Why I say "Happy Holidays"

Every year someone posts something on facebook about saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays."  This year was no different. Of course this person capitalized the 'Christ' in Christmas, like so: CHRISTmas (and no, Megan--this is not about you.  Your post was not particularly disrespectful but this person's was).  The post read:

I say Merry CHRISTmas in December because it is the only HOLYday that matters.

Before I begin my "Happy Holidays" argument, I feel the need to point out that the 'mas' part of ChristMAS you are ignoring is 'mass' as in 'Christ's mass' which was literally a Roman Catholic mass that celebrated the birth of Christ.  This person is NOT Catholic and does not celebrate any mass.  Now to continue...

I say "Happy holidays" because I'm not an ignorant, disrespectful bigot and I KNOW this country was built on a principle of religious freedom. If you say 'Merry Christmas' to me then I will say it back, but that also goes for 'Happy Hanukkah' or anything else. I simply think in a public forum 'Happy Holidays' is more inclusive and therefore more appropriate. Moreover, I respect EVERY RELIGION and fully believe that people have the right to have their belief systems acknowledged and respected.  "Happy holidays" is inclusive--it acknowledges all of the diverse holidays that occur during December without elevating one of those holidays above the others.

I say "Happy Holidays" because my own family is religiously diverse, and so is this country.  I say "Happy Holidays" because I want my children (when I have them) to understand that all religions are important and deserve respect.  I say "Happy Holidays" because:

December 2010: Holiday Calendar
December is Universal Human Rights Month
2-9: Hanukkah  (Jewish)
6: St. Nicholas Day (International)
7: Al Hijra (Muslim New Year)
8: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian)
12: Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)
13: Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)
16: Ashura (Muslim)
16-25: Los Posadas (Mexico/Christian)
21(or 22): Winter Solstice/Yule (Various Pagan)
25: Christmas (Christian)
26: Kwanzaa (African American)

Look at all the holidays in December!  Respect diversity.  Don't demand that people in public places give your religion precedence over all the other wonderful religions also celebrating holy days in December.  Be respectful.  Be courteous.  Your holiday isn't the only one that matters.