Quote of the Day: The Holiday Season

 

“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look out for the wall!'” – Dave Barry

I am not sure how I improve on this Dave Barry quote. Only a fool would try. So I will leave you with Merry Christmas. Feel free to add the holiday greeting of your faith in the comments.

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  1. Doug Kimball Thatcher
    Doug Kimball
    @DougKimball

    Festivus for the rest of us.  Happy Festivus!

    • #1
  2. Gossamer Cat Coolidge
    Gossamer Cat
    @GossamerCat

    Happy December Nights!

    That is my favorite non-descript, idiotic, ultimate PC, vaguely pagan renaming of holiday celebrations.  I even wrote to one of the committees who foisted this on us over 2 decades ago that they should move December nights to February so that it wouldn’t interfere with Christmas celebrations.  Never heard back.

    I wished a barista Merry Christmas the other day and she was noticeably startled.

    My attitude is that if retailers  are going to make money off of Christmas (and Easter)-and they do- then they have to acknowledge the holiday.

     

    • #2
  3. Matthew Singer Inactive
    Matthew Singer
    @MatthewSinger

    Never said or had anyone say “Happy Chanukah” to me. Curious to when Chanukah cards became a thing. Never gave or got one. 

     

     

    • #3
  4. Miffed White Male Member
    Miffed White Male
    @MiffedWhiteMale

    “To the Christians in the audience, Merry Christmas!  For the Jews, Happy Hannakuh!  For the Atheists, Have a Nice day!”

    • #4
  5. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    It’s the stupidest controversy we have.  (I have no idea what “wall” he’s talking about.)

    My favorite story on this topic is when I was working at Dell a lady in my cubicle farm started ranting and raving to people near her.  It seems that our annual winter party which was completely subsidized by the company and quite lavish, was not called a Christmas party.  She did not like the name “winter party” and it was just another sign that the modern world is taking Christ out of Christmas, christians were being persecuted again and how dare it be allowed.

    After about 15 minutes of her rant, I could take it no longer.  I poked my head out of my cubicle and asked her, “You do know, don’t you, that Michael Dell is jewish?”  She stopped ranting.

    The important thing to remember about Christmas is its true meaning, which is to celebrate prosperity and demonstrate it by giving out gifts.

    I don’t care what greeting people use.  If they are wishing me well with a Merry Christmas, or a Happy Holidays, or whatever, the good will of the greeting is the important part.

    • #5
  6. Joseph Stanko Coolidge
    Joseph Stanko
    @JosephStanko

    Happy Krampusnacht!

    • #6
  7. Phil Turmel Inactive
    Phil Turmel
    @PhilTurmel

    Merry Christmas!

    • #7
  8. Bryan Van Blaricom Member
    Bryan Van Blaricom
    @BryanVanBlaricom

    Skyler (View Comment):

    It’s the stupidest controversy we have. (I have no idea what “wall” he’s talking about.)

    I’d imagine that it’s the wall they’re about to walk into because they’re drunk :-).

    • #8
  9. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Skyler (View Comment):
    It’s the stupidest controversy we have.

    Here, hold my beer.  

    • #9
  10. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):
    It’s the stupidest controversy we have.

    Here, hold my beer.

    Shouldn’t there be a different greeting for the Jewish atheists than for the Christian atheists? 

    • #10
  11. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    The Reticulator (View Comment):
    Shouldn’t there be a different greeting for the Jewish atheists than for the Christian atheists? 

    I’ll kick that one over to @iwe and @susanquinn.

    • #11
  12. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Seawriter (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):
    Shouldn’t there be a different greeting for the Jewish atheists than for the Christian atheists?

    I’ll kick that one over to @ iwe and @ susanquinn.

    Since neither of us is an atheist, I would refuse to speak for that group!

    • #12
  13. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Seawriter (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):
    Shouldn’t there be a different greeting for the Jewish atheists than for the Christian atheists?

    I’ll kick that one over to @ iwe and @ susanquinn.

    Since neither of us is an atheist, I would refuse to speak for that group!

    You are more qualified to speak on Jewish atheists than I am.

    • #13
  14. Patriciajay Inactive
    Patriciajay
    @Patriciajay

    Merry Christmas!

     

     

    Just say the word! 

    • #14
  15. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

     

     

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.  

    • #15
  16. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Merry Christmas. 

    God dwells with us.

    • #16
  17. She Member
    She
    @She

    I don’t mind what people say as long as the greeting is genuine and given with good cheer.  I do object to enforced compliance, or any sense that one must say one thing or the other.  I think people have wished each other “Happy Holidays”* (most often meaning Christmas and New Years) for a very long time.  The problem starts when people are forbidden from saying “Merry Christmas” or any other specific greeting for reasons of political correctness or fear of giving offense, because someone has decided that “goodwill” as a measure of one’s actions or speech really doesn’t count for much if the person on the receiving end wants to make a stink.

    *hol·i·day, /ˈhäləˌdā/:  From Old English hāligdæg ‘holy day.’ Oops.  Time to find another word that doesn’t smack of religious oppression.

    ***

    This is the Quote of the Day. December’s sign-up sheet is here.  Please sign up today!

    If you’re new at this game, it’s a easy way to get your feet wet and start a conversation; if you’re an old-timer, you already know the ropes.  Either way, we’re looking forward to your post.

    Another ongoing project to encourage new voices is our Group Writing Project. December’s theme is “Winter Lights and Dark Winter Nights.”  If you’d like to weigh in, please sign up for Group Writing too!

    • #17
  18. Patriciajay Inactive
    Patriciajay
    @Patriciajay

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

     

     

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    • #18
  19. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents.  I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them.  I find that to be reprehensible.

    • #19
  20. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest. 

    • #20
  21. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear.  If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him.  How am I wrong?

    • #21
  22. Patriciajay Inactive
    Patriciajay
    @Patriciajay

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear. If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him. How am I wrong?

    If a Hindu for instance tries to sell Christmas presents at Christmas but refuses to say the word they are trying to have it both ways. But go in peace and have a….happy winter.  

    • #22
  23. Patriciajay Inactive
    Patriciajay
    @Patriciajay

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Thanks. He missed my entire point lol. 

    • #23
  24. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear. If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him. How am I wrong?

    For starters by saying this:  “I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them.”  That’s a serious accusation, and you didn’t provide any evidence for it. 

     

    • #24
  25. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear. If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him. How am I wrong?

    For starters by saying this: “I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them.” That’s a serious accusation, and you didn’t provide any evidence for it.

     

    You seem to have a problem reading what she wrote.

    • #25
  26. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Thanks. He missed my entire point lol.

    Well, yeah. That happens sometimes. 

    • #26
  27. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear. If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him. How am I wrong?

    For starters by saying this: “I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them.” That’s a serious accusation, and you didn’t provide any evidence for it.

     

    You seem to have a problem reading what she wrote.

    You seem to have a problem, with calling a fellow member of Ricohet racist. 

    • #27
  28. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Patriciajay (View Comment):

    Merry Christmas!

    Just say the word!

    From your article:

    A gentle note to retailers: I will not be spending my Christmas dollars at stores that do not mention Christmas, so…be brave, join us in Christmas joy.

    That is called bigotry.

    What is called bigotry?

    Because you think only your religion should be observed and you apparently have so much contempt for other religions or beliefs that you wouldn’t even do business with their adherents. I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them. I find that to be reprehensible.

    You win the long-jump to conclusions contest.

    Her words were very clear. If a Hindu makes an advertisement and says happy holidays, she won’t do business with him. How am I wrong?

    For starters by saying this: “I know Jews, atheists, Hindus, etc., who are very nice, honest people, yet you won’t have anything to do with them.” That’s a serious accusation, and you didn’t provide any evidence for it.

     

    You seem to have a problem reading what she wrote.

    You seem to have a problem, with calling a fellow member of Ricohet racist.

    You seem to not know what racist means. 

    • #28
  29. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    The first amendment, as we see everyday now, is only s good as the people allow.  That is, it constrains the government,  but if the people don’t embrace free speech, then it hardly helps. This is also true of its constraint of religious freedom.  If the people don’t embrace religious freedom, then we will end up with a defacto theocracy as so many conservatives seem to prefer.  

    By all means you should worship and believe whatever you wish, and if you are so inclined you should try to convert others.  But for religious freedom to work you must also tolerate others’ beliefs. 

    • #29
  30. Miffed White Male Member
    Miffed White Male
    @MiffedWhiteMale

    Skyler (View Comment):

    The first amendment, as we see everyday now, is only s good as the people allow. That is, it constrains the government, but if the people don’t embrace free speech, then it hardly helps. This is also true of its constraint of religious freedom. If the people don’t embrace religious freedom, then we will end up with a defacto theocracy as so many conservatives seem to prefer.

    By all means you should worship and believe whatever you wish, and if you are so inclined you should try to convert others. But for religious freedom to work you must also tolerate others’ beliefs.

    “Tolerance” means allow someone to believe what they want.

    It doesn’t mean someone has to patronize their stores.

     

    • #30
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