As we ring in the holiday cheers, we are often unaware of others’ perceived offense to the lively greetings of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” The questionable war on Christmas stems from the idea that, despite being the most widely practiced religious holiday in the month of December, greetings should be more generalized to include other religious and secular days of celebration. Opposers, predominantly Christians, uphold the belief that seasonal greetings should be specific to one’s religion. For the past several years, the general public and celebrities have been been debating the most festive and appropriate way to wish good on others during the holiday season. Should it be considered rude or judgmental if one choses to wish a person “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays?” Well, it’s debatable.

The recent political backing of the phrase “Merry Christmas” by President Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential Campaign has caused many of his supporters to jump on his anti-“Happy holidays” bandwagon. Trump made headway on the campaign trail proclaiming that Christian Americans are being alienated for their right to greet others with “Merry Christmas.” An overwhelming amount of Evangelical Christian followers supported President Trump’s claims, arguing that their first amendment right upholds their ability to wish good will on others by saying “Merry Christmas.” The issue was reintroduced this past Friday, November 24, at the Values Voter Summit, an anti-LGBTQ conference. This event brought the controversy back into the limelight, with the approaching Christmas season, as Trump declared Christians should not feel pressured to conform to what is traditionally seen as politically correct.

From the opposing side, this very sensitive political issue can be seen as multi-culturally insulting to individuals of other religious and cultural backgrounds since Christmas is not the only religious holiday being observed during the season. In the month of December alone, celebrations including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Omisoka will also take place. Although these holidays are celebrated by their respective culture, they often are sidelined in the uproar of Christmas chaos.

Sophomore Hannah Kaplan, a student who does not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, noted, “Even though I am not offended when people say ‘Merry Christmas,’ and I am happy that they are wishing me well, I think that it would be more considerate for people to say ‘Happy holidays’ when they are addressing multiple people who may have different beliefs from them.” The more inclusive expression, “Happy Holidays,” serves as a broader term that encompasses all festivities during the season. Being unsympathetic to the fact that Christmas is a Christian holiday often isolates non-Christians from feeling included in the joy of the season.

Although many Christians believe saying “Merry Christmas” is a way to connect with others and share a moment of hope or joy, not everyone can resonate with the feeling. However, this does not put a ban around using “Merry Christmas” as a way to greet others during the holiday season. Being aware of others’ preferences is key to making everyone feel included. When around a social group of individuals who celebrate Christmas, “Happy holidays” may seem slightly displaced. In other cases where you are unfamiliar or unsure of others’ religious upbringing, it is generally best to greet everyone with a “Happy holidays” to ensure that every celebration is covered. You do not want your counterparts feeling undermined or left out, but at the same time, this should not prevent you from relishing in the joy of the season.