Every December, “Happy Holidays” floods conversations and ads. It aims to be a neutral, inclusive greeting, but instead it dilutes cultural identity, erases meaningful differences and avoids true engagement. Ironically, Hanukkah, which began on December 14, is a holiday that celebrates resistance to assimilation and provides the strongest argument for saying “Merry Christmas.”
For years I’ve hesitated to wish people a Merry Christmas. I worried that it would feel like I was endorsing beliefs I didn’t share, or that I was endangering my own Jewish faith. Over time, I realized that wishing “Merry Christmas” is not about agreeing with a theology, but about recognizing the joy and humanity of others. Recognizing someone else’s celebration does not alter my beliefs or identity. It is an act of kindness and respect, not approval.
In fact, “Happy Holidays” tries to erase the very thing it acknowledges. The word ‘holidays’ already implies a religious or cultural meaning. Basically, a ‘holiday’ is a ‘holy day’, connected to faith, history and traditions. Masking these celebrations under a blanket term does not promote inclusivity. It diminishes their importance. The story of Hanukkah teaches us to embrace the specificity of our traditions rather than dilute them into vague feelings.
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Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees’ struggle to preserve Jewish identity against Hellenistic forces determined to force assimilation. This erasure was not only spiritual, but also extended to cultural practices such as the adoption of Greek names. Prominent Jewish leaders of the time, such as Jason (originally Joshua), abandoned their Hebrew names and promoted Greek customs to assimilate. The Maccabees’ resistance to reclaiming their traditions and even their names was an act of defiance, a refusal to have their identity erased.
A child lights the Menorah candles with a long match in honor of Hanukkah. (iStock)
The menorah, which is powerfully lit in public spaces, symbolizes pride in faith. The essence of the holiday reminds us that faith and tradition should not be hidden or diluted, but should be celebrated openly and proudly, even when society pressures us to say “Happy Holidays” instead of honoring specific beliefs.
The same goes for any holiday, be it Christmas, Kwanzaa or Diwali. By wishing someone “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Diwali,” you celebrate their unique contribution to the season. It says, “I see and appreciate your tradition.” Replacing these greetings with “Happy Holidays” eliminates the distinctions that make the season vibrant. True inclusivity honors and acknowledges these differences rather than merging them into a single, unclear sentiment.
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The rise of “Happy Holidays” also reflects the increasing commercialization of the season. Retailers use it to appeal to the widest possible audience and reduce the holidays to consumer-oriented events. Saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” bucks this trend and reminds us that these celebrations are about values, history and community, not just shopping lists.
Saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” also promotes a genuine connection. These greetings open the door to deeper conversations about traditions and values, creating understanding and strengthening relationships. “Happy Holidays,” on the other hand, often feels transactional, avoiding rather than encouraging engagement.
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Most people value effort over precision. Even if you wish someone the ‘wrong’ holiday, the gesture conveys thoughtfulness. A Christian wishing a Jewish friend “Happy Hanukkah” or a Jewish neighbor saying “Merry Christmas” is building bridges. It shows a willingness to engage with someone else’s culture even without sharing it.
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Some argue that saying “Happy Holidays” avoids exclusion, reflects pluralism, or avoids awkwardness. But avoiding specific greetings doesn’t make people feel included. It makes them feel ignored. Recognizing someone’s party confirms their identity. It does not exclude others; it promotes mutual respect.
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Hanukkah teaches us the importance of standing proud in our identity while respecting others. The Maccabees resisted forced assimilation while continuing to engage with the world around them. Their story extends to all traditions. Saying “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Joyful Kwanzaa” isn’t about imposing beliefs – it’s about celebrating the unique identities that enrich our world.
This season, let’s reject the generic in favor of the real. The holidays deserve more than a vague nod; they deserve recognition for their depth and significance. By saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah,” we honor the true spirit of the season, one of connection, authenticity and shared humanity. It’s time to retire “Happy Holidays.”
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