Why I Say "Merry Christmas"

I read a blog today that didn't ruffle nor offend me. But, it did do what I think it intended to do...got me thinking, again, (I am, after all writing my blog of the year!),  about my choice of salutations during the time of year that contains the Christian celebration of Christmas, the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, and the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa. All respectable celebrations. And although I'm not a much of a theologian, and only an amateur historian, I understand they are very different types of celebrations.

The Celebration of Lights commemorates the re-dedication of the holy temple in Jerusalem, around 164 BCE. While definitely important, it is not their top-ranked Jewish holiday.

Kwanzaa was developed as a way to celebrate the African culture, whether living in Africa or abroad. It is not a religious holiday, but an important cultural one.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth their God's son, Jesus Christ, whom was/is widely believed to be God on earth. It is, to most Christians, the second most important Christian celebration, with Easter being the most important.

All of these are important events. But, one would hold a higher place in any religion, faith, or culture, regardless of it's roots. The birth of its "founder."

The blog I read suggests it is more inclusive, doesn't hurt a thing, and is actually being more Christian by virtue of "love thy neighbor" to say "Happy Holidays."

I don't think I agree with that assessment. If I don't say Feliz Navidad, am I being exclusive?

Saying "Merry Christmas" for a Christian is offering the warmest Christian expression one can offer during the Christmas celebration (I don't say Christmas season, because that's an ad company's creation).

Saying "Merry Christmas" also is a mechanism for the public proclaimation of Christian faith, as required by the faith.

At the college I teach at we have "holiday" parties. It includes a Christmas tree. No, doesn't make me think, "Hey, it REALLY IS a Christmas party!" I wouldn't begrudge the display of a Menorah (although I think it may or may not be lit, depending on when Hanukkah falls), nor would I be opposed to the display of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The point is, Happy Holidays is a great way to greet someone. It is, in fact, inclusive. But I dont think it's exclusive for me to pass an African-American on the street and be greeted with "Happy Kwanzaa." I think I would actually feel honored. I don't celebrate Kwanzaa, but someone who does thinks enough of a stranger to wish them well in a way that they respect and understand.

So, "Merry Christmas!" I'm not out to exclude anyone, but rather to wish you the best in a way I understand. I don't understand Kwanzaa or Hanukkah enough to feel comfortable expressing warm wishes based on their tenents. I certainly wish them the best, but I think I'll stick with a salutation I understand, and hope they understand that I'm being cordial.