What do we say to "Merry Christmas"

[Anonymous]

When our family was down on the Mall today, I said "Merry Christmas" to someone. She responded with "Happy Festifus." (sp?) WTH is that???

[Anonymous]

I am not religious (Agnostic) but think of Christmas as a blessing and spending time with the family. I wouldn't want my daughter to miss out on Santa Claus, I love playing Santa and watching her get all excited. For me, is all about the kids and seeing them smile.

Praying I don't get slammed for this post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When our family was down on the Mall today, I said "Merry Christmas" to someone. She responded with "Happy Festifus." (sp?) WTH is that???

Reference to a Seinfeld episode where Kramer or someone made up a holiday called Festivus. I read in the WaPo that there is a bulletin board in Adams Morgan where you can put anti-Christmas statements and they're relating it to Festivus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm Jewish and I don't mind being wished a merry christmas, because I actually do plan to spend the day off from work feeling quite merry. I usually respond by saying merry christmas to you, too. If I'm the first to initiate a greeting, I'll say Have a happy holiday.

I agree with this. I'm Jewish, but I'd like to have a nice day on December 25th, whether it's the holiday of another religion or not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Thank you. Happy holidays to you, too."

Yes.

Agree completely. It's the polite thing to do.

Me, too!!

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you for your thoughtful and polite response to what were some not-very-nice comments directed at you.

I am a Christian and LOVE Christmas. I have tried to train myself to say "happy holidays" when speaking to people I don't know, but every once in a while a "merry christmas" sneaks out. It's not that I am ignorant of other religions or believe that everyone else is like me; it's just that this is what's on my mind. I would not be offended if someone greeted me with a "Happy Hanukkah," but it would probably take me a moment to think how to respond. Thanks for giving me a reason to think about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, I was staying out of the fray and lurking on this thread until I read 14:31, aka Bitter Betty...I have had the experience of being wished a Happy *insert name of holiday I don't celebrate* by everyone around me three times a day for weeks at a time. I went to an orthodox jewish law school and I am catholic. In September and October the majority jewish student, teacher, staff population wished each other and me "Happy New Year" on a regular basis as the celebration of the High Holy Days came near. I responded, "Thank you! You too!" or "Happy New Year to you as well."

Oh and on Fridays when people wished me, "Good shabbat" or "Good shabbas" I said, "Thank you and good shabbat/s to you too."

It does not take a tremendous amount of brain power or forethought to be polite and courteous when someone is exchanging a pleasantry. People who want to take offense are always going to do so. If not about wishing their fellow Washingtonians well, then something else.

Bitter Betty here. Interestingly I am someone who when wished Merry Christmas smiles and says thanks! And/or Merry Christmas to you too. And I don't celebrate Christmas. What annoys me is the people who spew such contempt for those who would even consider thinking that someone might not quite feel that way. Or worse - someone who might suggest - GASP!!! - that it might not be appropriate to celebrate religious holidays in public schools. Come on. That doesn't take a lot of brain power or forethought to figure out either.

[Anonymous]

OP, if someone says to you "good morning" when it's ten minutes after noon, do you correct them? Are you offended that they are wishing you a good MORNING, when, in fact, it is now AFTERNOON and by golly, they should have gotten it right when speaking to you?

You have to realize that every comment made to you is not actually about you. Sometimes people, in their frail human state, do make erros, even when just trying to be nice.

[Anonymous]

See what I mean? That should have been "errors!" Please, please forgive me, oh grammar/spelling police whom I'm sure will notice this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, if someone says to you "good morning" when it's ten minutes after noon, do you correct them? Are you offended that they are wishing you a good MORNING, when, in fact, it is now AFTERNOON and by golly, they should have gotten it right when speaking to you?

You have to realize that every comment made to you is not actually about you. Sometimes people, in their frail human state, do make erros, even when just trying to be nice.

You are right. And thats precisely what I was trying to get across from my previous post.

[Anonymous]

It's a greeting. That's all. You are not required to surrender your (insert religious affiliation) card by the mere offering of a greeting.
I celebrate christmas. So, I say Merry Christmas. If I know someone is jewish or muslim or something else, I offer the appropriate greeting. Otherwise, they get a "Merry Christmas." Those who don't like it, I see it as their problem.

And to the one poster, yes, I actually have been wished "Happy Hanukah" (sp?) by random people. I thank them and wish them well w/o hesitation.

[Anonymous]

A Muslim woman greeted me today with Assalam alaikum today, and I'm not Muslim. I was actually flattered, and wished her peace as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

To the PP who said 90% of the population celebrates Christmas - clearly, your world is smaller than mine.

Right. It's 93%.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/113566/US-Christmas-Not-Just-Christians.aspx

Because we're forced to! If it wasn't a national holiday I'm sure far fewer people would "celebrate". I think the missing 7% are the people that actually work on Christmas day!

[Anonymous]

PP here. I forgot to add that it would be a MUCH smaller number if you were required to take a vacation day to celebrate your holiday as all the other religions are.

[Anonymous]

11:32 -- that's exactly why I think the commercialization of Christmas is brilliant, and one of the reasons I DO IT UP every year. Even if you don't celebrate, you have to feel the sanctity of the lack of commerce, right down to gas stations. BTW, Thanksgiving has the same feel, IMO, and it's not religious at all.