‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, decorated evergreen trees, joyous occasions and the juvenile debate between greetings: “happy holidays” or “merry Christmas.”

It is no question nor problem that the U.S. has, in general, become much more inclusive and conscious of varieties of genders, races, lifestyles and religions. It is important to evolve as a society and to accept the human race in every form and (almost) every mindset. This inclusion is seen, spread and fought for year round, except around the holidays.

For years, there has been what may be the most infantile argument of our living generations: should we greet one another during the holidays with “merry Christmas,” “happy Kwanza,” “happy Hanukkah” or a simple “happy holidays”?

Folks across the country never fail to resurface this argument. One side claims “happy holidays” is a more general, widespread greeting that avoids offense. This side argues the use of holiday-specific greetings “merry Christmas,” “happy Kwanza” or “happy Hanukkah” is not inclusive to those who do not hold the Christian or Jewish religion and are not African. Supposedly, to greet one with one of these exclamations runs the risk of offending those being greeted, as you may be seen as trying to “shove your beliefs down their throat,” resulting in those who do not hold the same as you feeling uncomfortable or wrong for not celebrating the same way.

The other side claims holiday-related greetings are not offensive but rather the spreading of one’s personal holiday celebratory joy. To greet one with a holiday-specific expression is not an attempt to push a belief on another but rather to express the joy said holiday or season brings. Shouting “merry Christmas” to a stranger, as George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life” does after realizing his luck and riches, is simply a joyful declaration filled with love to be shared. Saying “happy Kwanza” to a neighbor is not an attempt to guilt another but rather a form of salutation given through an exciting season in regards to celebration. “Happy holidays” is not a phrase of exclusivity and omission, but rather inclusivity and joy.

Asking the question “merry Christmas” or “happy holidays” is just as juvenile as the debate itself. No one is trying to shame or guilt another by use of a specific phrase or lack thereof. Exclaiming “happy Hanukkah” to a passerby is not an attempt of conversion, but conversation.

This argument is as unproductive and wasteful as arguing over Starbucks’ holiday cups. Flashback: a few years ago, Starbucks changed its holiday-themed cups to solid red cups, sending a plethora of Christians into a frenzy. The discussion here was that Starbucks removing Christmas-related images and designs from its cups was an attempt to “cut the meaning out of Christmas,” a meaning that many today do not celebrate Christmas for anymore. Those who argued against the new cups without Christmas designs argued exclusion and offense, some swearing off the Starbucks franchise as a result of the move toward inclusivity.

Getting upset and argumentative over a joyous phrase shared with love is absolutely ridiculous. Getting angry and offended by a cup design is unnecessary and ludicrous. We do not live in a Catholic-based country or society any longer; America has greatly involved, as the world’s “melting pot” should do. Buy the plain red Starbucks cup of coffee. Draw your own design on it, leave it alone or, better yet, do not pay attention to the coffee shop if you are that upset. Use whatever greeting you prefer, whatever makes you feel joy as you shout it passers-by. “Merry Christmas” or “happy holidays”? Why not both?

Photo from Pixabay