As a Christian, Christmas means something to me beyond Santa Claus and presents. It is a deeply religious occasion. I think it’s great when people say Merry Christmas to me, and I especially appreciate it when people of other faiths say it to me. It shows that they respect me enough to recognize my culture and/or religious beliefs even if they don’t share those same beliefs. That’s pretty cool. Because I know how it feels, I like to do the same for others. When, during the holiday season, I greet someone who I know is Jewish, I will say “Happy Chanukah” as a sign of respect. This also means that when I don’t know how someone celebrates the season, I will say Happy Holidays. Of course this does not mean I am ashamed to be a Christian, it simply means that I don’t want to be presumptuous about what others believe. Most importantly, I also don’t mind when people say Happy Holidays to me. I don’t view it as a lack of respect for my beliefs, it most likely means they don’t know what I believe – or that they aren’t comfortable expressing a religious greeting in general. I can relate to that – so what? The whole debate about saying Merry Christmas versus Happy Holidays is a false argument and yet another way people try to divide us. Respecting other people’s culture, religion, or lack thereof, is considerate – plain and simple. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy Holidays to all!