Yesterday I had the great pleasure to be invited and attend a luncheon for the nonprofit group that I work for part-time. It was great fun to eat and celebrate a successful year with people who I generally like working with. The board president did a lovely vegetarian spread, including a beautiful cheesecake. She had the mayor's office all decked out in holiday festivities and gifts at each place. So nice.
Here comes the but-
But when I was leaving I was wishing the staff at city hall a happy holiday because I was sure I wouldn't see them until January. It was fine. I said, "happy holidays." Then on person perked up and said, "Merry Christmas." Which is also fine, but it had that feeling of being a political statement or a threat to my more non-confrontational greeting.
My question is this: why do people feel that they are under attack? Why do Christians feel that I, or others of my ilk, are taking away their holiday?
It is my sincere wish for everyone to celebrate whatever they want, but I am not going to assume that I know what it is that they celebrate. I don't expect a Jewish person to be offended if I wish them a Merry Christmas without knowing that they don't celebrate that particular holiday, but I do like to be sensitive to whatever they do celebrate.
What happened to Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men? Personally, I blame Fox "News".
