Column

Greetings given with smile and goodwill

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published December 24, 2007

I just want to take a moment and wish all the Times readers "Happy Holidays" and "Seasons Greetings."

I know some Christians may take offense, and I'm surprised the phrases draw such ire. Some seem to think the politically correct police handed down "Happy Holidays" within the last few years, but its roots go back at least as far as Irving Berlin's Happy Holidays song that was featured in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn.

I think "Happy Holidays" simply referred to the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Now it's seen more as a phrase to avoid offending non-Christians. And what's wrong with that?

Imagine being a Florida State fan who lives in Gainesville and constantly hears about the Gators during football season. Now magnify that fervor by 10. All through the year, there is a constant barrage of reminders about Christianity being America's dominant religion, and they become even more pronounced during the holidays.

Are non-Christians offended by Christian references and Christmas celebrations? I don't know, but I guess many comfortably accept being in the minority. Some even embrace the non-secular aspects of Christmas and exchange gifts.

For those folks and anyone who may be offended, "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" serve as a small token. "Hey, we know you're a minority in this country and sometimes that can be tough. But we respect you and your religious differences."

I don't think these secular phrases are a submission to political correctness. Nor do we as Christians lose anything by extending that greeting. They do not diminish that we're celebrating the birth of Christ. In fact, my faith is too strong to let anything take away meaning or joy from my favorite time of the year.

Those phrases only underscore my Christmas spirit because the season is about extending peace and goodwill to all men.

That's all I'm saying.

[Last modified December 23, 2007, 23:48:50]