I got my first "Merry Christmas" said to me yesterday

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

The lady bagging our groceries at the grocery store said it. She said it with a defiant look in her eyes and she wasn't smiling. My husband and I couldn't even respond because it felt like she was daring us to say something else. So we just both stared at her.

It made me very sad.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Maybe she was just tired, had sore feet, and was sick of saying "Merry Christmas"

for the millionth time that day. Better to just smile and return the greeting.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

3. The store had just opened

I'm not getting into a pissing contest with anybody over what to say over the holidays. We both felt it was better to just not respond.

I say Merry Christmas on Christmas Day. Otherwise, it's Happy Holidays.

[zappaman]

5. My, aren't you the party.

Would have killed you to say something...anything....nice in return?
Have a great day!

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

7. I always return a greeting

Always.

This was not a greeting.

[SharonAnn]

17. Nonetheless, if you respond as if it's a greeting, you win.

I respond with various things, but sometimes I just say "Thank you".

If they were challenging me, the fact that I didn't respond to the challenge should be obvious. But since I said "Thank you", it confuses them.

[Bake]

45. Chip on your shoulder, perhaps?

You only say Merry Christmas on Christmas Day?

Just asking.

Bake

[tsuki]

144. Mamby Pamby much?

Just asking.

[trof]

154. I think that was a 'wish', not a greeting.

Like have a nice day.
Or even a 'blessed' one.

I'm an atheist, but not hung up about Christmas.
What the hell...'Merry Christmas' to you too.

[WolverineDG]

15. Sure the store had just opened

but perhaps she was already having a lousy day, or having to work a double-shift, or coming in early after closing the store the night before, or having who knows what kind of problems in her personal life......

but, nah, let's just go with the whole "confrontational" thing....

[Sherman A1]

129. Precisely

Even when the store has just opened, staff has been there for hours. Granted this employee may have just clocked in, but most grocery stores have staffing of some sort pretty much 24 hours a day. The store may be closed, but bakers are working, trucks are being unloaded, shelves are being stocked, displays filled, bookkeeping is being done, rest rooms are being cleaned, floors are being scrubbed and buffed.

[Squinch]

134. OR maybe the poster knows what she was seeing and it WAS confrontational.

[Renew Deal]

74. Did you follow her to work?

Maybe she came from another job, or dropped off her kids, or had a medical situation or whatever? It's none of your business anyway.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

193. Well, that's what you say.

Other people like to say other things.

Honestly, good God who really cares what people say about Christmas/holidays/whatever.

Really.

Dumbest "controversy" ever.

[amandabeech]

240. Amen to that!

My feelings exactly.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

6. All I can say is this was no greeting

not at all.

[Mariana]

26. I know what you're talking about.

I imagine everyone has heard someone say, "Thank you," in such a way that it's obvious they really mean to express "Fuck you." This manner of Christmas greeting is the same kind of thing.

You're right, it's no greeting when it's said that way. The words are inoffensive, but the tone gives it away. It's obviously hostile and intended to provoke, just daring you to say anything. It's also extremely passive-aggressive - if you object to the nasty tone, they'll play victim and pretend you're attacking them for their religion.

[snooper2]

68. This situation worth more than just a post on a random message board on the Intertubes---

I think signs and a small streetcorner protest are in order!

Maybe some occupy folks can assist (winter is usually their downtime)

[janlyn]

2. Only me!!

WOW,I thought I was the only one who had a similiar experience. Same type of I dare you look!!

I wished her a happy Hanukkah in return with a BIG smile on my face!!!

and then I waited for her reply.......*crickets*

I try to call attention to people's rude behavior in a non confrontational way..I have found that if you call them on it,that like bullies they usually back down!!

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

4. Ah, so you know what I mean.

This is the first year I've seen it. We were shocked and speechless.

[Fawke Em]

103. Or we could just all be assholes.

Seriously, if I said "Merry Christmas" to someone and they responded with "Happy Hanukkah," I'd just smile.

People get their panties in far too many wads over stupid things.

[sharp_stick]

8. I've never seen this myself

I've gotten several Merry Christmas greetings, even more Happy Holiday's and a couple of Happy Hanukkah as well depending on where I was.

I usually try to respond in kind. If I'm the first one to make the greeting I'll usually go with Merry Christmas because that's pretty much always been what I've said.

Maybe I just don't see the challenge or the challenge is simply a vision in the eye of the beholder.

Anybody so full of themselves that they feel the need to force a greeting on me or anyone else isn't worth my time.

[gollygee]

9. I've had people saying both Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to me

I haven't noticed anyone saying either in any way except to be friendly.

[Big Blue Marble]

10. Relax!

This season is about love, light, and connections. Just give warm good feelings back and don't assume
motive in the other person. What matters is what is in your heart. It is not a war or
a game. Open your heart and shine your love. Play it forward as they say.
You never know whose day you made better!

Hugs to you.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

13. I wish I could convey how confrontational she was

I guess I can't.

I hope I don't get any more of those "greetings".

[Big Blue Marble]

81. I hope you do not either.

We can only control the energy that we are extending to others
not what they offer to us.

I love the challenge of turning someone around and getting
them to loosen up and smile.

We never know what challenges are in their life or why they
are acting like a grouch, but we can choose to give love back
to maybe help them feel a little better.

[Squinch]

137. You certainly are getting a lot of snark about this!

I absolutely understand what you are saying. There is a group of people out there who see this as a way to stand their ground on religion.

I got my first email today that said "Merry Christ-mas." This was from a Fox-steeped relative who I love in all things except politics. I know him well enough to know that the hyphen was a pointed message.

So in reply, I wrote: You know, if you're going to be purist about this, I'm going to want to see a sign on your front lawn that says, "Keep the Winter Solstice in Christmas!" because you Christians just hijacked the pagan holiday, and threw a bunch of Christ in it! If you're going to keep it pure, then KEEP IT PURE! GET ME MY YULE LOG AND MY PAGAN PINE TREE!"

I'm waiting for a reply.

[BanzaiBonnie]

178. Stand your ground for Christmas!

I like that.

I've received two emails so far this season defending Christmas. And they are defensive.

[leftynyc]

172. Confrontational? Seriously?

You're interpreting a look YOU perceive is in her eyes and call that confrontational? You'd never make it in New York. Frankly, I think this whole topic is stupid. I'm Jewish and have been wished Merry Christmas my entire life - so fucking what?

[truebluegreen]

206. I understand how you feel

I get similar pokes from my reich-wing sister and if I react she plays the victim. So like Janlyn I cheerfully wish her Happy Solstice or something similar. It makes her face look like a prune.

(and no, it is not good for close family feeling, but we jumped off that bridge long ago)

[The Wielding Truth]

77. Yep. I agree.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. "A soft answer turneth away wrath."

A smile and a "Merry Christmas" in return would have been a sort of holiday judo. You'd have thwarted her attitude (if that's what it was) and taken away her defiance. And maybe made her feel better. Returning rudeness with kindness is the best weapon, IMO.

[MissMarple]

135. Amen! Faux has amped up it's "war on Christmas" again.

It is so silly. But their are those who need to believe it. Silly rabbits. My daughter was sent a fa

[Sophiegirl]

12. A simple "Thank you"

would have sufficed.

[cleanhippie]

121. Or perhaps a simple "fuck you" was in order.

You weren't there, so you cannot say what would have sufficed.

[Posteritatis]

132. Neither was I, but Sophiegirl's suggestion remains the more useful of the two responses. (nt)

[cleanhippie]

165. Useful?

Says who?

[aandegoons]

169. So says the oppresor.

Now how many more beatings do you want?

[Squinch]

138. I'm with you! Everyone is assuming the poster was being hypersensitive, though she was there and

they were not!

[demwing]

181. That's partly because the OP doesn't make sense...

What seems more reasonable? That it was truly a random Merry-Christmas-brick-to-the-head without a shred of justification--or that the OP innocently mistook the clerk's expression as "defiant"?

[Squinch]

230. Either one is possible, and there is a movement out there to defend Christmas in an imaginary war.

So I can't say which of the scenarios you describe is correct. Neither can you.

[cordelia]

162. You weren't there either, so how do YOU know what may have sufficed? You don't.

[cleanhippie]

166. Never said I did. But thanks for underscoring my point.

Even though that wasn't your intention.

[Wait Wut]

14. I've had customers say it like it was a threat.

One, a few years ago, kept insisting that I 'could say it' and he wouldn't tell my boss. I told him the boss respects my choice to say 'happy holidays' since I'm not a Christian. Guy got all confused. Asked if I was Jewish.

One woman literally screamed it in my face. Scared the hell outta me. She had that wild-eyed GOP woman look in her eyes.

I'm never rude. I'll say, 'same to you' or 'happy holidays'...and mean it. I doubt many of the people yelling it at me really want me to have a merry anything. They're just trying to prove a point. Sad.

Damn...good note that I forgot: I think it was last year a customer said 'Merry Christmas' to me and I smiled and said, 'same to you'. They then caught site of my pendant (it's really tiny and most think it's a Star of David) and said, "I mean...Happy Solstice!"

I almost broke down in damned tears.

[liberal_at_heart]

18. It does seem like some are saying it with more hostility these days

This whole Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays has really taken the joy out of it for me. I use to say thank you, you too, or Merry Christmas. Now I just feel uneasy and unsure what to say back. I've wanted to say Namaste but am scared of what reaction I would get. I guess if I let them make me feel threatened then they win so I have to try and think of something that will make me feel comfortable. This is all of our holidays after all, not just the Christians holiday.

[avebury]

20. Living in a red state it would be fun to

respond with Merry Yule or Happy Solstice just to see their reaction.

[demwing]

16. Wait...someone wished you a Merry Christmas

and that, in and of itself, made you sad?

You have First World Problem issues...

[Octafish]

19. + Infinity

It seems to be sport to find ways to mark DemocraticUnderground, and by extension, Democrats, as unfriendly toward Christians.

Gee. Who does that benefit?

[FSogol]

21. +1 n/t

[avebury]

23. Try living in the belt buckle of the bible belt

for a while where the Christian religion is constantly shoved down your throat - even in the workplace. I can't even stand the thought of actually walking into a church anymore. At our Division Thanksgiving and Christmas lunches I always step away for the prayer. I have even politely declined to go to functions when I know that religion will be featured.

I grew up in the northeast where religion was kept separate from school and the workplace. Nobody tried to push their beliefs on anybody else. It was very much a live and let live environment. The conservative Christians in the state I live in now are beyond obnoxious which results in a lessening in my tolerance for them.

[cbayer]

30. I've lived extensively in the Northeast and the deep south.

I would say the rate of people saying Merry Christmas is about the same.

This isn't about forcing religion down your throat, it's about a seasonal greeting.

[liberal_at_heart]

35. a seasonal greeting can be used to force religion down your throat

[cbayer]

36. How?

[Occulus]

38. By turning it into an aggressive challenge

How do you not get that?

[cbayer]

44. What would lead someone to know that this

would be experienced as an aggressive challenge. Did the OP do, say or wear something that would indicate that they did not share the sentiment?

Or was this just a tired employee who has been instructed to wish everyone Merry Christmas and only wants a living wage and to go home?

As the OP anticipates many more of these aggressive challenges as the holiday season progresses, I would suggest this is a self-fufilling prophecy and that she may be the one with the aggressive challenge.

Something like - Go ahead and say Merry Christmas to me, I dare you.

[liberal_at_heart]

51. My husband experienced a hostile Merry Christmas a few days ago

and he is a very tolerant agnostic. He says Merry Christmas very readily to anyone who says it to him.

[cbayer]

54. How did he know it was hostile and why would the sender know that there was

some reason to be hostile?

[liberal_at_heart]

43. an earlier post said it best

you can tell if it is said with a kind of "fuck you" kind of tone. I never understood why Happy Holidays was so offensive. It includes Christmas as well as all the others. The insistance that Merry Christmas be the official seasonal greeting. It's as if they are saying that Christmas is the most important holiday, the dominant holiday. They don't want to acknowledge the fact that there are other holidays. That's not to say that you can't say Merry Christmas. Back before Fox News created this whole war on Christmas nonsense people use to say both Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with true sincerity. When people use to say Merry Christmas to me I would say Merry Christmas back. But now there is an insistance that by goly Merry Christmas is the official seasonal greeting and don't you dare say Happy Holidays and vice versa.

[cbayer]

49. This is all rubbish.

Whether a believer or not, this is a time of year when people can treasure what they are blessed with (sorry if that word offends). Christmas can have meaning for people whether they are christian or not. At the very least, it can be a time when we remind ourselves to be kind to others.

The assumptions that the OP and others make about this woman are the problem, not the greeting, imo.

[liberal_at_heart]

60. well only the person who is receiving the greeting is there in person to know

I think most people can tell when someone is being hostile to them.

[cbayer]

64. Well, there is also the person sending it who may not be thinking of the recipient at all.

People sometimes assume hostility when it's not directed at them at all.

Sometimes it's just about being paid $6/hour and having to deal with rude people all day.

[liberal_at_heart]

67. it is also possible they were just being hostile and rude

You are right. It could be that they are just tired, underpaid, or just in a bad mood, but you seem to act as if it is an impossibility that some people would use a religous greeting to intimidate other people. It's not an impossibility.

[cbayer]

69. See, here is where I get stuck.

How would someone know who would hear Merry Christmas as a friendly greeting and who might not?

The assumption is that it is delivered in a hostile way to certain individuals.

Or do you think they send it that way to everyone?

[leftynyc]

174. There are also those

who look for something to confirm their own biases. All the woman did in the OP was say Merry Christmas. Everything else was interpreted by the OP.

[Sherman A1]

131. +1

[treestar]

187. You've nailed it

They are unhappy when we use Happy Holidays or Seasons' Greetings, because they don't want non-christians acknowledged or included.

[avebury]

70. Various types of holiday greetings including

Merry Christmas aren't that big a deal for me. What I find amusing is the whole monetary greed of Christmas and the Santa Claus routine which has absolutely nothing to do with what Christmas is supposed to be all about. Too many people spend far more then they really can afford to due to the commercialism of the holiday and corporations just rake in the bucks.

[cbayer]

71. That's what bothers me as well.

I used to be a big part of it, but have completely backed out. But it always felt like a chore.

[regnaD kciN]

120. That's the REAL War On Christmas, if you ask me...

What I find amusing is the whole monetary greed of Christmas and the Santa Claus routine which has absolutely nothing to do with what Christmas is supposed to be all about.

[Great Caesars Ghost]

57. Ever wondered to yourself why do you live there?

[avebury]

63. Every day!

I am stuck here until at minimum I retire.

[Great Caesars Ghost]

66. If I had the money, I buy you a house in Oregon. LOL

Hey it's one of the most progressive states.

[cbayer]

28. +1

[leftstreet]

102. +1

[rDigital]

124. +1 tell it how it is. nt

[WilliamPitt]

22. "You have First World Problem issues..."

This.

[regnaD kciN]

114. +one brazillion

[cbayer]

27. +1

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

29. No

Someone did not wish me a Merry Christmas.

Like I said, I seem unable to convey how confrontational it was. It was NOT a greeting, it was a challenge. I chose silence. But apparently I am wrong.

I ALWAYS respond to a greeting. Always.

[cbayer]

72. Were they delivering it to everyone in a confrontational manner or just you?

If just you, how would they know to single you out?

[demwing]

92. Isn't possible you misunderstood?

that what you saw as confrontation was actually just the dead dog tiredness that comes from bagging groceries all damned day for shit wages?

Maybe you are right, obviously, I wasn't there. But why? Why would she challenge you? Were you and your husband discussing Christmas and holiday greetings while in line? Were you wearing a "Fuck Christmas" T shirt? Were you chanting Hindu Mantras? Speaking in Farsi?

What rustled her jimmies?

[llmart]

161. Or maybe she works for a boss.....

who is telling the employees that they HAVE to say Merry Christmas to each and every one because the boss is a nutjob who wants to get his/her point across and the employee is an atheist who gets pissed every time she has to say it, so she does the passive/aggressive thingy of saying it with a snarl????

Just thinking of all possibilities here. I always try to give the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions. IMHO this is a scenario where I would use the old adage of "pick your battles". There are so many other things to be outraged over.

[Squinch]

232. Isn't it possible she didn't misunderstand?

[demwing]

233. Yes, it's absolutely possible

but which is more likely? That a complete stranger, without any cause-and-reaction justification, defiantly, unsmilingly, and indirectly challenged the OP to argue whether "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" was the more appropriate greeting--or that the store employee was just having an off day, and the OP and her husband innocently misread her intent?

[Squinch]

235. We really don't know, do we?

[lolly]

148. There's "Merry Christmas" and there's "Merry (F-ing) Christmas"

Once you've heard one of the latter, you'll know.

I thought I could stop ignoring/hiding FB posts from my conservative friends once the election is over, but I guess not.

I get about 1 post a day about how horribly offensive and disrespectful it is to dare to say "Happy Holidays" to people. I tried a few times to say, "gee, I'm just happy someone is wishing me well" in as friendly a way as possible. No dice.

Finally gave up and just hide them now. They get on a roll, and in comments they're all foaming at the mouth about people "stealing" THEIR special day and ruining it and not knowing the love of Christ because they're too deceived by Satan (and Obama, or are they the same thing?) so I just don't bother.

[njcamden_25884]

39. yeah, I don't what the OP is complaining about

Should that person have said nothing instead?

[eridani]

173. How about "Merry Christmas" in a tone of voice that didn't convey the message--

--that the OP should just fuck off and rot in hell?

[demwing]

180. Wow, we went from "defiant" and "without smiling"

to "fuck off" and "rot in hell"

You have an active imagination!

[Report1212]

59. Can we give du kicks to individual replies?

Because this one deserves one.

[cleanhippie]

122. Wait, someone posted a story about a personal experience, and you didn't pay attention to the detail

As the OP states, it was not the greeting, "in and of itself" that was the issue.

[demwing]

179. We'll have to give the OP what she couldn't give the bagger

the benefit of the doubt

[cleanhippie]

189. Again, you seem so entrenched in your position that you are unable to empathize with the OP.

Feeling the christian love. Feeling it.

[demwing]

234. Aw chuck it, that won't hurt my feel goods

I'm no Christian

[cleanhippie]

245. Could have fooled me.

[demwing]

248. despite the open door, I wont take the easy joke

Last edited Wed Dec 12, 2012, 02:09 PM - Edit history (1)

But when/where did I ever promote Christianity, or even state a preference to one holiday greeting over another?

Seems like you're just resorting to inflammation over information.

[Squinch]

231. With respect to giving the OP the benefit of the doubt: I'd say that ship has sailed on this thread

[demwing]

237. I'm willing

I didn't say I accept her interpretation, but I am fine with just accepting that the OP feels as she feels and in the end, it's not my damn business anyway, so why get all sweaty?

[Canuckistanian]

133. I was not WHAT was said, it was how it was delivered.

Without a smile... almost a trace of meanness.

You've got to understand the mindset of these fundie people. For them, anyone saying "Happy Holidays" is an insult.

"Put the CHRIST back in CHRISTMAS" is another one you get a lot. Or on Facebook, there's one picture going around that says "THIS person says MERRY CHRISTMAS and doesn't care who they offend"

It's all bullshit of course. NO-BO-DY is "offended" by Christmas so much that they say "Happy Holidays". When I was growing up , the two terms were interchangeable. Even Bing freakin' Crosby sang a Christmas classic called "Happy Holidays"

So, the sadness wasn't for the greeting, but for the "challenging" way it was delivered.

[cbayer]

136. But the case outlined in the OP appears to be different.

It makes much more sense that someone might react in a hostile or confrontational way if someone said "Happy Holidays" to them, even though I would say they had no reason to react in such a way.

But this is being portrayed as just out of the blue.

My question remains this - was this person acting like this indiscriminately? How would she know who should or should not be challenged, in her opinion?

[pecwae]

175. For real.

Buying into the War on Xmas meme by overreacting to a greeting.

[treestar]

183. You've missed the point

Haven't you run into any of these religious "victims" who think it's such a terrible thing that others are included when we say "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays?" Why was it delivered in a hostile tone? this was not a nice greeting; clearly it was an attempt to make her religion dominant, with a show of resentment for the possibility people would think maybe she should include everybody in her greetings.

Please, you know these people are out there. Haven't you ever heard their whining? How awful it is to expect them to use generic greetings in case the person they are talking to is not a Christian?

[demwing]

208. Absolutely did not miss the point

and I agree that there are some out there who don't really mean it when they say Merry Christmas.

Was this an example of that? Can't say.

But based on the OP's description, something is missing. It seems like a drive by Merry Christmasing - just random and unprovoked (even to the silly degree by which some people might define "provoked&quot .

I think it's equally as likely that the OP mistook the "defiant" look.

Regardless, why would this make anyone sad or speechless? Instead of just standing there mute, say "Happy Holidays" defiantly, or with a smile - then walk away and leave your behind in the past. Don't be sad, it was either a mistake, or (since it seemed 100% unprovoked) not personal.

[didact]

223. "I was walking me dog, and this bloke, he comes to me and says, "Nice day, innit?"

But it wasn't. It wasn't a nice day. It was a little bit cloudy. Which makes him very sar-carstic. So acting as if nothing would happen, I took his head, right, put it in me mouth, right, acting dead casual-like, clamped me teeth, and BIT HIS HEAD OFF!! Cause I hate people being sar-carstic."

[jaded_old_cynic]

225. Alexei Sayle from "The Young Ones"!

I used to love that show! LOL

[didact]

250. Nice catch! Yep. I loved it too!

eom

[Romulox]

24. The villain! nt

[Nye Bevan]

25. I hate it when service minions don't smile at me.

I mean, bagging groceries is so much fun! There should be a permanent grin on her face!

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

32. Oh get over yourself

We had been chatting with her up to that point.

[zappaman]

34. So you had been chatting and suddenly...

"She said it with a defiant look in her eyes and she wasn't smiling"!
The horror!
She turned awful just like that!

You sound like fun.
I'm gonna run around later today and tell 3 year olds there is no Santa...wanna come?

[regnaD kciN]

112. We need to start a nationwide campaign to get that woman fired...!

That's the best way to make it clear that the only acceptable public greeting is "Happy Holidays!" -- anything else will cost you your job. Restrict any mention of "Christmas" to if and when you're inside your church during services. Otherwise, it's "Happy Holidays" or nothing. We progressives have to take an aggressive, zero-tolerance stand on this -- it's the only way to fight for liberal values!

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

53. That really is weird

Had you said anything while chatting her up that would have made her think you were some "Jebus hatin' freak"?

Have you dealt with this person before?

None of these are excuses, I'm just trying to figure out if this is some bullshit they learned on the 700 Club or something.

[CrispyQ]

31. I always look them in the eye, give them my brightest smile & respond,

"And a Happy New Year!" in my cheeriest voice!

I get many surprised expressions, but it deflates everything, if their intent was not genuine.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

33. I'll give that a try if it happens again.

Hopefully, it won't happen again. It was the first time I have seen something like that and it shocked me.

[Trailrider1951]

37. Why be sad at someone so ignorant?

My favorite comeback to someone like that is a sweet smile and blessing, learned at my former (Methodist) church: "May the peace and love of Christ be with you." Usually that is the last thing they expect, and it usually makes them think, LOL.

[zappaman]

40. So saying "Merry Christmas" is now ignorant?

Unfuckingbelievable.

[pintobean]

41. Merry Christmas

[Nye Bevan]

62. ALERTING. How DARE you. That is COMPLETELY UNCALLED FOR.

What the HELL has happened to DU that you would post something so inflammatory?

[regnaD kciN]

115. Time for a tombstoning!!!

[NCTraveler]

85. I know a condescending smiley when I see one.

Now I'm sad.

[rDigital]

125. Oh you're F'd now, PB!! ; ). Merry Christmas to you as well! nt

[demwing]

256. So defiant

your smiley won't fool anyone

[mercuryblues]

42. If people's holiday

happiness hinges on me wishing them a Merry Christmas, it is going to be a sad day for them.

[leftynyc]

176. You obviously cannot just SAY

Merry Christmas. You have to have the proper look on your face and sincerity in your eyes or it doesn't count....or something.

[GoneOffShore]

46. Trash Thread is my friend.

[standingtall]

47. There is nothing wrong with someone wishing you a Merry Christmas

Even if your not a believer it shouldn't offend you. Kinda of early for a Merry Christmas though. What did you talk the manager into giving you a discount or something?, and that's why you took it as a challenge?

[Squinch]

141. Or, maybe the poster isn't being a jerk, and the woman was truly hostile. We don't know.

[etherealtruth]

145. According to the poster

they had been chatting in a friendly manner ... one must wonder why she suddenly changed demeanor and hostilely blurted out "Merry Christmas" ... odd, very odd

[Squinch]

147. And yet, of all the people posting here, she is the one who is best able to judge the intent.

[etherealtruth]

149. The person that said: Merry Christmas is the only one that actually know her intent

[Squinch]

150. And of all the people posting here, the OPer is in the best position to interpret what that was.

[etherealtruth]

151. Hahaha

This is the yearly posting of the "Merry christmas" offense.

Hahaha ... I love it. In eight years, these posts have never failed to appear or to disappoint.

I guess we all get to choose what we wish to be offended by. This is something that I CHOOSE not to be offended by ... as a matter of fact I actually enjoy holiday wishes ... wish me a Happy Hanuka, an Eid Mubarak, a Happy Diwali ... a Merry Christmas ... again, not only am I not offended ... i love it! ... and to boot, I am at most an agnostic ... though probably more an atheist.

We all make choices

[treestar]

186. Happy Holidays should be used with strangers

If you do not know a person's religion, then Happy Holidays is the polite phrase to use.

[Bake]

48. Good grief, Charlie Brown!

Bitching about somebody saying Merry Christmas????? If THIS is what DU is going to be like between now and Christmas, I'm taking a break from DU. This is freakin' ridiculous. Stupidest thread of the year.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc. to all my friends here

Bake

[former-republican]

50. Just get naked and break out some Pagan dance moves next time

[dlwickham]

58. too funny

dancing around naked playing the Pan flute!

[Bok_Tukalo]

52. It is a sad world indeed when someone wishes another to have a merry Christmas

<OPE>

[bongbong]

55. If she was a typical wing nut....

Meaning, she (sounds) not too wealthy, bagging groceries for a living. A victim of Colonel Sanders Syndrome.

You could responded with "Happy Hannukkah", since RWNJs are pro-Israel.

[rDigital]

127. Merry Christmas, BB. : ). nt

[dlwickham]

56. maybe you should have stuck your tongue out

that would have worked better than just staring

[LibertyLover]

61. I've had one or two people over the years do the same

thing. The first time it happened I was somewhat taken aback by the vehemence in the tone of voice used and muttered something along the lines of "ummm, ahhh, ok then and to you". After that I decided to simply smile and wish whomever had said it a blessed Yule. I figure that does 2 things - one, most Christians have heard Christmas called Yule, so they think I'm agreeing with them and everyone is happy and two, Yule is an old name for the winter solstice, so I'm a happy Pagan. But I agree, when something like that happens, it really can be a WTF? moment.

[liberal_at_heart]

65. people seem to think this kind of hostility is an impossibility

I like your solution. Yule is a good universal term for both Christian and pagan holidays.

[Mariana]

75. They're full of shit.

They know damn well it's possible. They just don't want anyone to complain about it in this particular instance. Most likely that is because they approve of such behavior when it's done in the name of their particular religion.

[geardaddy]

96. This.

I don't get why so many people on here are unable to realize that some people actually do confront people with "Merry Christmas"

If someone says it to me in a generally nice tone, I return the greeting, but I've been on the receiving end of a hostile "Merry Christmas" when I've said "Happy Holidays".

[Nye Bevan]

100. Really, I am starting to feel extremely fortunate that I have never been a victim

of one of these aggressive, hostile, "Merry Christmas" attacks.

But thanks to this thread, I will certainly be keeping my guard up.

[geardaddy]

106. Dos adra.

rhech wlyb.

[Renew Deal]

73. I have a feeling the problem is with you

Not her

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

87. Then you'd be wrong nt

[regnaD kciN]

116. Not from what I've seen in this thread nt

[zappaman]

91. +1 for being right! n/t

[Squinch]

142. But you don't really know, do you, since you weren't there. And what if you're wrong?

[SheilaT]

76. I have long since found that the best way to deal

with a rude service person is to be exceptionally nice. Really really nice. Over the top nice.

Sometimes, I'll start by apologizing that I'm putting them to such trouble, even when whatever I'm requesting is clearly part of their job. It invariably pays off.

No matter how confrontational YOU thought she was being by saying Merry Christmas, it would not have killed you to say Thank you, or Happy Holidays, or Greetings from the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

I'm not religious, but I'm not aggressive about pushing my lack of belief on anyone else. I frequently have people say to me, "Have a blessed day," which actually creeps me out, but I understand it is their way of saying they wish me well, and so I always smile and say Thank you.

[Nye Bevan]

78. "Smile and say thank you".

That is excellent advice for a multitude of situations.

[Mariana]

79. I think the OP was probably just rendered speechless

by the unexpected hostility. I've had a few people practically snarl "Merry Christmas" at me, and it is one hell of surprise the first time it happens. Most people are so good-natured when they say it, and you just don't expect to hear those particular words said with such a nasty tone.

[SheilaT]

82. Which is, in my opinion, all the more reason to be

incredibly nice.

We've all had the experience of a store clerk or a DMV person or any other of the multitudes of service workers apparently not willing to do the job for which they're being paid. I have almost always worked serving the public in some way myself, so I know how awful some of those jobs are, and how exhausting it is when management says you must smile, must be nice no matter how nasty people are to you.

Which is exactly why I go out of my way to be nice to such people, to thank them effusively when they are, in the end, only doing their jobs. And you know what? I wind up with really good service, and often get a genuine smile from them.

[Mariana]

84. I'm sure if it happens again to the OP

he or she will be better prepared to respond appropriately.

[eridani]

177. "Merry Christmas," he snarled n/t

[JoePhilly]

80. Reminds me of something that happened at an event at our kid's elementary school event ...

It was about 2 or 3 years ago, but I still remember it.

At the beginning of the event (I think it was a chorus performance), they asked the parents and students to stand up and say the pledge of allegiance. Normally, it would have been an unmemorable event.

But when they reached the "one nation, under God" part, some of the parents said "one nation" and then yelled "UNDER GOD".

Yup, they yelled the "under God" part.

And they looked very proud of themselves for having done so. You got the sense that these folks would impose their religious views on everyone else given half the chance.

My wife and I shook our heads and rolled our eyes.

[Mariana]

83. Some of the kids who would recite the Pledge

in the morning at my kids high school in Texas did that, too. It is intentionally hostile.

[JoePhilly]

88. Exactly. The people doing it are basically trying to invoke a reaction.

They are daring others to call them out.

They'd like a fight.

[Mariana]

94. And if someone does call them out, well,

just look what's happened to the poor sod who posted this thread.

[JoePhilly]

97. Actually, I suspect that if you call out some of those who are trying to invoke a response

by screaming "Under God" or "Merry Christmas" in your face ... they might shoot you dead and then claim they were simply "standing their ground" against an atheist soldier who attacked them during the war on Christmas.

Praise Jesus!

[Squinch]

143. Seriously. I'm finding this response perplexing.

[lolly]

163. They're skimming through the OP

Or even just reading the title

And jumping in because they're assuming that a clerk wished you a cheery Merry Christmas and you got mad because you're a Christmas hater.

They haven't yet, apparently, run into the peculiarly hostile and challenging "MERRY F_ING CHRISTMAS" delivery that Fox is encouraging in its viewers.

I say yet, because it does seem to be getting worse every year, and eventually they'll probably all have the charming experience of hearing what should be a friendly greeting turned into a declaration of war.

[Squinch]

229. I think you're right. Which means, sadly, many here will experience it too.

[NCTraveler]

86. You are in for a long and sad Christmas season. nt.

[cleanhippie]

123. Only because there are those that, like you, seem empty of empathy.

[Union Scribe]

157. People who freak out at a holiday greeting

don't need empathy, but therapy. Being offended by this is as ridiculous as being offended by Happy Halloween.

[cleanhippie]

215. And on we move to what you think people need.

I rest my case.

[demwing]

249. pot/kettle

This thread is littered with your opinions. I must have missed the DU rule giving you admin rights over which opinions are worthy...

[cleanhippie]

251. Do you talk just to hear yourself speak?

[demwing]

255. In fact, I post for your benefit

My posts are high in fiber, and will help keep your colon clean.

[NCTraveler]

200. I make the holidays so tough for everyone.

My lack of empathy just does everyone in. I now understand.

[cleanhippie]

216. Great! Then you understand the POV of the OP and can empathize with her situation.

Progress!


Oh wait, you were being sarcastic. Thanks for making my point.

[NCTraveler]

222. What was that "point".

I must have missed it.

"Only because there are those that, like you, seem empty of empathy."

I really wish you could see the joy that will be my Christmas. Family, friends, fun. It will be an amazing time. And we will all make a point to do something positive for the community. Because we understand that many people are struggling and that can be intensified over the holiday season.

I wish you and yours the best.

[We People]

89. Maybe all the check-out employees are required to use that specific phrase instead of Happy Holidays

and the boss is some kind of anti-"War On Christmas" Fox watcher. That whole faux "WOC" controversy comes from Faux. So probably either the boss or the lady have a compulsion about using that phrase.

Next time you shop there and if there's a different employee who also says it, you'll probably get your answer. But don't wait too long to do it, like Christmas Eve, when it makes the most sense to use it. Then you may be getting an irritated greeting because he or she has to work at that time.

[Kurska]

90. I always respond one word "Jewish"

generally it shuts them up. They are all for antagonizing those horrible godless atheists (gee what a wonderful xmas sentiment), but seem to take pause with attacking jews with their holiday.

[Nye Bevan]

99. "Generally it shuts them up".

Yeah, I think it probably would.

[geardaddy]

93. You should have said...

"It's not Christmas for more that two weeks! But it's Hannukah right now."

[sarisataka]

95. I attended a Hanukkah celebration last night

it was quite enlightening, if you will pardon the pun. I learned, among other things, that Russian Jews are OUTSTANDING cooks.

I wished the Rabbi a Happy Hanukkah and he wished me a merry Christmas.

[musical_soul]

98. Merry Christmas doesn't bother me.

Neither does Happy Holidays.

Neither does Happy Kwanza.

I have more important things to concern myself with. If somebody actually said it to me to provoke me, I'd laugh at them.

[lolly]

164. The greeting isn't the problem

Delivering it as an in-your-face challenge is.

[deutsey]

226. Same here

I haven't experienced the hostile Christmas snarl (although I don't doubt there are some people who do that).

If I ever encounter it I might just say something back like "Io, Saturnalia!"

[Union Scribe]

101. You shoulda punched her!

[cordelia]

104. I got one yesterday, too.

I smiled and said Merry Christmas to you, too.

It made me very happy that someone - a stranger - would wish me well.

[Javaman]

105. I had something like that last year...

My GF's daughter likes crystals, so there is a shop in my neighborhood that sells them. I should have noticed the first sign of weirdness by the Edgar Casey maps on the walls.

Anyway, after I made my purchase, the woman behind the counter said, "Merry Christmas", I responded, "Happy Holidays". She then got this evil look in her eye and repeated loudly (I think she expected some sort of lynch mob to spontaneously gather) "Merry Christmas!", I smiled knowing what she was trying to do and said, "Happy Holidays". But no, she wouldn't let it go. She got out from behind the register ala high noon and said loud and angrily, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!". Me in my same normal voice says, "Yeah, Happy Holidays" And gave her and a few other people there the look of "this woman is crazy". She took the hint, looked around and went back behind the register.

these types are certifiable.

[regnaD kciN]

119. That seems rather odd...

Since she was working at what sounds like a "new age spirituality" (crystals, Edgar Cayce stuff) store, which would be considered blasphemous and anti-Christian if not outright Satanic by most fundies, it seems an unlikely place to run into that sort of attitude.

[Javaman]

126. I know, that's what confused me most about her crazy-ness.

That's why I think most of the other customers reacted or didn't react they way she expected them.

Then again, I do live in Texas. lol You just never know where you will bump into a fundie.

[Ter]

107. Oh big deal, people complain about the littlest things

That is all, Merry Christmas.

[Xipe Totec]

108. Was it the MC in particular that offended you, or the 'tude?

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

110. Merry Christmas does not bother me

And I do respond with happy holidays. It was the way it was delivered. It wasn't a greeting at all. And no, I hadn't done or said one thing to lead her to believe I was the Antichrist.

[Xipe Totec]

111. I'm wondering why the person chose to give a Christian greeting in such an unkind way

What do you feel was the real message to you?

[JI7]

128. many people don't view "Merry Christmas" as a Christian Greeting

just like the christmas tree

[JI7]

109. Doesn't Bother me and i'm an atheist, why not respond with "happy holidays"

or something else rather than being bitter about it ? you aren't forced to say merry christmas. if you were that would be the time to be upset.

but i will never get people being upset over these things. and i don't even believe in god.

[Xipe Totec]

113. I'm a lapsed Catholic. My son is an Atheist

My other son is Buddhist.

We still say Merry Christmas to each other.

But we say it lovingly.

I don't think there was any love meant in the message the OP is talking about.

[JI7]

117. maybe not but you never know what the person

was thinking or feeling. maybe she had gotten into some argument with a friend so the way she talked came off worse than she might usually want.

it still doesn't matter. she said what she said, and he could have just responded with a "happy holidays" or something else.

[Xipe Totec]

118. Maybe. You're right. We'll never know. nt

[Posteritatis]

130. And people here eyeroll at the things Republicans get offended at. Oy. (nt)

[etherealtruth]

146. Point taken

[Warpy]

139. Smiling people get "And happy new year to you, too!" from me

The type of Christian who uses "Merry Christmas" as a weapon will get the same reaction you gave.

And yes, folks, most of us can tell the difference.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

152. Thank you

My brain simply told me "don't engage", so I didn't.

Again, I had never seen this before, and my husband was equally perplexed and struck dumb. To those who have asked if she was doing this with everybody, I do not know, I didn't hang out to see.

It was bizarre, and it's true. It made me sad because in my life I had never experienced a hostile Merry Christmas.

I am not a mean cruel person and I will be better prepared if it happens again. But there wasn't anything "merry" about it.

[Dash87]

140. I've had this happen.

They say it angrily and defiantly. I think it's the stupid "War on Christmas" crap that Fox News is pushing.

[mainer]

153. I once said it reflexively -- and only later did I realize I said it to a Jewish lady!

It's more an automatic tic than anything else.

And I'm an atheist!

[Beartracks]

155. Just like when Christ defiantly blurted "Peace be with you!"

(Post title = )

Christians acting un-Christian in an attempt to be more Christian is really disappointing.

==================

[onpatrol98]

156. Would make me sad, also?

I've never had that happened with Merry Christmas.

I have had a "You're Welcomed"...really mean something else. I just tend to smile. It works wonders. I can't even say, Merry Christmas without smiling. But, after a long day of work, I could imagine being weary and the words losing meaning...if I'm getting cranky. And, with the commerciallization of the season, I could see being a bit cranky after greeting customers all day long.

I just tend to return greetings, although, is Merry Christmas a greeting, question. statement of well wishes??? I don't know. Not to mention...why would she say Merry Christmas in a defiant way to you? Did you have the look of scrooge? Was it a ...I dare you to have a Merry Christmas...Merry Christmas statement. Or, was she expecting you to say...I rebuke Christmas and small puppies. (I'm just kidding)

Hopefully, that lady will have a better day tomorrow.

[rug]

158. "She said it with a defiant look in her eyes and she wasn't smiling."

Well, that convinces me.

[cleanhippie]

167. It's taken less to convince you of more outlandish claims...

[rug]

188. I suppose a"defiant look" is another way of knowing.

It's positively clairvoyant.

[cleanhippie]

190. Ask humblebum about that. He is the expert on other ways of knowing.

So does your comment mean you are not in agreement with the "other ways of knowing" hypothesis, or do you think that there are "other ways of knowing"?

[rug]

195. Neither. I am skeptical of inferences drawn from "looks".

[cleanhippie]

197. And that is a good trait, but it is, in a way, an "other way of knowing."

Do you think that there are no "other ways of knowing"?

[rug]

198. Other than what?

[cleanhippie]

199. Again, ask humblebum. This is his area of expertise.

I can only assume that you and I are in agreement about "other ways of knowing" then? My position on the subject has been made quite clear.

Can you better define yours, in respect to the OWOK, as laid out by humblebum? (No need to be obtuse about it, this is a well discussed topic in Religion, that you are very aware of)

[rug]

201. Frankly, I rarely follow those exchanges you have with him on this topic.

So I can't say if I agree or disagree with you or him.

If I knew exactly what you and he were saying I'd be happy to throw in my two cents.

In the meantime, I see too much straw being assembled to participate.

[cleanhippie]

202. Then stop throwing straw and inform yourself so as to further the discussion.

You voluntarily chose to participate, regardless of the amount of straw. You are in this conversation because you inserted yourself into it.

[rug]

203. I'm not throwing straw.

You are alluding to humblebum's position, then to yours, without ever stating either.

My comment was on the OP and my skepticism of her conclusions.

Speaking of inserting oneself, would you mind stepping back a bit?

[cleanhippie]

214. You are right, and I will.

[beam me up scottie]

194. !

[rug]

196. Merry Christmas!

[beam me up scottie]

209. Gesundheit!

[JNelson6563]

159. I've seen this take place.

Last year I saw this guy outside of a store, a bell-ringer for the SA. There were many shoppers going in and out of the store and he's standing there ringing his bell yelling "Merry Christmas!" in a very unfriendly way.

My immediate thought was that here was a viewer of Faux News who bought into the war-on-Christmas nonsense they peddle every year. It really seemed as though he was daring someone to give a "Happy holidays!" response or to take issue with his bold, shameless use of the word "Christmas" in public.

Self-appointed Christmas "warriors" making ready to welcome the baby Jesus with hostile greetings. They're out there whether the sane Christians want to admit it or not.

Julie

[frogmarch]

160. Both you and your husband

simultaneously perceived her demeanor as defiant when she said it, so I think, yeah, she was probably daring you to say "Happy holidays," or make some other devilish anti-Christmas comment.

I often get that same kind of holiday greeting from my republican in-laws. I always reply, "Back atcha."

[Raine]

168. Maybe she came off as hostile & "defiant" because the store makes her say it day after day. Perhaps

she is tired of saying to people who don't return any kind of greeting to her. I don't mean you but who knows how many in days before have just glared at her and been unpleasant.

[aandegoons]

170. Most of the bible has been turned into a weapon.

This should be expected now that the war has been brought to christmas via the big business overlords.

I have also received the defiant christmas greeting. At this point it doesn't bother me compared to the truly evil things the christians did to my people. I have come to view it as just another way to know who to avoid.

[xmas74]

171. best response:

"And a Happy New Year to you and yours."

Very hard to respond back with that.

[IdaBriggs]

182. Communication: 80% Body Language; 15% Tone & 5% Actual Words.

I believe somebody was being hostile and aggressive to you.

I believe you were able to identify this because most adults can "hear" the meta-messages we send/receive when we communicate.

I am sorry somebody used the words "Merry Christmas" while they did that.

[treestar]

184. I have a relative who can't shut up about this crap, either

Just last night there was a little Christmas tree in a restaurant. "Oh, a holiday tree!" she said and then of course started in on how horrible the world is towards Christians. She has to call it a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree due to persecution of Christians. Or so she claims.

[Jokerman]

185. Some people can make "Merry Christmas" sound like a threat.

Especially when I say "Happy Holidays" and they feel the need to correct me with a forceful "Merry Christmas" in reply.

Makes me wonder if the store you were in encouraged their employees to avoid saying "Merry Christmas" and she resented it.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

191. Oooookay........

I had a waffle for breakfast today.

[beam me up scottie]

192. Christmas with mr. bmus' relatives is like guerrilla warfare.

Since he told them I wasn't christian they literally WAIT for me to show up. I'm forced to endure everything from snide comments to outright hostility, there is no topic that is safe, no place I can hide, not even football is sacred.

I do have one ally but he's a silent one, mr.b's stepdad, a liberal christian that gets it- but he has to live with these people all the time and can't be expected to draw fire from me. It's enough to know he's there in spirit.

The snotty responses to you on this thread really piss me off. I don't know you but you don't deserve this, I'm sorry.


PS: I wear a choker with an EvolveFish on it, it used to be on a longer chain so I could hide it under my shirt but it's kind of fun to watch people's attitudes change when they realize what it is. Point is, I am asking for it, you weren't.

[mr blur]

204. Yeah, but she obviously wasn't a TRUE Christian.

Just the usual "Privelege? Me? I'm persecuted!" Christian.

It's not as if she were burning a Koran or beating up gay people or anything.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

205. You really showed her OP!!!!

How dare that cashier making minimum wage even look at you. And to think that uncultured service worker isn't up to date on all the PC jargon, what an uncivilized cretin. I really hope next time you tell her how offensive she was by saying "Merry Christmas" and give her a good liberal PC education right in front of all her co-workers. That will definitely help win people over to our side. Keep fighting the good fight!!!

[JoeyT]

207. Oh dear.

You've given the privileged Christians a sad. We've got no problem recognizing male privilege, white privilege, or straight privilege, but mention religion and DU suddenly turns into Fox News. Bill O'Reilly would be right at home in this thread.



Edited to add: I've been going around saying "Happy Holidays" and that face up there is the reaction I get.

[beam me up scottie]

211. "Bill O'Reilly would be right at home in this thread."

[cleanhippie]

218. Indeed, he would be. As he would be right at home in Religion, too.

[cleanhippie]

217. ^^^THIS^^^

[Hosnon]

210. So?

Smile, say "thank you", and keep on keepin' on

[Sheldon Cooper]

212. You are taking a lot of grief in this thread, but I can confirm that something

like that has also happened to me. I was the retail worker, and the customer was the militant Merry Christmas wisher. There was no doubt a defiance to the greeting, almost daring me to reply with Happy Holidays. Which I did, because it was store policy. Said well-wisher scowled and walked away. I don't care if people believe me or not, it's not that big of a deal, but it definitely happened.

[brokechris]

213. Where I come from in the US

people rarely say "Merry Christmas" it is almost always "Happy Holidays" (I grew up very close to a large Jewish community so my area was about 40% Jewish).

When I lived in the UK, one of the men that I worked with (a Muslim man from Iran) came up to me as we were leaving for the winter break and shyly (he didn't speak often) wished me "Happy Christmas". He had assumed that I was Christian (I'm not religious) and wanted to wish me a good one. Made me feel really good that someone was so nice and generous.

When someone says it--I just say "thank you". Don't drive yourself crazy trying to psycho analyze their motives. Most check out clerks don't actually give 2 seconds worth of thought to you--unless you stood out as an exceptional asshole. Most customer service people don't go around openly insulting customers because they know it is bad business. If you feel someone is TRULY horrible to you--complain to their manager. But you better have a little something better than this.

[TDale313]

219. For those here who...

Don't see how something so innocuous sounding could possibly be said in a way that's intended as confrontational or hurtful or passive-aggressively... Well, I'll be praying for you. Have a blessed day.

To the OP, you were there, you know how it came across. I absolutely believe a Merry Christmas can be delivered in a way that has the underlying message of "wanna make something of it?"

[wendylaroux]

227. Exactly TDale

like their testing you to see if you are a heathen.

[cleanhippie]

220. I always reply to everyone with a hearty "Happy Chaka Kahn to you!"

Works every time.

[Ikonoklast]

224. That's pretty good.

Try, "ALL HAIL SOL INVICTUS!!!!" next time.

The blank stares are well worth it.

[beam me up scottie]

221. Anyone know a Klingon Holiday greeting?

I still have time to make cards to send out in the mail.

[sakabatou]

238. Quch QI'lop!

[beam me up scottie]

239. Thank you thank you thank you, that is so FREAKIN' AWESOME!

Now tell me how to pronounce that, please.

Let's see...I need to have some buttons made, cards ordered, and I can hand make a special Klingon tree ornament for everyone of Mr. Bmus' family!!!

Yay!

[sakabatou]

241. Not sure... ANYONE KNOW?

[Scootaloo]

228. The response to such "greetings" is easy.

"Have a swell Saturnalia!"

[sakabatou]

236. But... it isn't Christmas... weird

[brokechris]

242. it is convention to say Merry Christmas during the

Christmas season.

Christmas never was a single day--it has always been a "season" that begins with advent (I think 25 days before Christmas) and going through to I think Jan 6 (supposedly the date that the wise men came).

Anytime during this season it is appropriate to say the greeting.

I'm not any religion--but it doesn't get my panties in a twist when people say it to me?

And it doesn't piss me off to see decorations or have snacks with a holiday theme.

Perhaps I am out of step with DU.

[sakabatou]

243. It doesn't piss me off either

I just find it odd. Though I will say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy holidays" to those who say it to me.

[brokechris]

244. just wanted to make sure people knew that "Christmas" does

not refer to one day. "Christmas" is a season.

My non-religious parents sent me to a religious preschool and kindergarten (they were the only offerings in my area) so I learned a few things there.

And although I have no particular beliefs, I respect our culture just as I would any culture I was living in. And like it or not--Christmas is part of this culture. (Although the Puritans originally banned it). I'm not a Puritan--I enjoy seeing people party and have a good time.

So Happy Christmas everyone.

[union_maid]

247. I've never been offended

I've never been offended by being wished a "happy", "merry" or "good" anything, whether it was a day I celebrated or not. But I do enjoy the War on Christmas meltdowns on the right. IThey've become an annual tradition, like lighting the tree at Rockefeller Center.

[Turbineguy]

252. "And

may you live in interesting times!"

[Aerows]

253. People are really making it an issue this year

I'm pretty laid back but at the grocery store, the clerk voluntarily went off on a rant about how he always said Merry Christmas to his customers. I just smiled and said "Merry Christmas to you." There is this whole vibe about some people wanting to be confrontational and defiant over this whole situation.

Personally, I think there are bigger issues that we can be stirred up over, but some folks look for a fight regardless. Considering that I live in a red area, he probably had no idea that the nice blonde lady he was talking to is a flaming liberal agnostic lesbian and just assumed I agreed with him. I just listened politely and inwardly smirked to myself.

[RKP5637]

254. I just say thank you and move along. There were a couple of stores here where the employees were

told/commanded to say hello to you every time they saw you. So, you go past about 15 employees and all of them say this fake/forced hello, it was dreadful.

And maybe this woman was having a rotten day/life, whatever, and she found nothing happy about saying Merry Christmas, etc.

What I've tried to learn is often you never know where someone is coming from in a brief encounter with them ... so, sometimes, we substitute in what we don't know ... as to why they said/did what they did.

Well, anyway, just my thoughts ...

[cordelia]

257. Whew! Just came from an appointment downtown.

No one I had contact wished me a happy, merry, joyous, blessed anything.

I feel like I've dodged a bullet and won't have to spend the day sad and in the depths of depression.

[pecwae]

258. You were just lucky today.

If you must be out in public any time until after 1/2/13 please be cognizant of your surroundings at all times. You never know when or where a greeting might strike. Beware!

[BanTheGOP]

259. Just say, "A joyous Kwanzaa to you too."

First, let's be clear. In public, a store shows very bad taste by potentially hurting the feelings of their customers by issuing a greeting of a holiday that may provoke anxiety, fear, and hatred. In addition, it steps on the throats of progressive atheists such as myself, that I was once tempted to just yell at them on the spot, store etiquette be damned.

That's when I realized that when businesses use "Merry Christmas," they are promoting THEIR own bias and GOP-based repressionist, capitalist attitudes that demeans the very tenets their holiday ostensibly portrays. And I'm sure most of us understand that very feeling, and for the most part, we reply very tepidly at best.

But I came upon a BRILLIANT idea, ESPECIALLY in white-bread GOP-controlled stores: Respond with "Happy Kwanzaa to you too!" This throws them for a loop, either by shoving their conservative hatred and (most likely) racist bias with the most progressively relevant holiday of the winter period. In fact, when someone says "Merry Christmas" to me, I not only respond with "Happy Kwanzaa," but I also take a couple of minutes about telling them the very tenets of what makes Kwanza the fulfilling, glorious holiday that it actually is. Most rethugs don't want to hear about the Seven Guiding principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination (within a progressive society), Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Social Purpose, Creativity, and Faith in our fight against the oppressors (in this case, the GOP). I have a 1-minute spiel that comes out eloquently and firmly.

Now, by this time, the greeter will either have learned a new, and better, way to celebrate the season, or (more likely) the greeter will now understand that he or she has met his/her match, and get the very progressive racial unity rubbed in her face.

If you want to know more about Kwanzaa, start at Wikipedia. It's actually a fascinating holiday, and I may even start celebrating it within the context of my own race (I'm white).

[Nye Bevan]

260. How about businesses that put up Christmas Trees or decorations?

Would that not also risk provoking "anxiety, fear and hatred"? Would you give your Kwanzaa lecture to the owner of such a business?

[BanTheGOP]

261. Actually, here they are called "Holiday trees" unless specifically titled as such

Very important distinction, in addition to being no actual religious symbols or icons such as Jesus, mangers, or other confrontational representations.

Obviously, I prefer generic holiday decorations that don't overtly preferentiate a certain religious belief, or any religious belief in my case as I am atheist. But that's not likely. However, that's not the point. The POINT is that greeters and stores that are overtly preferential for Christmas over a generic season greetings are no different than ignorant repressionist republican bastards. Pure and simple.