It's Just Semantics

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas? Which is PC? If I greet three Jewish friends with a Happy Hanukkah will the one Christian friend within earshot become offended? To be safe I offer a "Season's Greetings." I was at a New Year's Eve party having a discussion about Kwanzaa. None of us were 100 percent sure of the actual meaning of this particular holiday. It's only recently become recognized in this corner of the world. However, we were more than happy to include it as one of the December holidays in a "Happy Holidays" greeting. More than one friend has pointed out that they don't really celebrate Christmas for what it is, a Christian holiday. They go through the motions for family and friends, but really they find more meaning and spirituality in celebrating the Winter Solstice.

Whether we acknowledge Christmas, Hanukkah, the Solstice or Festivus for the Rest of Us, like Frank Costanza, it's all semantics. The general meaning is the same. We are simply wishing our friends, loved ones or even strangers on the street a happy time during the last month of the year. It's a time to put our troubles aside for a brief moment, reflect on the past several months, spend time with friends and loved ones and take time out from the rat race to enjoy and live in the moment of whatever this time of year means to you.

I'm not sure when this constant battle over which holiday was the ONE we are celebrating became such a political matter, but too many people get their noses out of joint. I overheard a co-worker's reply to someone who wished him a "Happy Holiday". He quite indignantly said "I say Merry Christmas!" I wanted to stand up and shout over my cubicle wall, "Take it easy, pal; she is just wishing you well not making any assumptions about your beliefs!" Instead I just shook my head in quiet disbelief.

One phrase or wish that seems to be acceptable to any person of any affiliation is Happy New Year! Regardless if someone has had a great 2011 or a challenging one, wishing her a Happy New Year is a wish well received. If your prior year was full of good things, you are happy to anticipate what the year ahead will bring. If a more challenging year has brought struggles and disappointments, the optimism of a fresh new start is encouraging. Either way wishing someone a Happy New Year is generally a safe bet.

So Happy New Year to all! May 2012 be the best one yet!