Saying “happy holidays” has become something of an internet culture war in recent years. It has transformed from a standard wintertime greeting into a whole argument. However, there are some actual reasons that you should be saying “happy holidays.”
The baseline is that, whether you celebrate them or not, December has many holidays and traditions celebrated by many different people and cultures. This stems from ancient human traditions marking the winter solstice, which means days start getting longer and the end of the harvest.
From Christmas to Hanukkah, and Kwanza to Boxing Day to New Year, December is full of holidays, so unless you happen to know exactly what holiday everyone you greet celebrates, saying “happy holidays” includes everyone in the conversation and brings everyone holiday cheer.
When people say “happy holidays,” no one is trying to attack you or your Christmas beliefs. It is just a neutral, social greeting that can hopefully bring everyone together. On top of that, there is no “war on Christmas.” The majority of United States citizens celebrate Christmas either religiously or because that is what they were raised celebrating. If you walk into a department store, you see Christmas decorations covering many aisles, and maybe one end section dedicated to Hanukkah. Afterall, one holiday shouldn’t get to own this month packed with so many different celebrations.
American culture is pluralist in nature. With people coming from all over the nation and the world, saying “happy holidays” is just an accurate reflection of the American melting pot. Hopefully, it can also encourage us to explore other traditions and interact with this amazing melting pot.
Part of going to university is getting exposure to a more diverse and interesting group of people. Having a more general greeting is part of the unique environment. You’re not at Christmas mass; your greetings shouldn’t just reflect one religious belief. Part of the diversity you see in college life is reflected in saying “happy holidays.”
Also, you shouldn’t be berating retail workers who say “happy holidays” this time of year. They don’t know you or what winter holiday you celebrate, or what religion you believe in. Saying “happy holidays” is efficient, kind and includes everyone at this time of year. This greeting also includes Christmas.
Saying “happy holidays” opens the door for us to celebrate this season together. This amazing time of year is about drinking hot cocoa, throwing snowballs at each other and
hopefully surviving finals, not arguing about religious beliefs and holidays traditions. So, happy holidays! Let’s all enjoy this wonderful time together as one group of people, each bringing new beliefs and traditions to the table.
Christopher Sprague can be reached at [email protected].