The holiday season should not ever be centered solely on Christmas; holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, among many others, are also celebrated around the same time, so it’s essential to acknowledge the less celebrated holidays. Not everyone celebrates the holidays in the same way or at the same time. Saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” helps include everyone, regardless of their religion or culture.
Some people argue that the phrase “Merry Christmas” should remain the standard because Christmas has traditionally been the most celebrated holiday in America. While that may be true for some, according to CivicScience, 5 percent of people in the United States celebrate Hanukkah, 3 percent celebrate Kwanzaa, 12 percent participate in winter solstice events, which most of them don’t celebrate Christmas and another 4 percent participate in other seasonal events. That is just under one quarter of the population who celebrate holidays other than Christmas, which is too high a number to simply disregard.
Choosing to say “Happy Holidays” does not destroy Christmas traditions, it only expands them to embrace the many cultures and beliefs that make up the diversity of America. Every person and every different religion or tradition, no matter how small it is, makes our communities stronger and more varied. With being so consumed by the most mainstream holiday, America’s highly valued diversity will only decline. Recognizing other holidays doesn’t take anything away from Christmas. Instead, it adds to and allows others to build a grander and more inclusive holiday season.
Using “Happy Holidays” also displays awareness of how diverse our communities really are. Schools, workplaces and public spaces include people from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. When we choose greetings that reflect diversity, we help create a sense of belonging for individuals who may have previously felt overlooked and foster a sense of community during this precious and joyful time of year.
The phrase doesn’t just focus on a single day but rather the entire winter season. It includes several cultural and religious practices that occur throughout the months, such as New Year’s and winter solstice celebrations. By changing the phrase, we can make sure we show our respect for all festivities without assuming that one day captures what the season means to everyone.