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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13800
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Now the world seems to be headed towards "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings", but this is unmitigated crap.
I am happy to wish people "Happy Diwali" and so many other religion's festicals. And those religions acknowledge the Christian festivals too. I have been wished "Happy Christmas" by pretty much every religion except Jehovah's Witnesses who seem to be somewhat austere on the matter.
It is time to stamp out "Happy Holidays" once and for all. Let us simply go forward with the wishes on any one religion for any other. Anything less insults all religions and all faiths.
Just for onece it is time for a chain letter to start. "Happy Holidays" is not "politically correct", it is a gross insult.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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Actually, wishing someone "Happy Holidays" is only an insult if you allow it to be one.
I find I run into all sorts of people from a myriad of religous backgrounds and in my business I wish every person that passes by "Happy Holidays".... It conveys a nice gesture without having to take the time to go through a persons religous beliefs to determine the more exact responce or accolade.
So.... In keeping with the spirit of the season I wish to wish everyone...
Happy Holidays...
At least to all those with the class to accept the sentiment as it is intended.
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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JL
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Getting started |
Location: US
Registered: December 2004
Messages: 24
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Wow. This is... surprising to say the least. Shouldn't it be the thought that counts or whatever?
"Happy Holidays" not only wishes one to have a nice religious holiday but also a nice time while one break from school, work, etc. The second one especially applies to those of us who are not Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Hindu and who do not celebrate Kwanzaa nor the holidays accompanying the aforementioned religions. I think this year Happy Holidays is even more relevant/useful because Ramadan, Diwali and Hanukkah all fell before Christmas and Kwanzaa and before most people had their winter breaks.
I think one's time would be better spent reinforcing the 'true meaning' of xmas (ie, not giving and receiving gifts but the supposed birthday of Jesus) rather than eliminating this useful phrase.
-JL
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Happy Holidays – fine. I expect it is meant as sincerely as Have a Nice Day.
However, I'm not on holiday, so it's irrelevant. Please keep Happy Holidays for when I'm off to Madeira, or later on, to Canada next year.
Meanwhile may I take this opportunity of wishing all our readers a Happy Christmas. If you are not gracious enough to accept that, you deserve a miserable time.
Hugs
N (professional grumpy old man)
 )
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Attachment: SnowBaby.jpg
(Size: 37.31KB, Downloaded 346 times)
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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Ahhhh.... Holidays.... Well, holidays are days designated by a social group or religous order as days of special significance.
Vacations however are days or by which people "vacate" their normal routine for a period of time to spend time in relaxation....
So that being the case....
I wish you "happy holidays"
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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JL
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Getting started |
Location: US
Registered: December 2004
Messages: 24
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"If you are not gracious enough to accept that, you deserve a miserable time."
I'm not entirely sure who this was directed towards, whether it was me specifically or just a more general you. Either way, it's a bit unnecessary. I'm not gracious period and I don't believe (though that's the wrong word for it) in 'deserving' so perhaps that too is irrelevant.
Some might find it offensive that people continue to wish a group (a diverse group at that) Happy Christmas without including the other religions/holidays. Happy Holidays includes well wishes for vacations and religions alike without the unnecessary inquiries as to the religious affiliation of the other person(s).
The main reason i'm so opposed to the use of Merry/Happy Xmas is that i dislike religion a lot for various reasons. Especially the Big 3. So wishing someone a merry xmas, happy hanukkah, etc. as something other than a joke is hypocritical. And, it's also semi-offensive when someone does that to me.
You (general) are free to do as you wish, but if the point is to insult the fewest number of people, stick with the Happy Holidays.
-JL
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saben
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On fire! |
Registered: May 2003
Messages: 1537
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I don't know about there, but here Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day are all public holidays. I wish people "Happy Holidays" at this time of year because there are quite a number of public holidays at this time of year. Especially here in Australia, because right now it is also the summer holiday season where many people take leave from work, the schools are out and it is in general a vary "holiday" season, for people of all faiths.
Christmas is a religious festival that doubles as a public holiday I don't say "Happy Festivals" because there is only one and not everyone celebrates it but in Australia at least, I should hope everyone would be having "Happy Holidays". This applies to most people living in Western Countries too. And to people living in any other country where the Gregorian New Year is celebrated. December- January is usually a time of holidays for most countries (In Japan the Emperor's Birthday is on 23rd December followed by celebrations for the New Year), but I really only use the term "Happy Holidays" to those that live in Australia, anyway.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
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Shawn
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Toe is in the water |
Registered: July 2004
Messages: 69
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I can't believe that someone, (yes I am one of the guilty ones) wishing you good cheer, warm feelings, or wtf else would cause that kind of reaction. I wonder how many people I have pissed off this year with my "unmitigated crap" Happy Holidays. Probably hundreds. This really is the worse Christmas of my life. I promise to never, say "Happy Holidays" again. Ever. I think I just missed the point or something. Sorry, I'm not fit for human company.
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Let me continue with this in the joyous spirit of Christmas (Not Xmas).
Marc, vacations in British English are the times you are down from university, a holiday is the term for when you go away (not exclusively) and holidays are when you have leave from work or school.
JL, I was referring to 'you in general', one. Although I may not succeed, I try to put forward a point of view without attacking someone else's. (Human failing here.) On this side of the Atlantic in the Old World you (one) can still offend a large number of people by saying Happy Holidays. Instead of being egocentric one should try and appreciate the point of view of the well-wisher.
Saben, despite rumours Christmas Day is not a public holiday in England, even though only a few people work. It is in fact besides a celebration of the birth of Christ a Quarter Day on which rents, bills and invoices were traditionally paid.
Shawn, I don't know whether you have missed the point or not. Dismissing Happy Christmas and substituting Happy Holidays means one is a victim of political correctness as advocated by the so-called 'liberals' who typically want to sue a school or institution over our Christian heritage. You do not have to be a believer to be part of that heritage. It is a cultural thing.
At the risk of causing offence (offense) may I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (unless you are Chinese, Jewish or Islamic when of course it is not your New Year even though you will probably write 2005 instead of 2004). At the risk of being self-centred may I say that these next ten days are neither a holiday nor holidays for me.
Hugs
N
::-)
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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I for one am totally aware of the idiomatic problems with the brittish form of the english language.
That being the case.....
I still wish all Happy Holidays.....
As far as Christmas is concerned however..... It's just a day among many others
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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Shawn
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Toe is in the water |
Registered: July 2004
Messages: 69
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I didn't intend to dismiss Christmas; I am very much a believer. I just realize that people have different beliefs and I didn't want to offend anyone. I was going to say I'm not really a liberal, but after reading that, I don't know if I am or not. I'm non violent, usually not confrontational, I believe in God, and I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings if I can help it. I believe in treating all people equally and fairly. So, if that makes me a liberal, I guess I might be one.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from an ignorant, sad, depressed, possibly liberal, American friend.
Shawn
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Marc, I think you may have just put your finger on the nub of the matter. There is no problem with British English, idiomatic or otherwise. Apart from the fact that it is the original, it is a question of perspective and it is important to remember that one's own perspective is not from the centre of the universe. You must get out more, particularly beyond the frontiers of your own motherland.
Merry Christmas
N
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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Shawn, don't do yourself down. In Great Britain, and if what I read in the papers is true, also in the USA, the qualities you mention are claimed as the sole preserve of the Left (liberals). People of other persuasions have those qualities, trust me. It's just that there is a mindset that shouts about them, while others just get on and carry them out in practice without making a fuss.
My concern in this whole affair, and this is certainly true on this side of the Big Pond, are the people who go around telling others what to think and imposing their views.
Here we call it the Loony Left, do-gooders that usually do more harm than good.
Merry Christmas
N
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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marc
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Needs to get a life! |
Registered: March 2003
Messages: 4729
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Now.... As I explained earlier.... I use the phrase "Happy Holidays" as a matter of course and habit because in by business I cross paths with many people from many backgrounds and I do not wish ever to offend a present or potential customer.
I do this because this is my livlihood and we need to eat and have a place to live and warm clothing and all the other things that make a household.
"Happy Holidays" is a benign, generic greeting as well as parting phrase that all of my costomers seem to appreciate.
Second point.... I do indeed "get out" alot more than you may or may not think.... That fact however has little to do with the fact that the brittish have some serious issues with their use of the english language.
It matters not one scratch whether the brittish version is older what does however matter is when (string of words I chose for the sake of the Happy Holiday to omit... Feel free to inject any as you see fit) a gesture intended to be freely given with all the best intent is picked apart and disected and insulted and demeaned to nearly the point of spoiling the HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON for those so involved.
As you and others freely have the choice and freedom to offer a MERRY CHRISTMAS and so on and said offerings are accepted in good cheer and in keeping in the spirit of the holiday season it would not be out of order for the same good cheer to be reciprocated.
Now Not once have I insisted on what form, phrasiology or wording of any greeting or falicitation offered nor have I rejected any said or such offering it is purely and simply good maners to accept the same as it is intended.
So once again....
Happy Holidays
Life is great for me... Most of the time... But then I meet people online... Very few are real friends... Many say they are but know nothing of what it means... Some say they are, but are so shallow...
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TygerBoiSammy
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Toe is in the water |
Registered: January 1970
Messages: 57
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By traditional western standards, meaning those places once either ruled over, directly influenced by, economically dominated by or in other ways generally reguarded as the decendants of the Roman Empire and the cultural ethics it evolved into what we commonly call the ever evolving western civilization, this time of year has always been one of reflection, celebrating the return of the sun from its steady retreat south and even something mystical. It's not just a huge presents marathon. It's not just draggin out every worn through christmas album and tv special imaginable.
It's a time to renew ourselves, each other and to look back on what we've accomplished, what we've failed to do, and a time to find the resolve within us to push on, to keep our hope, our love and our dreams alive.
If that is time spent alone, then know that there are others like yourself that might find your company enjoyable. If that's time spent with family and friends, cherish them for the sake of times when you don't have them about. If that's time spent with someone special, hold that time and that person sacred. And always, no matter how the religious events of your beliefs unfold during this time of year, keep in mind that peace brings gifts of beauty and thoughts of simple joys. Let us all find peace.
On a more personal note, several members of our forum sent me a card, knowing that I was missing my home, missing snow in winter, missing the simple pleasure of being able to walk the streets of my hometown and see familiar faces. I got that card and it just totally made my day. I'd just had a long ultrasound treatment for kidney stones, and it was wicked cold out. I got the card and the notes inside it from 5 true friends and like, the world wasn't so big and looming anymore. Five people, thousands of miles from each other and me, got together and sent me something that I will never forget. A little piece of themselves.
Funny how just a scrap of handwriting gets to you. How just seeing someone's hand personally at something almost can bring you to tears. Thanks so much Timmy, Black Prince, Pyro, the mysterious BluMoogle, and Saben. I share water with all of you. And I hope this holiday season will be something that all of you can cherish and reflect on in the future. May you have in your lives some peace, some joy, a little bit of "fun" and a much deserved break from your labors. Thank you so much.
And to everyone.... I wish you peace as well.
Love, Tyger
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13800
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Happy Christmas, Sammy. may it bring you joy
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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Marc, thank you for giving the real reason for saying happy holidays.
I am not playing thick, but what are these serious issues that the British have with their use of the English language? If you tell me, I might be able to help you by explaining them.
Happy Boxing Day
Nigel
:-*
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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Re: Happy Christmas 
Re: Happy Christmas 
