Happy Holidays? Them’s fighting words!

No doubt you’ve seen the status updates, shared images, and other content on  Facebook declaring war on anyone who dares wish them “Happy Holidays”. The insanity is rampant, supported by the reposts of years old urban myths claiming the White House won’t accept any religious themed Christmas decorations or that President Obama has officially renamed the White House Christmas trees “Holiday Trees”. None of that is true however, nor are the absurd claims that corporations and the government are insistent on taking “Christ out of Christmas”.

This particular battle exploded all over the net as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey was devoured, and the people who dislike “Happy Holidays” aren’t afraid to get nasty over it. I have seen some vicious postings on Facebook and Tumblr as well as nasty tweets on Twitter. The vitrol rivals that which was spewed when Facebook changed its newsfeed design a few months ago and the fake “Facebook is going to start charging!” warnings started flying. Net insanity indeed!

Seriously folks, it doesn’t matter how someone offers good wishes during the holiday season. First, being told “Happy Holidays” is not a vile insult. For some, it’s a way of wishing you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and for others, it’s a way of offering good wishes when they aren’t sure what your particular belief system is. You do remember that Hanukkah is also celebrated this month, as is Kwanza and the Winter Solstice, right? How someone wishes you good tidings isn’t important. The fact they took the time to do so at all is.