Sorry to offend youbut Merry Christmas anyway!
No, its not Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings. Its Merry Christmas. And, if you are offended, deal with it. There are a lot of things I see in the media and such that I don’t agree with but you don’t see me getting all butt hurt about it. If you are truly offended when someone says, “Merry Christmas”, you have some serous psychological problems and are in dire need of therapy. I wonder if you get just as offended when someone cuts you off on the freeway and flips you the middle finger. Probably not.
As for retailers who refuse to say “Merry Christmas”, on their marketing collateral, you’d think they would have invested in market research and come across this study in 2002 by the Pew Research Council that found that roughly 80 percent of Americans consider themselves Christians. A similar study was cited in Wikipedia.
Nonetheless, the following video is very amusing. Enjoy. Oh, and if you are against saying Merry Christmas, I suggest you do not watch.wouldnt want you to get offended! : )
Thank you to SEOBrien.com (an SEO blog) for the tip.
Technorati Tags: Citizen Link, Stuart Shepard, Merry Christmas, Merry Tossmas
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I agree, that "If you are truly offended when someone says, “Merry Christmas”, you have some serous psychological problems and are in dire need of therapy."
Thanks for bringing this up. After decades of hypersensitive activists running the asylum, it looks like sanity may be coming into fashion again. Case in point: the Colorado town that decided to keep its discriminatory red and green lights.
Face it...the US is no longer a christian nation. Get over it and move on.
It is SO True, I love this guy's mentality.
If it wasn't for CHRIST's birthday (weather it is his "actual" birthday or not) we wouldn't be celebrating CHRISTmas!
The US was founded on Christian values- I understand that the Founding Fathers weren't gung-ho on setting the basis of the country on religion--- hence separation of church and state--- but it was about the moral foundation that Christianity provides. Moveon.org is so funny. What a crazy-silly group of crazy-silly people. I wonder what happened to them to make them hate God so much.
I don't hate God, but I hate those who become "holier than thou" and preach and act like you have no fucking idea how to talk to God, or like your life is so filled with sin that if it weren't for them telling you about Jesus you would have no hope. Seriously- where's the sin there? Isn't judgment reserved for God?
I am a Republican who is adamant that no one should be prevented from saying "Merry Christmas," "In god we trust," "One nation under God," do not tell people where they can and cannot pray (provided they aren't infringing on anyone's right to NOT pray)--- but I am warped because I don't want to deal with religion at all. I want the Republican party to be known for its strength of moral character and impressive fiscal policies- not its ability to cater to the far right, thereby giving the rest of us the appearance of being Bible thumping assholes.
I guess it's better than being seen as a cold-hearted, confused, morally challenged liberal douche. How do these people get so into fighting everything that's good in this country? "People want to pray in school? WHAT THE FUCK? SUSPEND THEM, THEN MAKE THEM PRETEND TO BE MUSLIM FOR 2 WEEKS."
I don't celebrate Christmas but I think that this agenda of political correctness is just another attack on Christianity, of which I am fiercely offended by.
"Face it...the US is no longer a christian nation. Get over it and move on."
-- HAHA, wishful thinking won't help you there
BTW UC, I'm loving the redesign!
Thanks for the feedback.
You don't celebrate Christmas? I went to your website and I am confused.
No, I don't
Here's why:
http://www.prevailmagazine.org/?p=13
http://www.prevailmagazine.org/?p=7
http://www.prevailmagazine.org/?p=8
and one more for good measure
http://www.prevailmagazine.org/?p=1
hmm, interesting. Yes, I know that Christ wasn't actually born on December 25th; yet, our family still celebrates it...as it's a time (as one of your articles states) for sharing, fellowship, giving, etc.
Yes, we still get together with family and such (the article also goes on to tell why he doesn't celebrate it anymore), but we don't participate in the traditional Christmas activities. For us, it goes much deeper as we feel that going through the motions of practices that have pagan origins probably doesn't sit well with the Big Guy.
But we can save this debate for another forum/time.
THE DIRTY LITTLE SECRET ABOUT HILLARYCARE
Both Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are pushing "universal mandates" as part of their universal health care plans. With universal mandates, every American will be required by law to purchase health insurance if it is not provided by their employer or by the state. Even if a person is young, healthy, and has a better use for their money, they will be required by law to purchase health insurance.
If someone chooses not to adhere to the mandate, then what? A fine? And if he refuses to pay the fine, then what? A larger fine? And if he refuses to pay that, then what? At some point, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are going to be throwing people in jail for not buying health insurance.
You wishing me a Merry Christmas will not offend me in the least. Neither, I trust, will me wishing you Happy Holidays will offend you.
However one chooses to acknowledge the season, or if they choose to not acknowledge it at all, is fine with me.
If there is anything that kills the spirit of this time of year, it is people arguing over how we should express ourselves or greet one another. They can keep their ill will... I don't need it.
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
@ Len - well, I would prefer that you wish me a Merry Christmas; so thank you for doing so. I doubt anyone (not necessarily you Len) would go out of their way to offend a Muslim? I just wonder why it's not the same for a Christian.
Hmmm.....
@ James
What the hell does that have to do with this post? Stick to the topic, pal!
UC, I don't believe most people do go out of their way to offend Christians. I think what a lot of Christians fail to realize is that there are some people who do not believe as they (we) do. When somebody wishes you Happy Holidays, it is probably not because they are trying to offend you, but because they don't observe Christmas the same as you or I. Their wish may be a sincere one, so try not to take offense at it, but sincerely thank them and return the good wishes.
Just my two cents... spend it wisely. Thanks for listening.
Len – thanks for stopping by. And I agree with you to a point. I wasn’t necessarily referring to the way people interact with each other during the Christmas season. There has been an assault on Christmas for several years now – in the media, retailers, corporate policies, etc. I see examples of this every day; and it offends me.
Oh, and I had a chance to visit your blog last night. And, while you are not “blatantly” offensive to Christians, I think you indirectly attack (for lack of better word) Christians like Mike Huckabee. Am I wrong?
I'd be interested to see if retailers have seen any benefit from being politically correct in this case.
I do not attack Christians on my blog. I am not very complimentary toward those who exploit their "Christianity" for political or monetary gain (like Mike Huckabee), but I do not attack Christians. I am one myself.
I have not witnessed the "assault on Christmas" that you have over the past several years. What I have witnessed is the desire of some Christians to place themselves in the role of victim. I think a lot of this is political in origin. I could say a whole lot more here, but I think I'll leave it at that. Someone is screaming for me to go "holiday shopping" with them.
Have a good one!
@ Matt
Hey, glad you came by. I'd like to see that data as well. Quite honestly, I don't necessarily "ban" or "boycott" any retailers for not saying Merry Christmas. It just bugs the heck out of me.
@ Len
LOL...okay, attack may have been the wrong word; but the tone of your blog seems to suggest otherwise, in my opinion.
Yes...an assault on Christmas. I work and live the San Francisco Bay Area and I see this all the time.
Happy Holy Day to all the friends of George Bush.
The Founding Fathers of America were fleeing ... lemme see now ... oh yeah Religious Persecution !! I think if they were in America today they would probably be fleeing from the INCOMPETENCY and CRIMINALITY of the present regime.
The Pilgrim Fathers were non-conformists - in today's jargon, religious asylum seekers. The Mayflower sailed from Plymouth in 1620. America was to be their Promised Land and a shrine to their non-conformism. They were escaping an England full of RELIGIOUS and SOCIAL INTOLERANCE. The England they longed for no longer existed. So they took with them a memory of the old ways in England, NOT the England they were leaving behind. Many left earlier because of religious persecution, not for America but Holland.
Wow Andrew; I am very impressed with your comment!! Such an intelligent and well thought out response. Did you write this yourself or steal it from here? I wonder if they teach the ethics behind plagiarism in Amsterdam? Hmm…your post isn’t even worthy of a response. Next time come with your own thoughts if you are capable.
[email protected]
owned!
Well I've looked at the site you highlighted and try as I might I just can't seem to find this quote from my comment anywhere on that site:>
"The Founding Fathers of America were fleeing ... lemme see now ... oh yeah Religious Persecution !! I think if they were in America today they would probably be fleeing from the INCOMPETENCY and CRIMINALITY of the present regime."
So next time you want to respond to one of my comments come armed as I don't like to bandy my wit the witless.
Signed Andrew [BBC]
From you...
"The Pilgrim Fathers were non-conformists - in today's jargon, religious asylum seekers. The Mayflower sailed from Plymouth in 1620. America was to be their Promised Land and a shrine to their non-conformism. They were escaping an England full of RELIGIOUS and SOCIAL INTOLERANCE. The England they longed for no longer existed. So they took with them a memory of the old ways in England, NOT the England they were leaving behind. Many left earlier because of religious persecution, not for America but Holland."
from the site...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/empire/episodes/episode_21.shtml
The Pilgrim Fathers were non-conformists - in today's jargon, religious asylum seekers (last sentence, 2nd paragraph)
The Mayflower sailed from Plymouth in 1620. America was to be their Promised Land and a shrine to their non-conformism. They were escaping an England full of religious and social intolerance. The England they longed for no longer existed. So they took with them a memory of the old ways in England, not the England they were leaving behind. (entire third paragraph)
Many left earlier because of religious persecution, not for America but Holland. (first sentence, 4th paragraph)
Well, I will give you credit, you did come up with the first sentence of your response (good job)...and you did capitalize a few of the words you stole from the BBC. Still plagiarism in my book.
hahaha....Andrew!!! Come on man. Write your own stuff! And, what's up with all the people from Amsterdam on this site?
"come armed as I don't like to bandy my wit the witless"
How is plagiarism considered wit? You are an idiot!
Christianity is about having a relationship with your Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Religion is man's attempt to reach God. Christianity is Christ reaching down to us. Meeting us where we are not where we think we should be.
But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
As Christians, we celebrate Christ year round, it's just that in this season, we celebrate that Christ was born as a man to a virgin.Christ was born to die. He died and was sacrificed for our sins. He took the sacrifice that was ours.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
While it is true that he wasn't born in December, we have designated that this time of year to celebrate His birth.
There can't be Christmas without "Christ".
You non Christians can believe what you want. Fine with me, but I know where my beliefs stand.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
Let me present this issue in a different way, If you could pick a time of year that family and friends could show human kindness, love, sharing joy and fellowship, along with honoring a divine creator giving thanks, demonstrate your belief with decorations use special recipes reserved for only this time of year say nice things to each other, sing, pass cards with pictures of children and nice blessings, what would you call it?.....or does it really matter? If you can't agree with that....well you have way too many issues.......that says what about you?....Merry Christmas
I am a muslim and to be honest i don't like saying "Happy Holidays". I don't get offended when someone tells me "Marry Christmas". Christams is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is a very important part of Islam. The Quran does state the miraculous virgin birth of christ, and the Quran recalls Jesus's teachings, and the miracles he performed by God's permission. Even though we don't believe that he was the son of god he is still a respected prophet of God. Muslims are tought, by the Quran, not to hate christians or jews but to respect them because the have recieved and believe in previous revelation from God's prophets.
Direct quote from the Quran:
"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve" (2:62, 5:69, and many other verses).
HAPPY HANUKKAH, MARRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY EID
It could be a coincidence but it seems that Andrew also likes to draw from famous fictional works ...
From Andrew's last post:
"... I don't like to bandy my wit the witless."
From Gandalf (LOTR - TTT)
" ... to bandy crooked words with a witless worm."
This is just more wag-the-dog crap. More than 70% of Americans identify themselves as "Christian". The will of the few over the will of the many. Someday it will again be fashionable to be logical and reasonable with an in-tact sack. Until then get used to the "Winter Solstice Holiday Tree".
This is so funny.
"I wonder if they get offended when someone cuts them off on the freeway and gives them the middle finger. Probably not."
What the hell does that even mean?
Haha, you Christians provide unending entertainment. If it weren't the cause for so much death and destruction over the last 2,000 years, I'd love you all so much!
Peace.
@ Alex
It means that you need to go back and get your high school diploma so you can think critically. It also means that anti-Christian, hyper-sensitive people like you get offended for the stupidest of reasons.
HAHAHA.
Hahaha.
Another uneducated liberal trying to come correct and clown. Sorry Alex, but you just got moded, corroded and your booty exploded!!! Man, that was a blast from the past.
It will be a Happy Holidays to All!
Not out of disrespect to Christians but out of acknowledgment of the Jewish, Hindu. Muslim, African winter holiday celebrations.
I mean does a conservative Christian working in an International company day Merry Christmas to fellow Hindu or Muslim colleagues? I think not.
Thanks for the thoughtful post.
Happy New Year
Happy Chinese New Year - See, I'm not latte
Cheers
Kelley
Ummm. So I've been hearing about this awesome freedom of speech. If someone says "merry christmas" deal with it. If they say "happy holidays" deal with it.
Really, it's ridiculous that anyone gets offended
I'm an agnostic Conservative. Yes I know, it sounds like a contradiction. It just means I'm a bit off the page on faith and Christianity. But I will defend to the end, the right of any American to practice their religion publicly or privately. And I will also defend to the end that this is, in fact, a Christian nation.
This country was, indeed, founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and the founders never intended for religion to be excersized from the national stage. I am fed up with the far left in this country trying to erase any representation of God or faith from the public square under the banner of "separation of church and state". I challenge anyone to find that quote anywhere in the Constitution. The "establishment clause", simply bars the federal government (not state or local governments) from establishing a state religion. It does not say anything about individuals within the federal government from publicly expressing their faith. And it doesn't restrict the states or municipalities in any way.
States, on the other hand, unless barred by their own state constitution, can be constitutionally theocratic, as can local governments. The U.S. Constitution does not restrict the rights of states to do so.
So, better late than never, but Merry Christmas to all of you, and have a very happy New Year.
Cheers,
Tom
As a liberal, I've always found that rather than getting offended, the correct response to "Merry Christmas" is "Happy (insert Solstice holiday of choice that you practice)". No one's offended, everyone's happy, end of problem.
@ Alan - so are you an Athiest also?