Thank you Mr. Garrison, but we won't be needing your "help" any further in this entry.
I've been reading too much about the Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays mumbo jumbo. It is time for My Two Sense (patent pending) ... (what do you mean I can't patent that?).
Anyway, let me shed a little light on this "Happy Holidays" thang. It's short for something. Want to know what it is traditionally short for?
Yes, folks, it is a holiday season. Good widdle Christians everywhere in this great United States of America celebrate both of these holidays which are also observed by all federal offices, government offices, banks; just about everyone, in fact, except Wal-Mart and McDonalds who will probably be open both those days. (Don't quote me on that, but, they probably will be, won't they?)
So, I don't want to hear any more whinging. While more and more the phrase "Happy Holidays" has come to mean "Have a Happy New Year, and a good whatever the heck it is you celebrate so I don't offend you", it comes from the fact that it is difficult to wish everyone you pass on the frosty street both a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, so you say Happy Holidays.
Why get all offended because the meaning of a phrase has been expanded to embrace more people's preferences? Get over this separatist holier than thou attitude of different wishes of joy for different groups: "Happy Holidays" is a good old fashioned "Christian" wish that just happens to be flexible enough to leave room for everyone. Perhaps this phrase, moreso than any other, speaks to the wishes for peace and understanding of the season. Peace, calm, joy, acceptance of others? Isn't that part of that message of Christmas? Do I need to get all Biblical on your asses? I can do it.
Linus Van Pelt and I point you to Luke 2.4-14 (though Linus favours verses 9-14).
There you go. Get over it. Say whatever you like, but stop making yourselves ridiculous.
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