I got hired at Walmart one year as temporary holiday help, and during orientation I learned that wishing non Christians "Merry Christmas" was apparently hurtful and horrifying to them. Apparently a generic greeting that everybody (with a brain) understands means "Hi, I'm happy at this time of year and hope you are, too!" can be weaponized in the minds of those who don't believe in the Yahweh stream of things.
I'm not referring to Jews, who figured it out a long time ago and just smile and nod as we Christians flout our belief all over the place, obviously attempting to convert everybody in sight.
So, since we were forbidden to say "Merry Christmas" to customers, I cobbled together a generic greeting, which is the title to this blog entry.
I confess I couldn't figure out a way to get the Hindus in there, or the Buddhists, but then they're all pretty zen about things and have never shown any indication they care.
What I found out, when I greeted people with "Merry Ramahannaquansmas!" was that they were curious, which allowed me to inform them of Walmart's Scrooge-ness, and I found out almost nobody gets offended when you wish them Merry Christmas, even if they're Satanists.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, this time of year carries with it a measure of hope, and expectation, and joy. And even if all you want to do is get gifts, there are people out there who have a great time getting them for you.
Imagine if, instead of just a couple of months per year, strangers smiled at you and wished you well all year long.
You don't have to believe in Heaven to know that would make this a better place to pass the time.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good read.
Bob