LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Happy Holidays is a suitable greeting
by NATHAN ADLER, Rome
Nov 16, 2012 | 1458 views | 2 2 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print
I DON’T CELEBRATE Christmas because I am not a Christian. Must I, therefore, wish everyone I meet “Merry Christmas!”

I don’t think so. Who would I really offend?

A recent letter writer seemed to take offense when someone wishes him “Happy Holidays.” While I do not celebrate Christmas, Chanukah is my holiday, so you know (I think) I am Jewish. Sometimes both holidays come quite close together.

Chanukah is eight days of inexpensive (for me) gifts, and Christmas is a whole day of presents. Both holidays are very meaningful to both religions; does it matter which rejoinder is sent to whoever is celebrating? If it is spoken with both joy and respect, does it matter?

I am grateful for good wishes whether spoken by Jew, Christian, or whomever, I accept God’s blessings, equally positive and with humility, and count myself blessed to be addressed in such a fashion. Don’t you?

In other words, enjoy your holiday, whichever religion or base of faith as you wish. Why take offense because someone addresses you with joy and respect?

Of course, all we are doing is expressing an attempt on each of us to be the best human beings we can individually be. What’s wrong with that?

Comments
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compbarbarbara
|
March 12, 2013
Mr. Adler:

I think I know you! Did you used to live in northeast Ohio?
wirkin247
|
November 16, 2012
Mr. Adler I just love reading your letters. You are very articulate and always seem to be fair and just. I wish you a very Happy Holiday and applaud the way you do not seem to attack any faith at all.
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