The Irony of Merry Christmas v. Happy Holidays

[David]

There's been a lot of controversy of late about the political correctness of saying Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays. Secularists and atheists argue separation of church and state, and the possibility of offending someone who is not a "believer."

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, I simply enjoy the irony created when some people don't think things all the way through.

Case in point, the origin of the word HOLIDAY:

Middle English, from Old English hāligdæg, from hālig holy + dæg day

So, holiday stems from "Holy Day."

Doh!

 

[vraiblonde]

You failed but have a good holiday

Um, I think it's you that failed.

Holidays used to be a "day of recreation" because......?

I'll give you a hint: it has something to do with 7th days and resting.

 

[Tilted]

Yeah, OP's argument makes sense to me. He wasn't trying to give the definition of the word holiday, merely trying to point out its derivation - which is the relevant issue.

Point being, if someone is offended by the use of the word Christmas, because it derives from religious context, shouldn't they also be offended by the use of the word holiday, since it derives from religious context? The irony that they aren't would imply that they are motivated more by a desire to have something to complain about than by legitimate, thoughtful offense.

But it all begs the question - are there really a significant number of people who are offended by the use of the term 'Merry Christmas', or is that notion just a social myth? I don't consider myself religious, but I use the term as much as anyone.

 

[morningbell]

I give up.... Happy Winter Celebrations!

 

[vraiblonde]

There is no "War on Christmas", its just BS by Religious Right talking heads with an agenda that is on par with anything Jesse Jackson ever attempted.

And there is no huge Christian movement to force everyone to believe in their God. So you AND they are going to have to get over yourselves.

Or not. Feel free to continue to amuse the rest of us.

 

[PsyOps]

The original meaning of a word verses how its used today in everyday speech isnt germane.

You mean sort of like how Christmas was originally a pagan "HOLIDAY" verses it's use today? A CHRISTIAN HOLYDAY!

 

[vraiblonde]

Just a thought

Thank you for sharing