The holidays are coming and everyone is beginning to get offended over which phrase to use this holiday season. There is more stress added to everyone’s list this year; the big debate on whether to say “Happy holidays” or “Merry Christmas.” There are a lot of different opinions and ideas on this topic, and it seems like the verdict is  split right down the middle. On one hand, there are some people who like to say “Merry Christmas” and even go as far as saying that they are offended to say “Happy Holidays.” According to an article by  Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, he discusses how it is okay to say “Merry Christmas” to someone, especially if that someone does in fact celebrate Christmas.

“If you know someone is a Christian who is celebrating Christmas you should say to them ‘Merry Christmas,’” Raushenbush said. “Likewise, say ‘Happy Hanukkah’ to a person you know is Jewish, etc.”

On the other hand, there are some people that prefer to say “Happy Holidays” because they want to put all of the holidays together to make it easier.  This way they are not assuming anyone’s religion and not “offending” anyone. In the article by Artie Markosov, Markosov explains why it is easier to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

“The USA is very diverse. That means other religious or cultural holidays tend to happen in December too,” Markosov said. “If you’re unsure if someone celebrates a particular holiday, using the expression “Happy holidays” is an inclusive option that doesn’t leave anyone out. In particular, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are the two other December holidays that groups of people celebrate.”

Many people  have found themselves going back and forth on these two phrases. People who are Christian or have grown up in Christian households probably celebrate Christmas and are used to saying “Merry Christmas” to the people around them. However, now in high school and even in the real world you hear more “Happy Holidays.” I know teachers who are afraid to play Christmas music in their own classrooms for the fear of being offense towards other students.

Perhaps one day people will have finally come to a conclusion in how they will be able to wish friends and family a good holiday season for generations to come. “Happy Holidays” combines Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even New years. By saying this, no holiday is left out and everyone can celebrate what they want. With that being said, “Merry Christmas” is not the most horrible phrase in the world, and shouldn’t offend anyone in my opinion. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas and someone says this, they aren’t trying to offend anyone, just simply wishing you a happy holiday season.  No matter what you want to say, whether it’s “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Happy Hanukkah,” it’s the thought that counts.