Happy holidays vs. Merry Christmas?

The phrase "Happy holidays" has been around for a LONG time.  The first greeting cards bearing that phrase were printed in the Victorian era. 

I'd rather be inclusive of people who do not celebrate Christmas when delivering a holiday greeting, so "Happy holidays" is what I'll keep saying.  I don't understand the people who get up in arms about it.  There are so many things that are more worthy of their annoyance than someone wishing them well during the winter holiday season.

Edited to add:  I don't think I've ever been "corrected" on that here.  Maybe I just block the grinches out of my memory, though.   

I'm not really fussed what people say to me because I'm not religious or traditional in any sense but I personally don't say "Merry/Happy Christmas" because it's ingrained in my head from having tons of Jewish friends growing up.  I just don't like to assume everyone celebrates Christmas so "Happy Holidays" just seems a safer bet to me.

But going back to the OP's question, I have been 'corrected' tons of times:-)

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

I'd be too worried about the Feats of Strength to risk wishing anyone "Happy Festivus"!

Exactly the way I feel as well.

Me too.

There's always Chrismukkah ... although that excludes any non-Christian non-Jewish people. But then, as an atheist, I've always celebrated Christmas (in my own way) and would be just as happy to celebrate Chrismukkah! 

But isn't the issue here -- not that someone is trying to be inclusive in her greeting -- but that she has been accused of being "too American"?
Like all those people who bristle at "Have a nice day" because its "American"
I knew a very intelligent woman who once told me she hated the word "goodie" as in treat -- too American I'm sure.

There's always Chrismukkah ... although that excludes any non-Christian non-Jewish people. But then, as an atheist, I've always celebrated Christmas (in my own way) and would be just as happy to celebrate Chrismukkah! 

I was going to make a silly comment that would include ALL wintry holidays, but after looking up "winter solstice" on Wikipedia I realize there isn't enough room!!

There's always Chrismukkah ... although that excludes any non-Christian non-Jewish people. But then, as an atheist, I've always celebrated Christmas (in my own way) and would be just as happy to celebrate Chrismukkah! 

Heck, I'll celebrate anything with food.  But then, I'm not religious, unless food is a religion, and then my holiday would be Thanksgiving!  

But isn't the issue here -- not that someone is trying to be inclusive in her greeting -- but that she has been accused of being "too American"?
Like all those people who bristle at "Have a nice day" because its "American"

I don't think there were accusations here or that anyone bristled. It's just that if you say 'Happy Holidays' people will notice that it's an American saying - because it is. Taking note that something sounds American is not the same thing as making an accusation or bristling about it.

Edited to add: The OP also never made any mention of anyone saying she was being "too American." Someone said that the phrase she used was "SO American." And it is. It's nothing to get defensive about! 

I say Happy Christmas.  It makes me happy.  And Happy Holidays sounds dorkily American to me.  I promise not to chase anyone around with pictures of Jesus.

I don't think there were accusations here or that anyone bristled. It's just that if you say 'Happy Holidays' people will notice that it's an American saying - because it is. Taking note that something sounds American is not the same thing as making an accusation or bristling about it.

Well, although the OP was amused by being corrected, the comment was that the "US is too politically correct"  That sounds like a criticism to me.

Well, although the OP was amused by being corrected, the comment was that the "US is too politically correct"  That sounds like a criticism to me.

A very mild (and, in my opinion, accurate) criticism. More like an observation, if you ask me.

I was going to make a silly comment that would include ALL wintry holidays, but after looking up "winter solstice" on Wikipedia I realize there isn't enough room!!

Happy Chrismukkwaanztice?   But that doesn't include atheists....

Happy Chrismukkwaanztice?   But that doesn't include atheists....

Well, that's no good then!

Well, that's no good then!

Uuumm...how 'bout......Happy BahHumchrismukkwaanztice? The atheist part is the "bah hum"(bug)!  Does it still roll off the tongue?