Be sure to wish people happy Christmas, not happy holidays

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051111/ap_ ... t_holidays

Far be if from me to defend anything that Walmart does, but this is just asinine.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

We ran this in our Saturday edition. What a messed up deal.

I could be wrong, but "Merry Christmas" is a pretty "Christian-specific" greeting. I'm not usually such a PC dude, but I generally greet people during the holidays by saying, "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays." This is in no way a slam to any religion. It's more of a "cover all the bases" type thing.

See, it's this kind of stuff that reminds me why I can't stand Gingers.

r:>)

MOONDOGGY · Post by **MOONDOGGY** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

That does make one curious as to where all of the typical Christmas traditions come from. If that guy is right about where such traditions came from, then Christmas and its traditions are more than just a Christian celebration. Weird!

f.sciarrillo · Post by **f.sciarrillo** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

MOON DOGGY wrote:That does make one curious as to where all of the typical Christmas traditions come from. If that guy is right about where such traditions came from, then Christmas and its traditions are more than just a Christian celebration. Weird!

It is more than just a Christian celebration.. I never say Happy Holidays, I always say Merry Christmas. A lot of people who are Christian take offense to it being Happy Holidays because of the lack of the real meaning of it. They see it as taking "Christ" out of it and that upsets them. I guess you can say it's more of a I'm not agreeing with what you say or think type of things. The thing that really surprises me is that there hasn't been a atheist group trying to sue walmart for putting "Happy Christmas" .. Maybe even the ACLU could try to intervene, then they are more of a ridiculous group than the atheists ..

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

Many Christian holidays were derived from pagan holidays, so I still fail to see the argument. "Happy Holidays" was a good PR move by Walmart. You want to alienate the least amount of people possible, and it's no secret that many Jewish families are rather wealthy.

JeffLeeper · Post by **JeffLeeper** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

You say , Merry Christmas" because it's Christmas !

I think denying the holiday exists is prejudiced and unnecessary. Remember....it's Christmas...so , Merry Christmas.

There's nothing wrong with that.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

It's tough being me. Caucasian. Straight. Secular Humanist. Political Independent. Redneck. "Kind." Ugly.
I'm always offending somebody.
It's Merry Christmas. Beyond that, you do YOUR thing, why can't I?---->JMS

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

On a personal level, to me it's Merry Christmas because that's what I celebrate. To a man of Jewish religion, it's Happy Chaunaka.(I think that's how it's spelled) To anyone celebrating anything else, it's What the hell are you celebrating for. I can understand that a big company would say "happy holidays" because it would be unfair to pick a certain religion to celebrate. Thats my .00 buck...I mean .02 cents.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Sunday Nov 13, 2005

bassist_25 wrote:Many Christian holidays were derived from pagan holidays, so I still fail to see the argument. "Happy Holidays" was a good PR move by Walmart. You want to alienate the least amount of people possible, and it's no secret that many Jewish families are rather wealthy.

With 85% of America being Christian, it seems Wal-Mart might be setting themselves up for alienating the majority of this country.

It is sometimes good to remind people that there is NO amendment to the Constitution garuntying one from being offended or alienated.

RAM Z · Post by **RAM Z** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

I say Merry Christmas and will always say it !Maybe all of these people can work through the Christmas season as well as Easter too. They don't want to say Merry Christmas but, they sure don't mind the vacation time which is usually a paid one! IMO

Don't these people have anything better to do with their time? What's next the banishment of Santa in public and codes against Christmas decorations
on light poles and in yards? These people need to get a grip for sure!

AtoMikEnRtiA · Post by **AtoMikEnRtiA** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

bassist_25 wrote:Many Christian holidays were derived from pagan holidays, so I still fail to see the argument. "Happy Holidays" was a good PR move by Walmart. You want to alienate the least amount of people possible, and it's no secret that many Jewish families are rather wealthy.

hahaha if i knew u werent trying to drive home a good point i'd say you were being sublimely ignorant in a intolerant towards other religious sense.. but i know u werent so its cool haha

AtoMikEnRtiA · Post by **AtoMikEnRtiA** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

RAM Z wrote:I say Merry Christmas and will always say it !Maybe all of these people can work through the Christmas season as well as Easter too. They don't want to say Merry Christmas but, they sure don't mind the vacation time which is usually a paid one! IMO

Don't these people have anything better to do with their time? What's next the banishment of Santa in public and codes against Christmas decorations
on light poles and in yards? These people need to get a grip for sure!

No because Santa Claus is secular and not christian. In fact, many a fanatical christian will teach to their children, and subsequently their grand-children that if you scramble a few letters in "Santa" it actually spells "Satan" - how fucked up is that?

My .02..

In my opinion, Happy Holidays actually sounds better than Merry Christmas - and if we're going to be PC about this - lets do it in the name of covering all bases and not just embracing one religion. Happy Holidays covers each religious holiday, Kwaanza, Ramadan (when its not early in the year), Hannakuah, Christmas, Thanksgiving (US), New Years, Boxing Day (Canada), ect so on and so forth..

I mean it's just my opinion, but if the religious right want to get all pissy pants about what we greet people with when we pass them by every November - late December.. maybe they should do something about it, start paying taxes on their churches and then maybe they should be able to have a say in what the fuck we do with our lives.. of course this is just my opinion, to any ministers and priests out there on myspace.. im sorry, but it's just my opinion, i could be wrong..

YankeeRose · Post by **YankeeRose** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

I know! How about saying this? It also covers every Holiday:

"BAH HUMBUG!"

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

AtoMikEnRtiA wrote:... if the religious right want to get all pissy pants about what we greet people with when we pass them by every November - late December.. maybe they should do something about it, start paying taxes on their churches and then maybe they should be able to have a say in what the fuck we do with our lives ...

Can I get an AMEN?!?

r:>)

AtoMikEnRtiA · Post by **AtoMikEnRtiA** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

BadDazeRob wrote:
AtoMikEnRtiA wrote:... if the religious right want to get all pissy pants about what we greet people with when we pass them by every November - late December.. maybe they should do something about it, start paying taxes on their churches and then maybe they should be able to have a say in what the fuck we do with our lives ...
Can I get an AMEN?!?

r:>)

The Kool-Aid is on it's way Rob. be prepared ahahaha

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

undercoverjoe wrote:
bassist_25 wrote:Many Christian holidays were derived from pagan holidays, so I still fail to see the argument. "Happy Holidays" was a good PR move by Walmart. You want to alienate the least amount of people possible, and it's no secret that many Jewish families are rather wealthy.
With 85% of America being Christian, it seems Wal-Mart might be setting themselves up for alienating the majority of this country.

It is sometimes good to remind people that there is NO amendment to the Constitution garuntying one from being offended or alienated.

But the point is that people need to quit being such bawl-babies and worrying about what matter of semantics department stores are using to greet people. America's not a theocracy no matter how much Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Rush Limbaugh wish it were. The Dover schools teach evolution, because whether it's a proven theory or not, it's still science. It follows the scientific method and it's based on objective evidence. Intelligent design has no basis in science. I think it's cool if people want to each it, but it should be taught in a philosophy course, not Biology 101. Sorry, I'm kind of going off on a different rant here.

For the record, I am a theist. I just strongly believe in a secular government.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

[Homer Simpson voice]Mmmmm ... poisoned Kool-Aid ...[/Homer Simpson voice]

r:>)

AtoMikEnRtiA · Post by **AtoMikEnRtiA** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

bassist_25 wrote:
undercoverjoe wrote:
bassist_25 wrote:Many Christian holidays were derived from pagan holidays, so I still fail to see the argument. "Happy Holidays" was a good PR move by Walmart. You want to alienate the least amount of people possible, and it's no secret that many Jewish families are rather wealthy.
With 85% of America being Christian, it seems Wal-Mart might be setting themselves up for alienating the majority of this country.

It is sometimes good to remind people that there is NO amendment to the Constitution garuntying one from being offended or alienated.
But the point is that people need to quit being such bawl-babies and worrying about what matter of semantics department stores are using to greet people. America's not a theocracy no matter how much Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Rush Limbaugh wish it were. The Dover schools teach evolution, because whether it's a proven theory or not, it's still science. It follows the scientific method and it's based on objective evidence. Intelligent design has no basis in science. I think it's cool if people want to each it, but it should be taught in a philosophy course, not Biology 101. Sorry, I'm kind of going off on a different rant here.

For the record, I am a theist. I just strongly believe in a secular government.

I agree with everything you said here except with your opinion that America is not a theocracy. I believe that this country is run by the theocratic beliefs that if you don't do this, or do that, or allow this, or allow that, believe this, or that - that Jesus Christ is going to rain fire down onto the earth and Eagles will eat your cock. It may not be out there in the open - that it's like this, but if you actually look at it from a distance. Every major issue in the United States today - the theologists have their hands in it, tainting it of it's true meaning and worth. Abortion, crime, drugs, alcohol, the defecit, political views, the war, religion, everything and anything they can stick their theocratic insane views into they're going to. The same can be said for the other side - but usually in these battles between the theocrats and science, or theocrats and athiests, or whatever you want to call them - the theocrats usually win.

America is largely "Evangelical Christian" - mostly because of these televangelists who come on television and tell the masses that if they don't use their credit card and send them 300 dollars a week, that they wont make it into heaven. Meanwhile these theives who call themselves ministers take that money, and instead of placing it into a church - they use it to build a University for yet ANOTHER tax write off.

The fact is, whether we like to look at it or face it or admit it or what - religion and the theocrats have the vast majority of us by the skrote. Even the ones who are somewhat vocal are being pressed down by all the weight that stems from John C. Hagee's fat fucking ass. I wish I could say what to do - or I wish I knew what to do to stop this, but hey - most of the people in the southeast are brainwashed (no offense to anybody here from the southeast.. you guys atleast use your heads) and will believe anything that Billy Graham tells them. So maybe he'll tell them someday to pressure religion to stay out of policy, and let humans use the free will that we were so graciously given, but never use.. remember.. free will is THE only thing we have over the animals that we call inferior to us..

my rant is over. sorry

f.sciarrillo · Post by **f.sciarrillo** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

You will find that the people who send the most money to television evangelists are the same people who call qvc daily to order something just so they have someone to talk to .. Mostly the age range of early 60's up.

It is pretty bad when they pray on people like that .. Than that is what Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell are all about, the schmucks. Billy Graham seems to be a good guy. I don't think I have ever heard of him stealing from people like the for mentioned .. Or even Jim and Tammy Baker for that matter.

AtoMikEnRtiA · Post by **AtoMikEnRtiA** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

f.sciarrillo wrote:You will find that the people who send the most money to television evangelists are the same people who call qvc daily to order something just so they have someone to talk to .. Mostly the age range of early 60's up.

It is pretty bad when they pray on people like that .. Than that is what Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell are all about, the schmucks. Billy Graham seems to be a good guy. I don't think I have ever heard of him stealing from people like the for mentioned .. Or even Jim and Tammy Baker for that matter.

If Im not mistaken. Jim Baker had a love-affair with some woman who worked for him in the 80s..

RAM Z · Post by **RAM Z** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

I'm sorry but I do think it's wrong to not to say Merry Christmas! I'm not a relgious person for the most part and if I was I don't even know what one I'd be into. That's the problem in this country everyone, is more worried about what the other guy is all about and how they can ruin their personal views! If someone greeted me and my family at the store with Happy Kwaanza or whatever I sure as hell wouldn't say "don't say that cause that's not part of my religion and I take such great offense when I hear it!" I would smile and say "well Happy Kwaanza to you too." To me the holiday season is about bringing joy and happiness to those around you and coming together with family and friends. If they want to take away the Christmas things from our childrens classrooms and not put up the huge Christmas tree in New York , FINE, but remove IN GOD WE TRUST from all of our money,take it out of the PLEDGE OF ALLEGENCE and tell all the homosexuals it's o.k. to get married! I just think it's bullshit. Why don't Walmart get a freak'n grip they are a bunch of money grubbing corrperate whores anyways. I take more offense when I buy something there and when I get it home it says made in China on the tag insted of made in AMERICA. I always thought that was one of Walmart's gimmicks to have all American made items? I guees they don't need huge sales around Christmas time to make more money then either. They have already taken most of the holiday season profits from the little stores to begin with and is more than likely the best sales they get for the year. I think we all should say it to everyone who is in the store around Christmas time even if the greeters don't. I sorta hope Walmart loses some of their Christmas profits over all of this, after all, don't they have better things to worry about ,like take'n care of their employees? I don't think I've ever seen a Rabbi (sp?) or any other religious party collecting donations for the Salvation Army either! Nope, I know I haven't, it's just good ol'SAINT NICK help'n out other people and I'm sure if any of these other people who need help from the Salvation Army when times are rough, wouldn't turn it down because Santa collected the money.IMO

Like I said this is just my opinion and nothing more! The last thing I want to do is bash anyone for their personal views but, then THEY have to stop bash'n ours also!

HO, HO ,HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

You're definatley right, Mike. I should have been more clear with that and instead said, "America is not suppose to be a theocracy......". I'm not out to take God from the Pledge of Allegiance or have the Ten Comandment sculptures striken from court rooms. I just think that theology should not be used as a basis for policy.

But back to the main point - I couldn't care less if the greeter says Christmas or holidays to me. I rarely, if ever, wish anyone a happy Christmas. I just think that it's sad that many people are only benevolent around the holidays and are self-centered, selfish assholes the other 11 months of the year.

RAM Z · Post by **RAM Z** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

Bassist_25, I totally agree with ya that it is a sad thing that people are only somewhat kind to each other around the holidays and not the rest of the year! I'm not out to take God out of any thing either but, I do however feel that if they want to make someone happy by not say'n Merry Christmas then they should also do away with the other Christain things that this country prides it's self on so much. For a nation to be so proud of all the different groups of people why should God be printed on anything that represents our country?IMHO

These things are why I don't follow religion.There are too many of them to take sides and someone will always dissagree with you no matter what.

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

Can someone post the article? My computer won't allow me to view it.

rreihart · Post by **rreihart** » Monday Nov 14, 2005

RAM Z wrote:These things are why I don't follow religion.There are too many of them to take sides and someone will always dissagree with you no matter what.

Religion and faith are for each individual person. Why would anyone care about who agrees or disagrees with your own beliefs?

ROCKPAGE

Be sure to wish people happy Christmas, not happy holidays

Be sure to wish people happy Christmas, not happy holidays

oboy