"Happy Holidays."

Is there something wrong with that phrase? According to the PC pundits, there isn't...and there shouldn't be because that's inclusive—according to their thinking—and shouldn't offend anyone because that way you're wishing a Merry "Whatever" to everyone, no matter what they celebrate. However, according to those who believe it's an affront to "Merry Christmas"—stealing the holiday from Christians—it is offensive; after all, many people probably believe Christmas came first, and Hanukkah and Kwanza and whatever else were created (Chrismahanukwanzakah for the Paygoist?) came about in response to Christmas so that people other than white, anglo-saxon Christians would have something to celebrate. "Happy Holidays," then, is a bow to them over Christmas and Christianity.

Of course, political correctness, an idea concocted in order not to offend, usually has the opposite effect. In an effort to be inclusive and general, PC often becomes too vague, to the point of seeming exclusive and attacking to one person's or group's set of values. As a result, it is offensive.

For that reason, more than any other, I don't like political correctness. I mean, besides the fact that I have no problems "calling a spade a spade." To quote (out of context) Martin Luther, "A theologian of the cross says what a thing is."

However, in this ongoing and recurring debate between "Merry Christmas" (or other holiday greeting) vs. "Happy Holidays," the mark is missed entirely by the PC Police. In their attempt to be inclusive with the greeting—including even agnostics and atheists who wish to celebrate a gift giving day—they actually exclude those who do not observe holy days. That is, after all, the origin of the term "holiday." A holiday is a holy day—a day set aside for special observance, usually always relgious in nature. So, to a Christian, Christmas is a holy day (or, more appropriately, 12 holy days). So, to a Jew, Hanukkah is a holy day (actually, 8 holy days). Kwanzaa? I'm not going to get started there...

So, in all actuality, "Happy Holidays" is not, or should not be, an offensive greeting in the Christian's ear. Happy 12 days of Christmas! These are 12 holy days set aside to observe that salvation (ahem, Salvation) has come to earth! That is definitely something to be happy about. Happy Holidays! Of course, I am still more inclined to use the greetings "Merry Christmas" or "Blessed Christmas."