When it comes to aspects of how to celebrate holidays, some people stand on the fence. That becomes most clear during the event that is celebrated around the world. Yes, Christmas has come and gone, as it does every year. And the decision to wish someone a Merry Christmas compared to a Happy Holidays remains a struggle to this day.

That indecision is mostly based on a person’s belief system it would seem. The struggle lies within oneself whether a person is a Christian and celebrates the holiday with a religious emphasis, or whether a person is afraid of offending another person.

I mean this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Americans have the right to express themselves freely. By which I mean; someone should be least of all offended by being wished a Merry Christmas

I was raised in a Christian home and for me it’s Merry Christmas no matter what anyone else says. I don’t get offended when someone else says something different, so when I want to wish someone a Merry Christmas I say it without any thought to offending anyone.

Wishing someone a Merry Christmas is a sincere gesture from those who mean well. The only thing wrong with that greeting or farewell is the people who get offended by the gesture.

Merry Christmas is a verbal gesture that professes a person’s faith. To share the holiday spirit with others, people usually wish their own personal beliefs. For a Christian to wish Merry Christmas on someone is to stand by his or her beliefs in the faith and not be ashamed.

People who take offense to others’ preferences and beliefs should ask themselves why they are offended by such a statement. But even people who are clearly celebrating Christmas in their homes tend to be conflicted about what to say in the workplace or at school. No one wants to offend anyone or make assumptions about people’s religious beliefs.

However, like I stated earlier, you shouldn’t be concerned with offending people, because you have the right as an American citizen to wish upon anyone a sincere gesture, especially “Merry Christmas.”

Whether you’re atheist, Jewish, Muslim, etc. common courtesy would indicate that you should recognize Merry Christmas as an expression of kindness and not take offense by it.

Telling someone to “enjoy your holiday” or worse, sending them “seasons greetings” because you are fearful of offending someone are cop-outs. Instead of feeling more diverse and inclusive, it just feels like someone took a bit of sparkle out of the December festivities.

It’s about time people stopped being so hostile and become willing to accept the beliefs of others and be happy with the gesture of Merry Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for the season and that isn’t something to forget. So next time, when you come up to someone have the urge to wish him or her a Merry Christmas, do it. Don’t be ashamed, and follow what you believe in.