Merry Happy Enjoy Your Holidays

It's here again. The Christmas/holiday season, which, by the way, means Christmas and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Just thought I would clear that up, since some don't realize that the word "holidays" is not meant to ignore, denounce, or diminish, or replace the word Christmas. It simply encompasses a holiday "season" of events. 

Every year, if you know me at all, I get a little annoyed at all the incessant complaining and rude commenting about this very topic. And who complains the most? Christians. Because for some reason, they believe that saying "Happy Holidays" is wrong for various reasons I won't mention here. 

So I'm saying it again. If you want to say Merry Christmas because that's what is in your heart to say, then please say Merry Christmas. But is someone says Happy Holidays to you, please don't be offended. Here is why:

1. They may just be referring to Christmas AND the accompanying New Year holidays.

2. Their religion is not the same as yours and it would be wrong for you to be offended by that. Unless you want them to be offended by yours. 

3. They don't even think about it. They are simply being friendly. They probably sit behind you in your own church. 

4. Just because you say one phrase, it does not make you "one way or another", and it comes across as judgy if you try to force someone to say it "your way" just to make you comfortable. 

5. It is very nice of someone to smile and say anything nice to you these days. Please take any opportunity to accept it and be kind. Don't take an opportunity to correct them. That's not nice. ;) 

So, those are just my thoughts, honest and forthcoming as always. Feel free to disagree. It is a free country in America after all.  To me it's not always important to agree or to get people to do what I think they should do. It's important that people feel good when you're with them and when you walk away. 

If that store clerk thinks you're an uppity person or a picky Christian, then your witness is ruined! Keep love in your heart and an openness that maybe looks like tolerance to some critics, but you know it's simply love. 

God knows your heart and whether you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, your heart is the same. They are words, don't get so caught up in fighting over things that don't need to be fought. 

Enjoy your holidays. Funny, that's what I always say. And I love Jesus like nobody's business. ;)