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Poll: Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays

Some folks say Merry Christmas while some say Happy Holidays...which greeting do you prefer at this time of the year?

 

Americans prefer the traditional “Merry Christmas” greeting to the non-specific “Happy Holidays” by a wide margin, according to a Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll.

Nearly two-thirds of adults nationally – 64% – think people should say, “Merry Christmas,” while less than one-third – 31% – believe the appropriate greeting is “Happy Holidays.”  Four percent are unsure.

Patch wants to know which greeting you prefer. Vote in today's poll and feel free to elaborate in the comments section below.

 

Mike Liso December 22, 2011 at 10:45 am
For years it's been Merry Christmas and I'll always express it that way. If people find it inappropriate--TOO BAD--they can say what they want and I'll CONTINUE to say what I want.
Robin Carlson December 22, 2011 at 11:53 am
If someone celebrates Christmas, then wishing them a Merry Christmas is appropriate. If someone does not celebrate Christmas, but you want to wish them a Merry Christmas, go ahead and say it.
Reasonable people do not object to someone conveying a pleasantry. They do object to being excluded in events including, but not limited to, Chanukah, Kwanza, Solstice, New Year, or whatever other festive event you want to convey greetings. The fact is, not everyone celebrates Christmas, so remaining steadfast that we 'should' all say it excludes friends and neighbors. Why exclude? When you say, "Happy Holiday" you are including all holidays, all events, all religions, and all people. So Happy Holidays to all of my fellow Patch readers!
Anne K. Mulligan December 22, 2011 at 01:02 pm
I'm with Robin. When did it become offensive to be inclusive?
Happy Holidays, Stratford! Unless you're celebrating Festivus. Then we can start with the Airing of the Grievances.
Richard Platt December 22, 2011 at 05:11 pm
I'm also with Robin. Your poll was "either/or" and I couldn't answer. I have no problem saying "Merry Christmas" when it's appropriate, and "Happy Chanukah" when that is appropriate, and so on. When I'm speaking to a possibly mixed group or when I'm not sure, "Happy Holidays" is correct. If I make a mistake, I find that it tends not to bother most people. It's the thought that counts.
S. Kelly December 22, 2011 at 05:11 pm
I really had no problem with people saying "Merry Christmas" to me until I saw the harsh comments left on this article. While I take no offense to a "Merry Christmas" here and there I don't think people should assume everyone celebrates. It's pretty much the equivalent of asking a woman you are unsure is pregnant, "when's the baby due?" You just shouldn't guess at it! At least in the cases where you do not know if the person celebrates Christmas it is partially understandable through ignorance yet when people know for sure that you don't celebrate and say it anyways it turns into a very uncomfortable situation. It's not inclusive to force people to adapt to your holiday or be ostracized completely. Something as simple as a "Happy Holidays" makes everyone a lot more comfortable with no room for embarrassment for either party.
George E. Mulligan December 22, 2011 at 05:14 pm
I say both Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays as appropriate in business.
I include happy, healthy, prosperous in New Year wishes. Personally, if I know people are Christian / Catholic = same. To my Jewish friends & acquaintences, I simply substitute Happy Hanukka. With people who are Oriental, Indian, or I am unsure, I omit mentioning Christmas or Hannukka, staying with the Holidays theme. BOTTOM LINE: I / we are talking nice to others and wishing them well. There is INTENT to be NICE & NO INTENT to be NASTY.
Harry Balzonia December 22, 2011 at 07:34 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year S. Kelly.
Shirley B. Backus December 22, 2011 at 09:08 pm
I say Merry Christmas because that is what I celebrate. What's wrong with wishing somebody a merry day, whether they celebrate that day the same way you do or not? Christmas is very special to a lot of people, so to wish somebody, anybody, a "merry" day, no matter when it is, or why it is, should never be a cause of irritation. Too many people today are too quick to take offense where none is intended.
Miss Criss December 22, 2011 at 09:48 pm
If that is what someone celebrates then I say Merry Christmas otherwise I wish them a happy or merry..... to what they believe in, if I am unsure then it is Happy Holidays. I have no problem when someone says Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to me even though I celebrate Yule solstice. Plus I always add, and a Happy New Year. It is all about respecting the fact there are many religions and beliefs out there and can't please everyone no matter what you say.
Bill Fasula December 22, 2011 at 09:57 pm
This week I say Merry Christmas and next week I say Happy New Year.
Tammie Ann December 23, 2011 at 12:06 am
Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad) always
Tom December 24, 2011 at 10:00 am
You're reaching an 80% on the figure of people who would like to just what is obvious, "Merry Christmas." I usually use the time and place to determine what I would say, but I often side with MC. I also drop a "peace be with you" as well. I respect other religions and enjoy sharing this time of year with them as well -- it makes us all much better people I think and we do have so much in common.
Dr. Alfred C. Whitehead December 24, 2011 at 03:51 pm
Happy Festivus...
Anne K. Mulligan December 24, 2011 at 03:54 pm
On to the Airing of the Grievances, then?
Judy Goldwyn December 24, 2011 at 06:22 pm
I spent the morning visiting food stores for last minute purchases, and thought I'd do an very unofficial survey. In Trader Joe's, Shoprite, Whole Foods and Scratch Baking three times more people said "Happy Holidays" than "Merry Christmas." I was surprised, too.
In any case, Merry and Happy whatever you celebrate and Happy New Year.
Krista Surprenant December 24, 2011 at 07:09 pm
As I was on snapfish this year doing my cards- they had some I had never seen before: "Happy Everything." I didn't use it, but considered it. I use Happy Holidays in mixed or public where I do not know the preference, and my cards are always non-specific - this year was "Merry and Bright." Xmas reference without saying it, but around my family and those I know celebrate it, I say Merry Christmas. (I did say Happy Hanukkah to some students this past week though on the first night!)

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