From ‘Merry Christmas’ to ‘Happy Holidays’: Navigating Inclusivity in Seasonal Greetings
Introduction
The phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ has long been a staple of winter celebrations, particularly in countries with strong Christian traditions. However, in recent years, this greeting has been challenged by the term ‘Happy Holidays’, which is seen as more inclusive and accommodating to non-Christian celebrations. This article explores the evolution of these phrases, the reasons behind their change, and the impact on our seasonal greetings.
Historical Context
The phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ is a traditional holiday wish, with ‘merry’ being derived from the Old Norse word ‘meri’ meaning ‘joyful’ or ‘happy’. This greeting is deeply rooted in Christian culture, marking the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. However, it is not exclusive to Christianity; many non-religious people also use it to celebrate the holiday season.
On the other hand, ‘Happy Holidays’ is a more recent term that acknowledges a broader range of winter celebrations found in different cultures and religions. It is designed to be inclusive of various faiths and secular celebrations, such as Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Yule, among others.
Religious and Cultural Diversity
The UK, like much of the world, is a multicultural and multi-faith society. In such an environment, addressing others through generic greetings becomes crucial. Many individuals in the UK have multiple religious affiliations or none at all. For example, the UK population includes:
About 65 to 70 percent identify as Christian. About 7 to 8 percent are Jewish. About 3 percent are Muslim. About 2 percent each identify with Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. About 15 percent or more have no religious affiliation.In such a context, using greetings like ‘Merry Christmas’ can sometimes exclude those who might celebrate otherwise. For instance, Jewish individuals often use ‘Merry Christmas’ ironically, with Hanukkah being the most relevant holiday for them, as it occurs around the same time as Christmas.
Corporate Perspectives
Corporate America, through its marketing and public relations efforts, has played a significant role in promoting ‘Happy Holidays’. Organisations often fear the potential backlash from excluding certain groups, which could result in a loss of revenue or public backlash. This shift is often driven by marketing campaigns and the need to appeal to a wider audience.
Personal Experiences
Individuals also play a critical role in shaping the language used in holiday greetings. Personally, the article author notes how their mother, born on Christmas Eve, would prefer to be wished a ‘Happy Birthday’ with presents in non-Christmas wrapping. This anecdote illustrates how inclusive language can be tailored to honor diverse cultural and personal backgrounds.
Some Christians have expressed anger over the idea that non-Christians should not have a ‘Christmas’ holiday. They argue that ‘Happy Holidays’ is a form of blasphemy. However, the rise of ‘Happy Holidays’ reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and diversity.
Conclusion
The evolution of holiday greetings from ‘Merry Christmas’ to ‘Happy Holidays’ is a reflection of the changing sociocultural landscape. In today's multicultural and multi-faith world, using inclusive language is essential for preserving harmony and respect. Whether you use ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’, what truly matters is the intent behind your greetings - to spread joy and kindness during the festive season.