War on Christmas? Really? What the heck is it with conservatives and their outrage that people dare to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”? That’s what I say. This year, Hanukkah is December 20-28. Kwanzaa is December 26. I have lots of friends who are Jewish and a bunch that celebrate Kwanzaa as well. I even have some solidly atheist friends who still celebrate this as a holiday season. There are plenty of people from all walks of life celebrating this holiday season and I wish them all a joyous greeting when I say “Happy Holidays!”
This really struck home for me during the Republican debate this week. Newt Gingrich started out his comments with this:
First of all, let me just say to you and to all of our viewers: Merry Christmas. This is a great time for us to be here and I hope that everybody across the country has a very joyous Christmas season.
Newt’s a true warrior in the War on the War on Christmas. Here’s a statement he made a few years back:
Are you as tired of the so-called “war on Christmas” as I am? The fact is, despite the best efforts of liberal special interest groups and activist judges, there’s nothing controversial about Christmas in America. Americans overwhelmingly celebrate and enjoy Christmas. And even most of those who don’t acknowledge the holiday don’t begrudge their fellow Americans’ getting in the yuletide spirit.Consider those two little words that have become “controversial” in the holiday season: Merry Christmas. The Zogby Poll found that 95% of Americans are not offended by being greeted with “Merry Christmas” when holiday shopping. In fact, 46% actually take offense when they are greeted with “Happy Holidays.”
Aye, aye, aye. Considering how the Republicans trip all over themselves to be seen as “pro-Israel”, you’d think they’d be a bit more interested in wishing all Americans a happy holiday. There are well over 5 million Jews in America. Are they not wished a happy season?
This isn’t about being offended by the expression “Happy Holidays”. It’s about wishing all my friends and acquaintances a happy season. It’s inclusionary, not exclusionary.
And, seriously, who are these people that claim to be offended by “Happy Holidays”? Talk about looking for a way to be offended.
Anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest.
