The Most Politically Incorrect Phrase (Merry Christmas)

Adam's Web ^ | 12/22/2003 | Adam Graham

[Keyes2000mt]

Merry Christmas.

I said it. No, not Happy Holidays, not seasons greetings, but Merry Christmas. I’m not talking about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah is over already, I’m talking about Christmas, the holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

There have been two great forces combining to attack Christmas: secularization and commercialization. First, some people seem to believe that Christmas itself is offensive The idea of honoring the fact that Jesus Christ was born is such an offensive notion that causes the PC police hissy fits.

The question of what to do about this is a source of agitation. Getting rid of Christmas is not even plausible. Americans are very traditional people and the idea of altering one of our greatest traditions would put people up in arms. Plus, the tradition itself has huge implications for the economy. Though they can’t get rid of it, they can devalue it with cute pet terms:

The favorite is the ever generic “Holiday.” It’s the “Holiday Shopping Season.” Look on Television, there’s a “Holiday Special.” Of course the “Holiday” decorations generally do not include Menorahs or the Seven Guiding principles of Kwanzaa. It should also be that when the symbols of other traditions are used they are given their proper name. While I’ve seen a “Holiday Tree”, I’ve yet to see a Menorah labeled a “Holiday Candleholder.”

I’m not offended by the Menorah or the principles of Kwanzaa. I don’t need to force other people to rename their traditions to suit me. The idea that saying, “Merry Christmas” is insensitive is itself offensive. The idea that 75% of the people in the country have to pretend that we’re all celebrating some generic holiday in order to appease hypersensitive liberals is absurd.

Yet, it happens every day. People are admonished, “Don’t say Merry Christmas.” Don’t call it a “Christmas Tree.” The left mocked Congress’ decision to rename French fries as freedom fries, but we’re having Holiday Trees, Holiday Parties, etc. because they have a problem with the name of Christ.

I would also ask that people stop calling it Xmas. This is not about the birth of Malcolm X, nor are those who are using it doing anything other than trying to hide what Christmas is all about.

Those who are not busy sucking the true meaning out of Christmas are trying to make a profit on it. Radio ads use the advent as a cheap gimmick with the wise men and Joseph joining marketable Christmas characters such as Santa and Rudolph.

Others misappropriate the sacred sayings about the Savior for their own products. One Cell Phone salesman commented on the latest cell phone deal adding, “Talk about glad tidings of great joy.” J.C. Penney’s proclaimed “Joy to the World” because their shoe sale had come. They may have thought that Jesus came to save our soles, but I don’t appreciate the humor. And numerous times companies have used “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” to describe the “Comfort and Joy” of the latest mattress.

It’s far past time that Christians in America take back Christmas. It is not something to be ashamed of or hidden. It is a joyous occasion that all are welcome to participate in as we celebrate Christ’s birth. It is an occasion that people of all faiths can feel free to respectfully celebrate whether they agree with Jesus’ spectacular claims or not as Christianity has made life in this world far more tolerable than it was before Jesus came.

Since the birth of Jesus, we’ve seen the end of human sacrifice, amazing growth in the arts and sciences through men of religious faith like Sir Isaac Newton, and men having the courage through faith to stand up to tyrants and spread freedom. The occasion that began the process of turning the world upside down is something to celebrate. It’s even more important than the latest shoe sale.

[trek]

The all-in-one politically correct greeting is

Happy Hanawanzadanamas!

[Ichneumon]

The Most Politically Incorrect Phrase (Merry Christmas)

"Merry Christmas" as the "most politically incorrect phrase"? Not even close.

I can think of many others that are *far* more politically incorrect, but can't give examples because they'd (rightly) get me banned.

I'm sure you can think up your own, though -- start with something disgustingly racist, add a pinch of degradation to women, etc.

[bray]

Merry Christ's Birthday to you and Our Troops! The Fundamentalist Atheists think we should all bow to their non-gods and give up our rights to religious expression.

Pray for W and Our Troops

[mtbopfuyn]

Merry Christmas, one and all!

[hometoroost]

Happy Hanawanzadanamas!

LOL, too funny.

[nhoward14]

Your greeting discriminates against people who have the vowels e, i, o, and u in their vocabulary. This will certainly cause the ACLU to take you to court. ;)

[PROUDAMREP]

Amen! Thanks for posting. Have a blessed Christmas.

[Bosco]

Glenn Beck has a new one: RamaHannuKwanzMas. Kinda funny.

This year, I've made a point to say "Merry Christmas" in any/all situations where "Happy Holidays" would be said. At work, at the stores to buy CHRISTMAS presents, etc.

I think only one person got even mildly perturbed.

If someone tells me "I've got a problem with 'Merry Christmas'", I'll tell them "yes, you do have a problem."

On a side note, our church's Christmas presentation included (as in all past years) a call for salvation, repentance, whatever term one would like to use. As it should be.

[Skooz]

The idea that 75% of the people in the country have to pretend that we’re all celebrating some generic holiday in order to appease hypersensitive liberals is absurd.

My annual pet peeve BUMP!

[Bernard Marx]

Merry Christmas to all! I have a big lighted sign saying "Merry Christmas" on the front of my house, and if someone down the street wants to put up a "Happy Hannukah" sign that's perfectly okay with me. Just don't mess with mine!

[Arpege92]

"The left mocked Congress' decision to rename French fries as Freedom fries, but we're having Holiday Trees, Holiday parties,etc."

Excellent point!!!!

[ShadowDancer]

I would also ask that people stop calling it Xmas. This is not about the birth of Malcolm X, nor are those who are using it doing anything other than trying to hide what Christmas is all about.

This guy does realize that the X in this instance is Greek for Chi, right?

[abclily]

What part of Christmas do the politicallly correct people hate the most? Peace On Earth, or Good Will Toward Men?

[Puppage]

Happy Holidays

WHAT holiday? 4th of July, Presidents Day, Thanksgiving? I can't STAND these God hating people.

And, don't tell me they're offended, my A$$.They have nothing better to do. Answer me this...if their desire is to get all signs of religon out of, and OFF public property, etc..........what becomes of Arlington National Cemetary?

How about St. Louis, MO? St. Augustine, FL?

Whatever. I won't worry about these "people". MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my fellow FREEPERS. Good health to you & your families in the new year.

God bless

[Hunble]

You know, I have sent copies to this to my many Pagan friends around the world.

It does not matter what your religion may be, Christmas is a time of joy and religious contemplation for everyone around the world.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!

[HIDEK6]

Merry Christmas

I hate to be disagreeable, but the most politically incorrct phrase is, "Merry Christmas, y'all."

[autoresponder]

Happy Hka

Cheery Kza

Joyful Rda

How does that look and sound?

[Rockitz]

You must have missed the one I posted over a week ago. Now this is politically correct.

---

Dear Friends,

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . .

. . . and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2004, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual preference of the wishee.

---

DISCLAIMER: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher. This greeting constitutes the entire wish and should any part or parts of this greeting be held invalid, all remaining parts shall continue to have the full affect allowable under generally accepted wishing practices.

[livius]

LOL! I missed it last week - it was definitely worth posting again!

[zook]

After several years of being "sensitive," I made a conscious decision to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone; I mean colleagues, secretaries, store clerks, friends (even my non-Christian ones), etc. Nothing but smiles and likewise replies so far.

[Frank_2001]

And I'm sure all those "San" cities on the Left Coast must drive some of those Californicators even crazier than usual;)))
Merry Christmas!

[Frank_2001]

Good approach.
Merry Christmas!

[Conservative4Ever]

My guess would be ...tidings of comfort and joy... :)

Red

[trek]

All of this would be a lot funnier if the Supreme Court had not gutted the First Amendment a few weeks ago.

[Conservative4Ever]

Same here...I say Merry Christmas to everyone...and always the persons reply in kind. Now, it makes me think..could we have been hoodwinked by the liberal media to imagine this simple phrase Merry Christmas is soooo offensive to everyone? Is it a case of if the lie is stated enough it will be believed? Granted the generic Happy Holidays is used in print to cover ads and such...but I think we have only been lied to in thinking Merry Christmas is politically incorrect. I have been known to be wrong though. :)

Red

[christiankungfu]

Next time you're in a department, grocery store, etc....take a moment to listen to the muzac!

The secular songs like Frosty, White Christmas, etc will come complete with lyrics.

The religious songs like Silent Night will be instrumental versions. Not a coincidence!

[kimmie7]

sadly, true.

Merry CHRISTmas, FRiends!

[TonyRo76]

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my fellow FReepers!

May God bless you and give you peace. And may His Spirit dwell in your hearts in this holy season and throughout the coming year. In Jesus Name, Amen!

[MeekOneGOP]

hehe ! I'll say it ! Merry Christmas, everybody !!

lookin' for robert blake.....

[onyx]

Merry Christmas from (I think) St. James, CA. (San Diego)

SS: Diego = James?

[FierceDraka]

LOL I've been walking around saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone I meet. I'm not even Christian, but I recognize Christianity's heritage as one of the major components that made our Western civilization great, and I give it the respect it deserves as such.

When I'm around flaming PC liberals, I sneer the words "Merry Christmas" at them in defiance of their "cultural sensitivities" and radical leftist agenda.

If some cow-dung-statue-worshipping wog from Outer Bungholia can't deal with our culture and holidays and cries about feeling "excluded", they they should pack up their 11 welfare kids in their donkey cart and crawl back under the Third World rock from whence they came.

[Scenic Sounds]

SS: Diego = James?

Yes - San Diego, CA and Santiago, Chile, too!

Merry Christmas, onyx! ;-)

[stevio]

I agree with this. I have said "Merry Christmas" as my greeting this year without hesitation. God bless the U.S.!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

People are admonished, “Don’t say Merry Christmas.”

For those with no spines who are inclined to heed that admonishment, I present the following Politically Correct alternative to use when wishing to give someone proper Season's Greetings:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all....

A fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2004, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country), and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual preference of the wishee.

(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)

[onyx]

Felice Navidad to you, also. (I had to reach back in memory to the 4th grade for Diego = James).

[eleni121]

Wonderful posting.

I have been saying Merry Christmas to everyone (including my Muslim students) and no one has complained or attacked me. In fact, several staff were pleasantly surprised and replied with a Merry Xmas too.

And again to all the wonderful people on FreeRepublic: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kala Hristouyenna (in Greek)

[auboy]

I knew a girl named Merry Christmas in high school. She was as beautiful and sweet as her name.

Merry Christmas to Each & All! And especially to Merry wherever she is!

[an amused spectator]

If someone tells me "I've got a problem with 'Merry Christmas'", I'll tell them "yes, you do have a problem."

I'll tell them "Oh, I'm sorry - that would be 'Merry F#&!ing Christmas', to you" ;-)

[Revolting cat!]

Gay TenthMas Everyperson!