Merry Xmas/Happy Hannukah
Saw a post, and it got me thinking about a call I made to a radio show a while back. The topic was political correctness around Christmas. Here's basically what I said:
I am Jewish. My uncle's wife is Christian, so my cousin, who is basically a brother to me, is both. Personally, I am not particularly observant, and I would say I am more "culturally" Jewish than anything else.
When I was a kid, we would have a Hannukah at my house, and go for Christmas at my Aunt's house. It wasn't particularly religious, or even religious at all. But there was a tree, stockings, all the trimmings, all the cookies, etc. It wasn't like we got double presents, we just spread them out over the two holidays.
Hannukah isn't particularly an important holiday, and frankly, has become what it is so that Jewish kids aren't left out of the Holiday spirit/Gift bonanza.
But to me, the way I felt is that Christmas is to many people an important holiday, and it fills them up with joy and happiness. I have been invited to many a Christmas party/eve/day where I am the only Jew, and I take it as an honor that I would be included in their family or festivities. The holiday itself may not mean anything to me, but it does mean something to them, and the fact that I was included in something that means something to them is a wonderful thing.
Personally, I don't know if the whole holiday spirit business is part and parcel of the holiday. I can't imagine that it runs counter to the spirit of the Christian faith, or any faith for that matter.
Do I take offense when someone says to me "Merry Christmas"? No. What for? It is a kindness that is being offered to me, and I take it as such.
So, I say everyone enjoy the holidays, whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate.
I am Jewish. My uncle's wife is Christian, so my cousin, who is basically a brother to me, is both. Personally, I am not particularly observant, and I would say I am more "culturally" Jewish than anything else.
When I was a kid, we would have a Hannukah at my house, and go for Christmas at my Aunt's house. It wasn't particularly religious, or even religious at all. But there was a tree, stockings, all the trimmings, all the cookies, etc. It wasn't like we got double presents, we just spread them out over the two holidays.
Hannukah isn't particularly an important holiday, and frankly, has become what it is so that Jewish kids aren't left out of the Holiday spirit/Gift bonanza.
But to me, the way I felt is that Christmas is to many people an important holiday, and it fills them up with joy and happiness. I have been invited to many a Christmas party/eve/day where I am the only Jew, and I take it as an honor that I would be included in their family or festivities. The holiday itself may not mean anything to me, but it does mean something to them, and the fact that I was included in something that means something to them is a wonderful thing.
Personally, I don't know if the whole holiday spirit business is part and parcel of the holiday. I can't imagine that it runs counter to the spirit of the Christian faith, or any faith for that matter.
Do I take offense when someone says to me "Merry Christmas"? No. What for? It is a kindness that is being offered to me, and I take it as such.
So, I say everyone enjoy the holidays, whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate.
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I have similar feelings.
I feel people should celebrate what ever it is they celebrate and leave Christmas alone to be celebrated by those who celebrate it.
And I would not even be offended if a black person tells me to have a Happy Qwanza.0 -
+1.
Celebrate what you want, but don't push your religon or holidays on me.
Just like the Mormons or JW's coming around to peoples houses like a door to door salesman.
I do not push my beliefs or religon on anyone else out of respect for their right to observe what they want. I may not agree with your beliefs, but I will not try to change them, and I expect the same from others. Same with political views.
I'm a Christian
also a conservative
I respect your decisions of politcal views as well as your religious affiliations.
My Sister-in-law (BIL's Wife) is Jewish, he is an atheist. To each their own.0 -
Well put. I agree especially with this statement:
Do I take offense when someone says to me "Merry Christmas"? No. What for? It is a kindness that is being offered to me, and I take it as such.
There is too little kindness in the world to squander it in an argument over semantics.0 -
I agree with you! It is what holiday it is for a specific religion but to me more about the joy and celebration of life. I was however quite disturbed last year at work. We(the employees) were told that it was not proper(politically correct) to say Merry Christmas or pass email cards and instead should use Happy holidays instead. No biggy, was no problem. Until the Christmas dinner and there were Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanza posters everywhere. What is the deal there. It is supposed to be a free country with the freedom of religion and a Company that is trying to be more diverse. It did not bother me about the posters, I am not offended by other religions holidays, I am actually kind of interest in knowing more about them. But to tell us Christian oriented(not neccesarily christian, but celebrate Christmas) employees that we can't say Merry Christmas, I DON'T GET IT![?] So all I have to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKAH, and HAPPY KWANZA!!! 0 -
and to you too.[;)][:D] 0 -
Merry Christmas! And, to all who celebrate other occasions during the American Christmas season, enjoy! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Jgreen
So, I say everyone enjoy the holidays, whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate.
Great post, and happy holidays (which ever you celebrate) right back at ya' Mr. Green![;)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by Jgreen
Saw a post, and it got me thinking about a call I made to a radio show a while back. The topic was political correctness around Christmas. Here's basically what I said:
I am Jewish. My uncle's wife is Christian, so my cousin, who is basically a brother to me, is both. Personally, I am not particularly observant, and I would say I am more "culturally" Jewish than anything else.
When I was a kid, we would have a Hannukah at my house, and go for Christmas at my Aunt's house. It wasn't particularly religious, or even religious at all. But there was a tree, stockings, all the trimmings, all the cookies, etc. It wasn't like we got double presents, we just spread them out over the two holidays.
Hannukah isn't particularly an important holiday, and frankly, has become what it is so that Jewish kids aren't left out of the Holiday spirit/Gift bonanza.
But to me, the way I felt is that Christmas is to many people an important holiday, and it fills them up with joy and happiness. I have been invited to many a Christmas party/eve/day where I am the only Jew, and I take it as an honor that I would be included in their family or festivities. The holiday itself may not mean anything to me, but it does mean something to them, and the fact that I was included in something that means something to them is a wonderful thing.
Personally, I don't know if the whole holiday spirit business is part and parcel of the holiday. I can't imagine that it runs counter to the spirit of the Christian faith, or any faith for that matter.
Do I take offense when someone says to me "Merry Christmas"? No. What for? It is a kindness that is being offered to me, and I take it as such.
So, I say everyone enjoy the holidays, whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate.
Very well said.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family. Happy Holidays too!![:)]0 -
me to
quote:Originally posted by rcrxs old lady
Well put. I agree especially with this statement:
Do I take offense when someone says to me "Merry Christmas"? No. What for? It is a kindness that is being offered to me, and I take it as such.
There is too little kindness in the world to squander it in an argument over semantics.0 -
I'm offended when somebody wishes me happiness on a holiday I don't celebrate!
And I'm offended by everyone whose birthday is not the same as mine!!0 -
But when he heard that Archelaus was The New King of The Jews, in place of his father Herod, he was afraid. 0
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