I don’t know about you but my head is spinning this time of year. It is usually because of the long list of things that needs to be done by Christmas. The list is endless; buy then wrap presents, select then mail cards, mix ingredients then burn cookies, sing with the kids then shriek at the kids, put the tree up then watch the tree fall down, stress out then take deep breathes, run from store to store then collapse on the couch. This is a daily pattern that continues over and over and lasts well into the reruns of A Christmas Story on TNT.

While I am checking things off the list I never give it a second thought when people greet me with Merry Christmas or “happy holidays.” Now I find out there is a war on Christmas and I have to decide if I want to wish people a Merry Christmas or “happy holidays”. And depending on which one I choose I may offend someone.

Personally I don’t quite understand why people are so upset about using “happy holidays” instead of “merry Christmas.” I don’t think anyone would refute the notion that the season is filled with holidays that starts sometime after Thanksgiving and lasts until sometime after New Years Day. In this festive time that celebrates peace and goodwill what’s wrong with including everyone with a simple greeting of “happy holidays.” This doesn’t mean I can’t reply with my own personal greeting that may change depending on what my sentiment is at any particular time of the season.

Those times when I am with friends and family, all of the season’s greetings that people bestow upon me evoke sentiments about what the holiday personally means to me and I wish them a “merry Christmas” or “happy holidays” in return. But when people greet me while I am trudging through all the merriment at the mall or waiting in line at the post office staring at a giant wreath it is difficult for me to remember what is so merry or happy about the holidays and I have to stifle a “hum-bug” and utter a festive greeting back at them.

I was perfectly content and merry when someone greeted me with “happy holidays” until it was brought to my attention by some in the media who hyped it as a plot against Christmas that is being perpetrated by a few of the retail chains across the country. They instructed their employees to use the code phrase “happy holidays” when greeting their customers and filled their sales fliers with propaganda about holiday specials on Christmas toys and merchandise. I don’t know where the media people shop. But as I maneuvered my way through all the aisles decked in boughs and holly I had to wonder if they all had one too many eggnogs. Or possibly they are right and the stores dressed in reds and greens are just brilliant at camouflaging their battle plans.

When it comes right down to it Christmas and the other holidays of the season are filled with different meanings and traditions for different people. What is wrong with acknowledging that it is a holiday season where we can respect and greet each other in beliefs and sentiments? That way it reduces the chances of anyone getting offended.