The 'C-Word'

Remove all ads!

Yes I am talking about Christmas!

The last time I was in the States, I noticed that it was offensive to use Christmas. In Pittsburgh, it was called 'The Sparkle Season' and when I had a job in customer care I could not say 'Happy Christmas', but I could say 'Happy Holidays'. Of course 'off duty' it was okay to use the 'c-word' as much as I like without causeing offense, but why are companies so reluctant to use it? Have you ever met anyone that actually taken offense to this?

 

Well first of all, here in the states we say "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Christmas", but I get your point. Basically, it's become very un-PC to use the term Christmas, which is strange. To my knowledge, the vast majority of Americans would still classify themselves as Christians, so it's not like you're offending any large portion of potential customers. Still, most stores will take the attitude that every shopper counts, and you don't want to turn off a potential buyer.

The term Happy Holidays also ecompasses Channuka (sp?), the Russian Christmans - some time in early January - and New Year's Day, which presumably is non-demoniational and everyone celebrates it. I, for one, cannot make any sense of it. Even if you don't out-right say it, it's no mystery that the reason all of these stores have sales on all their items is because a lot of customers are buying Chirstmas presents, so it's for face-value only.

I also have to admit, that when I first read the title of your post, I thought the "C-word" was referencing the one sure-fire word that when you say it would earn you a back-hand from any woman in your vicinity.

 

The world is going nuts Firts they set up X-mas decorations in late October and then...

 

The primary schools round here (might be elementary schools to some people) aren't allowed to do the nativity, have a christmas tree or celebrate in any way unless it's a catholic or C of E school.

One of my best mates is muslim, another a Buddist and they LOVED christmas stuff at school because it was a big novelty for them

 

I hate the way that Americans seem to be no longer allowed to use the word 'Christmas'. How ridiculous.

 

I think it should be equal for all, at nursery school my son is learning about Ramadan, Diwali and Christmas at the same time

 

This is moronic. Chistmas is not some ploy to convert people to christians, and therefore it shouldnt be offensive to anyone. I hate this "oh-but-we-musn't-risk-offending-anyone" crap almost as much as when it is deliberately offensive. Why cant you wish someone a happy christmas? Even if they dont celebrate it they probably get one or two days off, which is a cause for joy.

 

It doesn't matter if the original meaning of the word Christmas was religious. We'd probably find that 100s of words have religious origins. Doesn't mean we have to get rid of every one of them. The word Christmas means different things to different people now. I for one will continue to use the word freely.

 

Haha, I wouldn't worry about it too much: everything these days is un-PC (a slight exaggeration). I agree it is stupid, as most of my Jewish friends don't give a crap, and I am sure that many (not most or all) don't care either.

Stupid Political Correctness...

 

In NZ, we don't seem to have the same fear of the word Christmas.

 

Huh. I haven't run into anyone pitching a fit about 'Christmas'. I say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays if I'm sending a card since it might not get where it's going until after New Year's.

I'm sure people still complain if they don't get December 25th off from work, regardless of their religion.

 

It's all about being PC and crap.

I can't stand that term. I know it's commonly accepted, and maybe I'm over-sensitive to it, but I find taking "Christ" out of "Christmas" is offensive and misses the entire point of the holiday.

I don't get offended if somebody says, "Happy Kwanzaa" or "Happy Channukkah" around me, and I don't think they should be offended if I say, "Merry Christmas."

"Happy Holidays" slights each one of them, IMHO.

 

That time of the year again? Guess I have to bugger and go to the capital then for the mandatory once-every-year visit to the parents house. At least I get to travel this way and eat enough sweets to last for a few days.

Other than that, I hardly care for it and hardly even notice those other days... whatever they are...

 

We don't have that problem, we say "Feliz Navidad" (Happy Navidad).
So, at New Year's, if you have a jewish friend, you won't say to him "happy new year"?

 

Welcome to corporate political correctness.
If they don't word their greetings just right, and to OSHA specifications, they will surely be sued sooner or later. It's sad but true.

 

I don't celebrate christmas, I celebrate my own holiday called "gift giving day" which coincidentally falls on the same day as christmas.

 

Actually, Klorox, you might already know this, but the early Christians used the symbol X (Greek "Chi") for Christ. I knew an athiest who always made a point of using X-mas just to be offensive. When I told him the original meaning of the term, it took the wind out of his sails.

I know what you mean though -- it can be a little upsetting to see how uptight people can get around this time of year. Those who aren't Christians cannot understand why we feel the way we do about the Lord.

 

I hate "Xmas". I think it's just lazy for people who can't be bothered to write the whole word. I put it in the same bucket as people who miss out all the vowels when sending text messages on their mobile phones.