Happy Holidays
Why do some people get so bent out of shape when they hear a person say “Happy Holidays”?
You would think a crime was committed when late in the year somebody wishes someone hopes for a Happy Holiday. I myself have been the victim of a full on attack when late in 2008 I wished somebody a Happy Holiday. In my “attack” the man shot back at me that it was Christmas and I should refer to it as such. As I was in my place of work, and would have caused a scene, I simply dropped the matter rather than informing him that not everyone in the world celebrated the Christian holiday, known as Christmas, but in fact there are many Holidays I could have been referring to.
Solstice, December 20, 21, or 22.
In the Northern Hemisphere this is the day of the year with the least sunlight, the first day of Winter. In the Southern Hemisphere it is the day with the most, the first day of summer. It is typically celebrated with bonfires, singing, and feasts. It is closely related to the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, which was moved to December 25 when the old Calenders changed to the new Julian system.
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Festivus, December 23rd.
This celebration has no ancient origin and was actually made popular by the television sitcom Seinfeld. Festivus is a non-denominational holiday marked by the airing of grievances and feats of strength. It is a stand against the commercialism that Christmas has become.
Hannukah, an 8 day celebration, usually starting in December.
This is also known as the Festival of Lights and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Each night candles are lit on the Menorah, one each night, as well as another for the purpose of lighting those ones.
Kwanzaa, December 26 to January 1.
This holiday is celebrated typically by people of African decent and is marked with feasting, lighting candles, and sharing of gifts.
Saturnalia, December 25.
Originally celebrated as a day to honor Mithra, the sun god, this holiday is pagan in nature and predates Christmas by hundreds of years, although the traditions are pretty much the same. Heck, they even had a nativity, and virgin birth! It has been established that most Christmas traditions originate from Saturnalia, others from Yule (below).
Yule, December 25.
Like Saturnalia, Yule as absorbed into, or covered by Christmas, but had the same traditions long before Christmas came into being. This was the pagan holiday of Germany.
And there are more….
So, why can’t we wish each other Happy Holidays if we want to?
Related Reading
The Origins of Christmas Traditions
Should Atheists Celebrate Christmas?
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User Comments
ken bultman
On November 25, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Back at you and a partridge in a pear tree, too.
CA Johnson
On November 25, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I hope you have a great holiday. It’s a shame that people would feel that way about the holidays.
Liane Schmidt
On November 25, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Statistics show that the holidays can actually be the most stressful time of the year for many people because of family, financial, and personal problems. So, realize that there are many people who are going thru tough times and know that you your good intentions do make a difference even if sometimes at the moment it doesn’t feel like it.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
drelayaraja
On November 25, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Great information. The holidays are different in India.
martie
On November 26, 2009 at 12:16 am
not to mention when you say happy holidays you could be referring to both Christmas and New Years. I think some people just want to be grouchy. I am always thrilled when some even tells me to have a good day!
Yovita Siswati
On November 26, 2009 at 2:24 am
Interesting information! Some of these holidays I know, but some are new to me. Great post.
lillyrose
On November 26, 2009 at 12:39 pm
very good article and you keep on calling it what you want!
PR Mace
On November 27, 2009 at 9:52 pm
You’re so right, not everyone will celebrate Christmas and there are so many more holidays. I usually say Merry Christmas just out of habit, but Happy Holidays are just as good. We need to keep the holidays in our own ways not let such little things get under our skin.
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