“The whole thing has gotten so complicated that it’s probably best to just shop at Amazon and stay home”
But it WASN’T complicated. Growing up in Philly, businesses offered Seasons’ Greetings or HH. People said HH to one another if they didn’t know, and wished specific Christmas or Hanukah or other seasonal greetings if they did know the person. It just wasn’t complicated, and no one took offense at Happy Holidays at all.
I feel like this was solved 40 years ago by the simple introduction of HH, and now there’s new “outrage” over Happy Holidays that is just silly, as well as hicks-from-the-sticks who “discover” each year that there are people who don’t celebrate Christmas, oh my what will they think of next.
I tell ya, people had better not wish me Happy New Years. Because if they do, I just might blow and say, “I don’t celebrate New Years eve or day. I’m too old to stay up that late (plus nobody ever invites us anywhere fun), and New Years day is just another day to feel fat and out of shape, and realize that I blew my last years resolutions like I have every year before. So just keep yer trap shut!” 
I am sick to death of the so called culture wars and the made up “war on Christmas”.
As my 93 year old Christian mom pointed out—“-I remember saying Happy Holidays all the time—especially after Bing Crosby came out with that song in the 30’s. Now it’s worse than swearing! People need to get over themselves”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE9BXE8Nh7Q
^ I agree that the " war on Christmas is ridiculous. Last I looked no one in our country is prevented from celebrating Christmas.
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BTW in the “sticks” where I grew up I did know folks who were Jewish and did not celebrate Christmas. And that was was back in the 60’s and 70’s . tHere is even more diversity there now
Sadly, it’s not complicated. Bottom line, people are reaching out the best they know how. Okay, they may misspeak with “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holiday” or “Happy Hanukkah” but what really is the harm?
When I was younger, I would hear a cheerful “Happy Hanukkah” in return if the recipient of “Merry Christmas” was Jewish. I would say “Happy Holiday” because I celebrated neither.
Some interesting responses. Do those of you who think my proffered response might put the other person in an awkward/uncomfortable place also allow for the fact that someone wishing an observant Jew “Merry Christmas” might put the recipient of MC in an awkward place?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Apparently it does, which is why I don’t do it unless I’m sure.
That said, if a Jewish person says “Happy Hanukkah” to me, I say “thank you, same to you!”
Well, I must admit when I had to work Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and someone said “Merry Christmas” to me I responded with “Bah Humbug!”
P.S. God, I LOVE being retired.
"That said, if a Jewish person says “Happy Hanukkah” to me, I say “thank you, same to you!”
Does anyone know of a single Jewish person in this country who walks around saying Happy Hanukah to people unless he / she knows that the recipient of his good wishes is Jewish? Which is kind of the point!
I was so tired on Christmas Eve that I accidentally said “Happy Birthday” instead of “Merry Christmas” to the Santa Claus outside the Honeybaked Ham store. Luckily, he didn’t seem to be too offended.
No, because they’re not my mother. Likewise, if you didn’t make me a mom, if you wish me Happy Mother’s Day I’m going to think you’re a little weird. Bless your heart.