Happy holidays vs. Merry Christmas?

While at work today I told a patient to have a "Happy Holiday!" like I normally do.  She then proceeded to tell me that that was "So American" and here we say "Happy Christmas" or "Merry Christmas".  I thought it was amusing and interesting.  She said it was because the US is too politically correct-What do you think?  Have you ever had someone over here correct you when you've said it?  Just curious 

As a Brit I would agree with that woman, that it is a great deal more of an American custom to say "Happy Holidays" -- it might nowbe creeping into the UK slowly, as all things US often do by and by, but overall it's not a thing Brits say. Traditionally our greetings are as she said, Happy Christmas or Merry Christmas.

 

I don't know about it being politically correct though. To me it just always referred to the multiple holidays celebrated around this time (Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanza). So all inclusive. I don't call that politically correct, I call that polite!

I like to hear 'Happy Christmas' though. It's SO British to my ear.

I didn't think it was politically correct per se, more that there are more American holidays included in the phrase than there typically is in the UK.  Also the fact that in Britain holiday typically = vacation, not the festive period.

I think it is reasonable to say 'Merry Christmas' because, well, it *is* Christmas.  But it would also be reasonable to wish people 'Happy Eid' or 'Happy Hannukkah' for the same reasons.  I don't like the idea of mashing all the holidays into one, and I think that people (certainly the non-Christians I know) appreciate it more when you make the effort to wish them Happy *insert whichever festival* when they know you don't celebrate it yourself.

I don't think it is politically correct, but I think it wrong to suggest that non-Christians would object to be wished Happy Christmas, when clearly it is just being friendly and polite.  However, it is equally wrong to assume that any who says 'Happy Holidays' instead is being anything other than friendly and polite, so carry on!!!

It is 'so American'.  But..well....you are American, what the hell does she expect!!!  

Vicky

It's not customary to say "Happy Holidays" in the UK, however I think many Brits would recognise it and know what it meant - mostly because of television. So, no, it's not incorrect or impolite, but be prepared for people to say, "How American" because ... well, because it is. 

I used to work retail in the US.  It was happy holidays from a week before Thanksgiving till New Year's ish.  

I wouldn't mind wishing everyone a particular holiday, but how would I know that someone is celebrating Eid or Kwanzaa?  

I think it is reasonable to say 'Merry Christmas' because, well, it *is* Christmas.  But it would also be reasonable to wish people 'Happy Eid' or 'Happy Hannukkah' for the same reasons.  I don't like the idea of mashing all the holidays into one, and I think that people (certainly the non-Christians I know) appreciate it more when you make the effort to wish them Happy *insert whichever festival* when they know you don't celebrate it yourself.

I don't think it is politically correct, but I think it wrong to suggest that non-Christians would object to be wished Happy Christmas, when clearly it is just being friendly and polite.  However, it is equally wrong to assume that any who says 'Happy Holidays' instead is being anything other than friendly and polite, so carry on!!!

It is 'so American'.  But..well....you are American, what the hell does she expect!!!  

Vicky

Honestly, as a non-Christian, it does bother me quite a bit when someone wishes me "Merry Christmas".  While I understand that they are trying to be friendly, I find it rather annoying that they assume I celebrate that particular holiday.  Or any particular holiday, for that matter.

To me, "Happy Holidays" is inclusive and non-assumptive (if that's even a real word!).  It can refer to any number of celebrations that happen this time of year, including the New Year.  It has nothing to do with political correctness, for if someone were being truly politically correct, they wouldn't wish anyone "Happy holidays" in case the other person celebrated no holidays.

I prefer 'bah f*&^%$£ humbug'.

 

I prefer 'bah f*&^%$£ humbug'.

 

Good one!   

I prefer 'bah f*&^%$£ humbug'.

 

LOL! Now that is more my style, too! 

Honestly, as a non-Christian, it does bother me quite a bit when someone wishes me "Merry Christmas".  While I understand that they are trying to be friendly, I find it rather annoying that they assume I celebrate that particular holiday.  Or any particular holiday, for that matter.

To me, "Happy Holidays" is inclusive and non-assumptive (if that's even a real word!).  It can refer to any number of celebrations that happen this time of year, including the New Year.  It has nothing to do with political correctness, for if someone were being truly politically correct, they wouldn't wish anyone "Happy holidays" in case the other person celebrated no holidays.

Exactly the way I feel as well.

How about "Happy Day Off Work"?  That's pretty inclusive.   

Or you could go the Seinfeld route and just say "Happy Festivus!"

A Muslim colleague of mine told me this week that his kids have demanded (and are getting) a Christmas tree complete with lights, presents from Santa, and a turkey dinner on the day. They get Easter eggs every spring as well. I know he is not very devout, though, (he likes sherry) but he said lots of his stricter friends and relatives have some kind of Christmas celebrations.