Happy HannaKwanzaRamaMas!

Merry Christmas

There, I said it. But that doesn't mean I'm pushing Christmas off on you. I want to hear people say whatever suites them, not just what is politically correct to say. If you celebrate Chanukah, say “Happy Chanukah!”. Say, “Happy Kwanzaa!” “Feliz Virgen de Guadalupe!”

I'm tired of the political correctness of the holidays, I'm tired of people being offended when you address them with the wrong holiday. If somebody wishes me a “Happy Chanukah,” I take it to mean “I'm having a good day and I hope you have one too.” I hope that when I say “Happy Snow Day!” People get the same intent.

Also, I like the mix-'em-up greetings. “Merry HannaKwanzaMas!” I realize there may be some that find this demeaning to their individual belief system, but I don't see it that way. I see it as an effort to include any and all beliefs into a single greeting.

I would also like to say something on behalf of my atheistic friends.  Celebrating this time of year isn't strictly for those with faith.  Millions of atheists and agnostics do as well, in their own ways.  This is the time of year to reconnect with friends and family, to remind others that you care about them.  Atheists have friends, family, and joy in their hearts. 

My holiday is a hodge podge of beliefs. Like the ancient Druids, I bring in evergreens like a tree, mistletoe, and holly. We light it like the ancient Germans. My tree is decorated with stars, pictures of loved ones, ornaments made by friends and family, angels, and special mementos of all shapes and sizes. We light candles and tell the children stories of hope, love, and history.

Christmas became a huge holiday in America because of good, old fashioned commercialism, but we each make the holiday, the time of year, our own special event. We give the season the special magic that makes it important. So whether you're celebrating Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or whatever, doing so with people that are important to you is what makes the season what it is.

So if you're a Christian and somebody wishes you a “Happy Kwanzaa!”, smile big and offer them a “Merry Christmas!” Share the warm feelings and well wishes no matter how they come.