There's no war on Christmas. Get over yourself and say 'happy holidays.' |
Every year at this time, many conservatives here in the United States declare that there is a "war on Christmas" if people greet others with any phrase other than "Merry Christmas." Besides the victimization aspect, there are two major erroneous points in this declaration.
First, there are many federal, secular and religious holidays observed from Nov. 1 through Jan. 1.
Second, as hard as some try to deny it, America has always been a diverse country, and Christmas is not the only holiday to be celebrated. The United States has a diverse culture, and that diversity actually makes us stronger and more interesting.
Not everyone celebrates every holiday, but when greeting others, saying "Happy holidays!" instead of, or in addition to, "Merry Christmas!" acknowledges the fact that there are many holidays at the end of the year, and it's just plain polite.
On Nov. 1, many people celebrate both All Saints' Day and Día de los Muertos, which honor the dead in different ways.
Catholics celebrate All Saints' Day to solemnly honor canonized and unknown saints. Día de los Muertos, on the other hand, is a joyful, colorful celebration during which the living welcome back their deceased relatives for the day.
All Saints' Day emphasizes separation and prayer, and originated in Europe in the early days of the Catholic Church. Día de Muertos emphasizes reunion and celebration and originated thousands of years ago with the Aztecs.
Diwali, a festival of lights, is a major five-day holiday celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and a small group of Nepalese Buddhists symbolizing the triumph of........