Happy Holidays, Because...

It feels bizarre, being forced to defend saying “Happy Holidays.”

Too often, though, I’m tempted to dismiss seemingly nonsensical controversies, only to discover that the molten controversy has solidified into a new consensus, and we’ve now decided that the Earth is definitely flat.

So before that happens with holiday greetings, I offer this.

If we were closer friends, I’d know what holiday you celebrate. And I’d be more specific. But I don’t.

So, for this moment, while you’re scanning my groceries, or serving me coffee, or making my casual acquaintance in some other way, I want to contribute to the good cheer in our community.

And since you and I are both humans, probably rushed at this time of year, for this brief time that we’re paying attention to each other, I want to express the hope that you are not only busier, but also enjoying whatever celebration you engage in during this season.

It’s a small gesture, but with millions of small gestures we tell one another, “We aren’t isolated from each other. We’re people with compassion. We feel it’s not just important for ourselves to enjoy our own celebrations, but to wish other people good celebrations, too.

And yet, we value our privacy. So when I say this to you, I’m not interrogating you about your beliefs, or demanding that you observe my faith my way, instead of your own. “Happy Holidays” means have a good time by your own standards, not mine.

So, there it is. I wish you Happy Holidays.

And, sure--if anyone’s upset about “Have a nice day,” I guess we can explain that one, too.