Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
That's my traditional celebratory greeting for this time of year. I'm good with Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays, too. But my favorite is to say "Merry Christmas" combined with an optimistic look ahead.
My greeting is all-inclusive and not religiously-discriminatory. Those of other faiths and backgrounds are entitled to other greetings with roots in their own religions, but for the most part I am unaware of what they should be. To my Jewish friends, I know to say "Happy Hanukkah!" But I can never keep track of Ramadan, and since it lasts a full month it doesn't lend itself to a slice-in-time greeting. And I am clueless about what to say to those who are Buddhist, Deist, Humanist, Hindu, Shinto, Wiccan, Sikh, Tao, Confucian, Jedi (yes, it's for real), Baha'i, Rastafari, Unitarian, or adherents to any of numerous other faiths or non-faiths. (Atheists and agnostics, take note: I'm trying to leave a place opening for you here.)
In acceptance of my limitations, I happily and innocently assert that there is something at Christmastime for everybody. And I am open to similar concepts from other religions. Educate me, please.
Without a proselytizing bone in my body, I am a secular Christian--always have been and always will be. For me, Christmas has mostly meant time with family and friends, a certain amount of introspection on the spiritual aspects of the time and its events, and infrequent church attendance. My flirtations with any sort of more fundamental, evangelical or worshipful Christianity are far, far in the past. There are no urges inside me to return to those times or experiences. This makes it easy for me to cheerfully, if somewhat blithely, convey to all others, whether Christian or not, my sincere desire that everyone experience the goodness of this time of year.
The greeting "Merry Christmas!" conjures up images of a jolly Santa Claus, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive stockings hung carefully with expectations of who-knows-what surprises for the next morning.
Christmas music is unsurpassed for its beauty and ability to convey uplifting messages.
Santa Claus exists, even if he goes by a multitude of names and appearances.
We indulge ourselves and those around us.
Why shouldn't I want others to enjoy these things, too?
There is a spirituality about Christmas, and much of it is a part of other faiths and religions. Christmas brings the messages of peace and hope, as well as of good time spent with family and friends, and acts of generosity towards others including those less fortunate. These are universal things.
So, from me to the world, have a great time, enjoy the holiday gatherings, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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