Hello readers. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to one and all. Does it matter to you which greeting is used? Does either greeting offend you? I only ask because this has become a subject of debate in recent years. Not only has it become debate it's also become a topic that can bring out pure hostility in people.

I don't understand it really. Since childhood people around me have used Merry Christmas, unless you're Jewish like my old principal Mr. Lavnick was. He didn't believe in Christmas so we we were not to say Merry Christmas to him which we didn't. This was done out of respect, which I understand. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so that's where Happy Holidays works.

This was how it worked back then. I don't remember it ever being a problem. I don't remember a war on Christmas back then. Is there a war on Christmas? I don't think so. No one is being forced to say Happy Holidays even if a store chooses to use that greeting. With so many people living here from different cultures more businesses may feel more comfortable with Happy Holidays. They may feel this covers everyone, and no one gets offended by the greeting.

Personally, I don't get offended by any of these greetings. And even if a store or business chooses to say Happy Holiday, I don't believe a Merry Christmas response would create conflict, except from those who are convinced that there's a war on Christmas maybe. And of course from occasional people who may not want to hear the Merry Christmas greeting, but that's not everyone. Truthfully, I think people shouldn't get offended by any greeting for isn't Christmas a holiday anyway? Whatever your take on this there is no war on Christmas despite what some will have you believe. Enjoy the rest of this day.