Many of us are fed up and are boycotting retail stores, magazines, and ads that overuse the word holiday (which is nauseating and agitating) or use it in an inappropriate way, per the examples below.
This is because it makes it obvious that they're refusing to say Christmas as if it's a bad word. If you really are trying to not offend anyone, don't offend in reverse and include all of us.
Political correctness has gone so far the other way that you have offended those of us at the other end of the spectrum. There are other options listed below.
It's also illogical, which even a grade school child would see:
These are also holidays, but they are not called “holidays” — New Year's, Valentines, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
In other words, all of the above “holidays” have been called what they are named…except, of course, for “Christmas” which is what Dec. 25 is.
You are not only foolish to call Christmas “holiday” instead of Christmas, but how can you change something that has been honored since time began without finding a way to include us, too?
To further my point:
Martin Luther King Day is called Martin Luther King Day.
Ramadan is called Ramadan.
Chanukah is called Chanukah.
Chinatown is called Chinatown.
NAACP is called NAACP.
To really put things into perspective,
Buddha always has been called Buddha.
Allah always has been called Allah.
Christ always had been called Christ.
We never have heard of any options to those.
God asked us to spread His word, but this isn't about that.
No one would ever dare change the names of the above, except for Christmas.
How extremely offensive is that? You can't make it go away. But if you can't say it, there are other options to include us all and not agitate people.
Enough is enough. I sat by quietly the last several years while “happy holidays” became the politically correct norm and replaced “Merry Christmas,” which had been said for centuries in many languages.
I understand the intention not to offend anyone (even though it's hard to understand how Christmas could possibly be offensive). But it has been overkill because “holiday” has not only been improperly used, it has been said so much that it feels like it's being shoved down our throats.
By trying not to offend some people, some of us who celebrate Chrismas are now very offended. Try the traditional “Season's Greetings” or festive season to please everyone.
Or just say holiday season, but not so many times because we got it the first time!
“Holiday” trees is the most offensive and distressing. There is no such thing as a “holiday” tree…it always has been and will always be only a Christmas tree.
If you can't say it, then put up an inflatable snowman.
“Holiday” gifts is incorrect and sad.
The origin of giftgiving, or Christmas gifts, is the only reason for the season. If you refuse to say Christmas presents, please say gifts because removing the “H” word in front of it will be a compromise; other companies do this.
“Holiday” luncheons or parties now replace Christmas festivities. Try festive party instead.
“Holiday” cookies is overkill on top of “holiday” gifts and stores and websites.
I could go on.
You don't have to believe in God or celebrate Christ (even though Jesus is the reason for the season). But it is called Christmas, and only Christmas. Those who don't celebrate sure don't mind the days off at that time for this statutory “holiday.”
Whomever is responsible for not compromising makes us fear for the future because you are imbedding this into our culture. If companies like yours are so afraid not to be ridiculously politically correct, then don't put up a “Christmas” tree or celebrate. But if you are naming each “holiday”, then name them what they are.
Your company is guilty, and you can't argue that what I'm saying doesn't include everybody, because that's your offense, not mine.
Enough already.
Ms. Hunter may be conacted at donnahunter55@hotmail.com
