How to Manage the “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” Debate in Your Workplace

<p>It&rsquo;s that time of year when we hear endless Mariah Carey Christmas songs. Also, when there is an annual debate on whether we should say &ldquo;Merry Christmas&rdquo; or &ldquo;Happy Holidays&rdquo; when interacting with co-workers or our peers.</p> <p>There is a strong misconception that the &ldquo;Happy Holidays&rdquo; greeting diminishes or excludes those celebrating Christmas. It doesn&rsquo;t.</p> <p>Both greetings are meant to spread good cheer based on someone&rsquo;s religious, cultural, or personal preferences regarding which holiday they recognize or if they celebrate Christmas because of their personal choice.<br /> Saying &ldquo;Happy Holidays&rdquo; is not an attempt to wage war on Christmas or those celebrating it.</p> <p><strong>What&rsquo;s the Difference?</strong></p> <p>The phrases &ldquo;Merry Christmas&rdquo; and &ldquo;Happy Holidays&rdquo; do have some differences.</p> <p>&ldquo;Merry Christmas&rdquo; refers to the Christmas holiday, celebrated on December 25th. It is a traditionally Christian sentiment.</p> <p>A &ldquo;Happy Holidays&rdquo; greeting has a broader reach. It encompasses all holidays that are celebrated during the winter holiday season. In addition to Christmas, there are over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news24.com/News24/12-global-festivities-in-december-besides-christmas-20171225" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">10 holidays</a>&nbsp;that occur within December that individuals recognize based on their faith or identities.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@elise.k.ahen/how-to-manage-the-happy-holidays-or-merry-christmas-debate-in-your-workplace-d427ad6b74fc"><strong>Click Here</strong></a></p>