OT - Just Say It - OT

[randroid]

Gents,

I meet a lot of strangers in my line of work and this year as they're ready to leave my tables I've dropped the 'Happy Holidays' line of BS and gone straight to the heart of it by wishing them a 'Merry Christmas'. Usually they smile and return the salutation in kind, but every now-and-then I'll find someone with a quizzical face and I assure them it's okay for them to use the word 'Christmas' any time they want. Invariably they'll relax, smile, and thank me as they leave. I don't think they're just pretending to like it because my gratuities have also risen noticeably with my usage of the forbidden word.

Any of you gents gotten into saying 'Merry Christmas' to total strangers? I've had nothing other than very positive reactions from saying it, and it honestly seems to bring back nostalgic feelings within everyone.

Whatever your take, Merry Christmas to you all.

Lynn & Randy St. John

[dezeldoc]

I never stop'd sayin it!! If it offends someone oh well. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

[BobT-47P15]

Ditto.

Hope everyone has an even better year in '09.

[Norm's Coupe]

I've always used both terms. Not because I'm afraid I'll offend someone, but simply because it's easier to say "Happy Holidays" instead of saying both Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Happy Holidays covers both and all religious holidays of the season.

Hope everyone has a happy holiday season.

[Dennis Hemingway]

YEA!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hope everyone has a great '09.

Dennis:)

[pflaming]

"Whoever" is working hard to remove Christ out of Christmas even as complete as to include the exclusion from the public school text books. Wonder how the same "whoever" would react if we started to remove Lincoln, or Roosevelt, or Kennedys' names?

It is Merry Christmas for me as well. The world timing system was changed because of Jesus, BC to AD the only time it has been changed!!

Randrod, you have my respect!! Good work!

Paul

[RobertKB]

Actually to be politicial correct it is no longer AD but ME for Modern Era. I never have bought into that crap and have always said Merry Christmas. After retiring I worked part time at Office Depot and I used to say Merry Christmas to everyone and was told I was not supposed to do that. I did it anyway...what are they going to do? Fire someone who didn't really need the job but was a good employee? Usually the last people you offend are those of other religions as they realize it is a major holiday for Christians. I have never been offended when someone wishes me Happy Hunukah and I certainly don't mind Moslems when they practice Ramadan. To each their own. So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[daddyo23]

The "politically correct" crowd can try all they want but it will always be Merry Christmas in this house. I encounter many people during the day and they may say "happy holidays", which may be fine for them but I try to remember the reason for the season. My .02. Wayne P.

[TodFitch]

I've heard that over 100 years ago the more common phrase was "Happy Christmas and Merry New Year". An item the might support that is the ending of "The Night Before Christmas":

http://www.christmas-tree.com/stories/nightbeforechristmas.html

And it makes sense: Christmas not supposed to be a wild and merry party time while the New Year, especially New Year's Eve, is. So did it change from "happy Christmas" to "merry Christmas"? And if so, why?

[Oldguy48]

"Merry Christmas" may not be politically correct, but I've never agreed with the politically correct crowd anyway. And as far as I know, I've never offended anyone by wishing them a "Merry Christmas". Furthermore, "Happy Holidays" is a term I refuse to use during this season. It's the Christmas season and I will continue to refer to it as just that, with no apologies to the "PC police":D

[Norm's Coupe]

Guys, just to set the record straight. As mentioned in my post I don't use the term Happy Holidays to be politically correct. I am probably one of the most politically incorrect person around.

[M. Cross]

Well, apparently Wal-Mart and Target reversed fields after last year and them embracing the 'Happy Holiday' theme. They are using Christmas heavily through all their advertisements on TV and paper, and are telling their folks to wish people a Merry Christmas.

Glad to hear it too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Regard! Mark

[Captain Neon]

I've heard that over 100 years ago the more common phrase was "Happy Christmas and Merry New Year". An item the might support that is the ending of "The Night Before Christmas":

http://www.christmas-tree.com/stories/nightbeforechristmas.html

And it makes sense: Christmas not supposed to be a wild and merry party time while the New Year, especially New Year's Eve, is. So did it change from "happy Christmas" to "merry Christmas"? And if so, why?

I am reminded of the famous "classic" Christmas song by John Lennon, "Happy X-Mas."

It is likely that "Happy Christmas" is a British expression, and "Merry Christmas" is a North American expression. Any input from Canucks, Kiwis, and Aussies is much appreciated.

[Don Coatney]

Well, apparently Wal-Mart and Target reversed fields after last year and them embracing the 'Happy Holiday' theme. They are using Christmas heavily through all their advertisements on TV and paper, and are telling their folks to wish people a Merry Christmas.

Glad to hear it too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Regard! Mark

Mark;

I have not heard from you for a long time. I attended a car show in your hometown last summer. How is your Plymouth running? Hope you have a good holiday season.

[RobertKB]

In Canada it is Merry Christmas and I have never heard Happy Christmas. I worked in London, England, for three years and all I heard was Merry Christmas.