Oh, Holidays... You Sneaky Bastards.

It's that time of year again folks!

Yup, the Holidays.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, Yule, the Solstice, or any of the others, or a combination of a few, etc., etc., it is that time of year to party, buy gifts, eat like fat kids, and not have to go to work for a couple of days. Take a break, kick off your shoes, pour yourself a drink, and relax. That is, if you have time for that sort of thing. If you do, take hard advantage of it because not all of us do.

I myself was finally able to Xmassize my abode last week. I barely made it in time for Yule with the lights, mini tree (no time could be afforded for my usual giant one), bought and wrapped presents (which I finally finished today, Christmas Eve), and now am able to "relax," finally, with my bottle of wine and grilled cheese sammich.
Dinner of champions, I know. :)

Admidst all the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, it always comes into light when people "battle" for their own particular holiday, as if any of the others simply do not exist. It always breaks my heart to see such ignorance, and even more so since it comes up during a time of year that is supposed to be filled with joy, happiness, family, and understanding. There is absolutely no room, ideally, for such ignorance and stupidity to clog our intelligences, so why does it come up every year?

This year bugged me especially since Facebook has become so prominent, and along with it picture meme's to express our feelings or thoughts on a particular subject. One such meme I came across the other day encompassed a phrase basically entailing, "Hit 'Like' if you say 'Merry Christmas' instead of 'Happy Holidays!'"
I was nearly outraged...
Absolutely nothing against wishing someone a Merry Christmas, even though I am a Wiccan and celebrate the Solstice and Yule, but I would never EVER correct someone as to my personal beliefs. If you wish me a Merry Christmas, I will wish you the same. If you wish me Happy Holidays, I will wish you the same. If you wish me a Merry whateveryourpersonalbelievedandcelebratedholiday, I will wish you the same, with an open heart and a Big smile on my face.

It is not, and should never be, about what you particularly prefer as a holiday. I have always believed in the spirit of the holiday season, whatever that holiday might be. The fact that you took the time to wish me well in absolutely anything is worth mention, praise, a thank you, and a smile. I appreciate any well wish you are willing to toss my way, either in all sincerity or as a casual greeting/goodbye. I also do not believe that saying 'Happy Holidays' as opposed to say, 'Merry Christmas,' or anything else in particular, takes away from the spirit of the holidays. A well wish is a well wish,, and should be treated accordingly. Just because someone may not know your personal belief, and is being polite by being generic with their wishing you something in kindness, please, do not be offended. Consider the fact that that person may be being considerate, because you never know a person's contents by glancing at their cover. At the same time, if someone wishes you a Merry Christmas, and you do not celebrate it, there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying it back. They celebrate it, and even if you don't, there is no harm in wishing someone well on their particular holiday.

And, on the same note, a friend has told me that her job requires her to say 'Happy Holidays' instead of what she would prefer, 'Merry Christmas.' I understand that the job market would be a little different, and to save face in possibly offending someone, keeping things generic. While I do see the reason behind the logic, I do not completely agree with  her employer's standards. She should be able to say whatever she wishes, as it is her personal right to freedom of religion.
I only wish everyone were intelligent enough to not get in a huff about things...
People should feel comfortable to wish anyone whatever kindness during this time of year, and on the same front, ideally, the receiving end should be intelligent enough to receive a well wish of any kind, and respond to it with equal kindness.

I am not saying all this for people to get in a huff about things. I just think that the ignorance and unwillingness to accept someone for who they are and choose to be is ridiculous. We have evolved to such a state where it does not take a great deal of smarts to try to understand each other... I know we are a loooooong way from world peace, or any great feat of such nature, but come on guys, it's the Holidays.

So Merry/Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Festivus, Quanza, or whichever Holiday you personally prefer. I mean absolutely no offense by any message within the content of this blog post.

Happy Holidays to all, and I sincerely wish you and yours the most merry and jolly of times.
Even if you don't celebrate anything, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy a wonderful day. :)