ThinkingSkull.com

Is this the biggest pointless rivalry since “Tastes Great, Less Filling?” Answer: yes, and even without a product endorsment (unless you consider the entire retail holiday an endorsement).

First of all, during “the holidays,” there are TWO here for Christians: Christmas and New Year’s. Count ‘em, one and two. So, in and of itself, saying “Happy Holidays” doesn’t necessarily NOT mean “Merry Christmas” by default. And even if it does, there ARE other holidays going on this late in the year.

That said, I’ve also heard the following arguement. “If it wasn’t for the birth of Christ, there would be no celebration this time of year.” Actually, the imposement of Christianity in converting Pagan religions were deliberately timed to coincide with existing celebrations such as the Winter Solstice (Birth of Christ) and Spring Equinox (The Resurrection). Clever, huh? Remember, folks, if you’re going to impose your religion on the native people of the land you’re conquering, it never hurts to keep the celebrations around the same time of year even if they’re for different reasons (see last year’s King Arthur for fun facts and details).

Finally, lighten up, ever’body! Even Christmas wasn’t that widely celebrated until after the Civil War, and only then because retailers played up the spirit of giving (and lining their pockets). See this bit of interest referenced on The Consumerist. The moral of the story is that no one religion or group should be imposing their moniker on what has collectively become an excuse to get together and be together (and if that means giving and getting loot, so be it).

Hope you have a happy haul this year, and if you don’t get totally smashed on New Year’s, may the wrath of Father Time be upon you (or that creepy kid wearing the diaper). All right, just kidding on that last part. But seriously, he’ll get you!