What's wrong with saying "Merry Christmas"? Have we lost our freedom of speech?

There is nothing wrong with saying merry christmas. However, companies like Wal-Mart don't want to tie themselves specifically to a Christian holiday/belief system. It makes more business sense to try to not alienate people who do not support these kinds of holidays. They could still say merry christmas but they are choosing not to.

I went to a family gathering last week, Merry Christmas was the greeting everyone used, however

Santa Claus, Elves, Trees and gifts were the theme of the day, many people say Merry Christmas

as a tradition, it has nothing to do with religion.

When I say Merry Christmas to someone, I often hear happy holidays in return. With some people you can tell by the inflection and tone of voice that it was meant as a correction, at the same time

I deal with some people who I know are muslim, I would not offer a Merry Christmas greeting to them out of respect.

I think a lot of us feel that there has been an effort to do away with traditional America, this is obvious when a store starts to advertise holiday trees.

Here's a really good article from CNN about the multi-holiday issues that some have. Apparently some people even though not Christian celebrate Christmas anyway. Or at least highlight their own tradition anyway.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/23/december.dile...

Even though Christmas has the word "Christ" in it. Doesn't mean that Christians have a monopoly on Christmas spirit. I get the idea that the whole tree, gifts, meal is actually a pagan invention. But it isn't going to stop me from celebrating a holiday.

At least you are a rational atheist who doesn't have a fit over people wanting to say Merry Christmas.

Any way Merry Christmas.

In my experience, the ones making a big deal about it are the "ZOMG War on Christmas ARGLBARBL" crowd, rather than the people saying "Happy Holidays." People and businesses who use "Happy Holidays" are simply trying to be inclusive and respectful; they're not saying there's anything inherently wrong with "Merry Christmas." It's the War On Christmas people who assume that *someone* is trying to take away their right to say Merry Christmas to Jews and Wiccans.

There's nothing wrong, oppressive, or censoring about "Happy Holidays." Heck, I celebrate two holidays this time of year, and it takes a lot less breath than saying, "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." People are in a hurry these days, ya know?

Susan: You don't celebrate New Year's?

Say Merry Christmas if you want to. But don't be surprised if the person wishes you a Happy Chanukkah in return. I try not to make assumptions about what holidays others celebrate. If I know what they celebrate, I will be specific. Otherwise, "enjoy the holidays" works fine. And if that is offensive to you, then the problem is in you.

Oh FFS, there is no "War on Christmas". Bill O'Reilly is a liar trying to get people worked up over nothing. Nobody gives a crap if you or anybody else says Merry Christmas, Happy Chrismakwanzzakuh or what the heck ever. The PC "Nazis" are the ones who think they're being persecuted if every bloody person doesn't run around screaming Merry Christmas just because the "majority" of people celebrate it.

******* say it. Damn. As for the advertising agencies, boycott stores. You're 90 % or so of America, stop whining. It's unbecoming. Here, MERRY CHRISTMAS. ENJOY THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, SON OF JEHOVAH AND THE LORD SAVIOR OF ALL THE WORLD. Happy? By the way, I'm tired of it too, but I'm tired of a completely different part of the PC police. I'm tired of the way they kiss Islam's *** and frankly, I'm tired of the way they seem to have no problem going after Christianity. Now, I've got no real love for Christians EXCEPT in that the fundies seem to be the only thing between my lily white atheist *** and having to go to mosque/praying 5 times a day/etc.

There shouldn't be anything wrong with saying it. Some people, however, for whatever reason, choose to take offense in it.

I have never been offended by someone wishing me a Happy Hanukkah. I know their intent is to spread the joy their faith brings, and I'd rather be greeted with a Happy Hanukkah, even though I am Christian, than I would a generic Happy Holidays. It's a matter of spirit.

There is nothing wrong with saying 'Merry Christmas'. I've been saying it all my life, regardless of all the recently introduced 'politically correct' BS. I don't care what "other" holidays are celebrated in December, I celebrate Christmas. I never acknowledged other holidays during December when I was younger, so no paltry societal idiots are going to force me to now.

You shouldn't place so much importance on American 'freedom of speech'. It is only a false front anyway. Nobody in this entire world is ever really 'free'.

There is nothing wrong with you saying "Merry Christmas."

That said, there's also nothing wrong with saying "Happy Holidays." Just because someone says "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean they are offended when other people say "Merry Christmas."