Happy holidays, and don't be offended
--Lisa Bloom, 360 ContributorI suppose I am one of the "politically correct idiots"
Roland Martin refers to in his piece chastising those of us who wish our friends nondenominational holiday greetings.
My cards this year, from the Museum of Modern Art, feature a series of cut-out white doves, with the simple message, "Peace." For some reason this makes Mr. Martin's blood boil.
Since I'm Jewish, I light Hanukkah candles with my children. We don't celebrate Christmas, nor do we celebrate the holidays of any other religious faiths, unless we are invited to someone's home, and then we'll happily raise a glass with them.
In recognition of the fact that I live in the beautifully diverse city of New York, for the entire month of December I sign my emails "happy holidays," and I give "holiday" gifts. Some of my friends celebrate Kwanzaa. Some are atheists. Some are Muslim. Some Hindu.
It makes as much sense to wish these folks, and me, "Merry Christmas," as it does to wish us Happy Boxing Day, the British holiday none of us celebrate.
But there is a key difference between us and Mr. Martin. We are not the least bit offended at being wished "Merry Christmas."
We smile at the pleasantry, which is obviously intended in kindness. Hey, any time someone wishes me positive thoughts, I'm good.
Why on earth are some pundits so offended, so upset, so flat-out angry at a well-wisher giving them a friendly "Happy holidays?"
Why is this fury trotted out every Christmas? And why always by people who bemoan that we have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?
Just asking.
Happy holidays, everyone.