congregation on my trumpet. All this culminated in Christmas mornings with my family gathered around the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and enjoying the time spent together.

Like Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past, I will forever be haunted by the beautiful sight of a whole fellowship of people singing in the dark, illuminated by nothing more than the candles they held in their hands. This night preceded the Christmas mornings with my family gathered around the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and enjoying the time spent together.

It is safe to say that Christmas holds a special place in my heart; it always will. There is just something about this time of year that will always inject happiness into my soul, a happiness which I always look to spread to others.

I do this by wishing people "Happy Holidays!" It's a small gesture, but even the smallest gestures don't go unnoticed. Unfortunately, sometimes it gets noticed for the wrong reasons.

While spending a winter break working in a deli, a man responded to me wishing him a happy holiday by saying, "You can't even say Merry Christmas?" His question caught me off guard. I couldn't believe that someone got offended after I wished him well, even if I didn't cater to his specific holiday.

Saying "Happy Holidays" is not an offensive gesture. Contrary to what some may think, I'm not waging war on Christmas when I say it. Like I said, I celebrate it myself. I'm not telling you that you can't tell others Merry Christmas, either. I would just like to take a moment to ask you to take others' beliefs into consideration.

Some people may not celebrate the holidays we do. My girlfriend has Jewish heritage; many of the Jewish faith celebrate Hanukkah, some people may celebrate Kwanzaa, or Ramadan, or Yule. Some may celebrate different forms of the New Year, while others may not even celebrate anything at all.

So in this season of love and compassion, please don't be offended if you hear someone wish you happy holidays. Nobody is trying to eliminate Christmas, nor are they trying to start a war on a holiday by implementing a little red cup into their business.

All it is a way to wish people happiness without excluding anybody in the process. Whether you are decorating a Christmas tree this holiday season or lighting a menorah, why take the chance of ostracizing someone from such a joyous time? It really is the most wonderful time of the year, and I hope we learn to share it with others of all beliefs.

Happy Holidays.