“Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays” [POLL]
From Christmas songs to candy canes to the colors red, white, and green, the mainstream media is proclaiming that 2018 is the year that everyone and anyone is offended by something. And I can't help but wonder if the whole thing is completely blown out of proportion for the sake of a story.
The war on Christmas isn't anything new, but social media has certainly brought light to things that the average person wouldn't have even considered to be offensive just a few years ago. As a matter of fact, you probably don't even remember this story, but back in June of 2013, then Texas governor, Rick Perry got ahead of the anticipated Christmas craziness and signed a law to protect Texas schools from being sued for using the phrase "Merry Christmas." Under the bill, the law stated that schools would be able to use the phrase "Merry Christmas" as well as put up Christmas decorations, sing Christmas carols, pass out candy canes, and do any other Christmas-related activities.
However, the law stated that they also had to give some representation to other religions. At the time the law was passed governor Perry said, "I realize it's only June but I'm glad that we're standing up for religious freedom in this state. Religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion.”
Speaking of religion, more and more people and businesses have begun using the phrase, "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" because they're fearful that saying so will offend someone who doesn't celebrate the Christian Christmas holiday and spar an argument.
What do you think? Do you get offended when someone says “Merry Christmas” to you instead of "Happy Holidays?" Or, is it the other way around? Take our poll and let us know!
[via Huffington Post/The Week/USA Today]