Holiday cards are a time honored tradition in many households. Cards act as a way to connect with old friends and family members in a personal but low-effort manner. Despite the presumed practicality of the holiday card, the debate over what message to include on each card has become increasingly prominent. Should each card blare festive lettering saying ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays?’
According to the Pew Research Center, over 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas. Despite the majority of Americans celebrating Chrismans and the relative consensus surrounding the holiday, many have begun to, or completely replaced the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ with ‘Happy Holidays.’
Using “Merry Christmas” exclusively can unintentionally alienate those who don’t celebrate the holiday. For instance, individuals observing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other traditions might feel overlooked or excluded. In contrast, “Happy Holidays” serves as an inclusive greeting that acknowledges the diversity of celebrations during the winter season.
Geometry teacher Katherine O’Donoghue supports the shift to ‘Happy Holidays’ explaining, “You need to know your audience, but ‘Happy Holidays’ is a more global term.” She shared that she defaults to “Happy Holidays” unless she knows the other person wouldn’t be offended by “Merry Christmas.” O’Donoghue also takes a more international perspective on the issue, noting how less than one-third of the world’s population identifies as Christian.
Global History and AP European History teacher Peter Greene echoes O’Donoghue’s perspective, sharing that his family uses “‘Season’s Greetings’ or ‘Merry Christmas’ on [their] holiday card, but when seeing someone whose religion I don’t know, I say ‘Happy Holidays.’” In taking this inclusive approach, Greene hopes to minimize the risk of offense.
The holiday season is a time to foster unity, not division. Opting for inclusive language like “Happy Holidays” ensures everyone feels seen and valued, brightening the season for all. So why not choose a greeting that welcomes everyone? It’s a small change that can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive and joyful community.
