We’ve Become A Culture That Gets Offended By Good Will [Opinion]

The debate over "happy holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" has become ridiculous at this point. And, once again, I feel the desire to express my thoughts on the issue.

There's been much hand wringing in some circles about a massive "war on Christmas". But I think the real "war" in our society right now is a war on kindness.

When an elected official threatens to "slap the next person who says happy holidays", I think we've got an actual problem.

And, before someone says "this is America, we say 'Merry Christmas' here". Or, another that I've heard or read all too often, "say 'Merry Christmas' or don't say anything at all". I'd respond with this - when has it ever been a bad thing to wish someone well?

I grew up in a multi-religion family, and I grew up in a town that has a large non-Christian population. I was never specifically told to say "happy holidays". Nobody ever indoctrinated me or brainwashed me, it's just something that I realized growing up - just because I celebrate Christmas, it doesn't mean that everybody does.

But what outrages me, is the outrage that some express when someone has the gall to wish them "happy holidays". Basically, people are getting upset at someone for having the nerve to pass along good wishes.

Someone has taken time out of their day to wish you well. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or none of the above, a well-wish has been given to you. And the fact that some people have taken that to be an attack on them, personally saddens me.

The way I was raised, when someone takes the time to pass good wishes on to me, regardless of their form, I thank them, smile, and respond in kind.

Maybe we're overthinking the whole thing.