Do You Say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'?
You might be surprised at the results of a poll on the subject.
Star Child
An ornament glistens in the display window of Cow Harbor Fine Gifts and Collectibles.
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Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
When it comes to season’s greetings, a new poll shows the majority of Americans prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.”
According to a survey from Rasmussen Reports, 68 percent of people polled prefer the traditional “Merry Christmas” while just 23 percent like "Happy Holidays," which can cover a variety of occasions.
When it comes to holiday signs, a whopping 70 percent of shoppers polled said they prefer to be greeted with “Merry Christmas” in stores rather than the more neutral Happy Holidays, according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
It doesn't end there. There have been "Christmas Trees" banned or replaced with "Holiday Trees," nativity scenes scrapped to avoid offending some, and the list goes on. Some say such things as “Merry Christmas” and nativity scenes exclude non-Christians.
The so-called “War on Christmas” has been a hot topic for years, with some saying “Merry Christmas” excludes non-Christians. Others believe the religious connotation behind the greeting does not belong in government or schools.
JohnstonPatch Asks You: Do you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays?” Take our poll and let us know the reason behind your preference in the comment section below.
Grinwhicket
10:13 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Any poll that favors "Merry Christmas" over Happy Holidays would mean the majority of those participating in that poll are Christian. In fact, on a National level, the preference is "Happy Holidays", particularly when offering seasonal greetings to someone whom you don't know. :)
Ann Fuscellaro
9:43 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wether I know them or not... it is Merry Christmas...... cause that is what it is.... CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!! Why can't people just ACCEPT IT....... Do you see all the CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and CHRISTMAS TREES....... And people buying thousands of CHRISTMAS GIFTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey - Merry Christmas everyone !!!!!!
Robert E
6:58 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The problem I have with the Christians is not the religion but the fact that they want everyone to be Christian. They for the most part don't seem to understand that not everybody is a Christian. The thing I have found is many Christians have very little knowledge of their own bible they only know what their priest/minister tells them but few read the whole thing for themselves. I just get tired of being told I need to follow Jesus all the time.
Grinwhicket
1:31 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Actually, NO, it is NOT just Christmas and the LIGHTS you refer to stem from PAGAN beginnings. Minor research will prove this. So, everyone hasn't always walked around saying Merry Christmas. Before that (and btw, Dec. 25th. was not the day J.C. was born,) there were other holy days belonging to OTHER religions, such as Judaism...you know, the same religion that Jesus honored? Your comment suggests great insensitivity to the billions of OTHER HUMANS sharing this planet and those living in this town with you. YOU celebrate CHRISTmas...not everyone else does. YOU learn to live with it, honey!