6 Ways to Avoid the Annual "War on Christmas"

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 17, 2011 - As the holiday season approaches, it is time to once again to turn our attention to the annual discussion of how best to share our goodwill towards all without offending our neighbors.

The big question this time of year is how to respect our religious differences while still celebrating our favorite holidays all while not contributing to the annual battle between the holidays.  Here are 6 tips to help you successfully navigate the holiday season

·   It’s about Peace on Earth: If we are to have peace on earth, we need to learn to not be offended when someone doesn’t share our beliefs.  The way to peace is to embrace our differences and allow people to celebrate something other then Christmas if that is their desire.    

·   Have Goodwill Towards All: Your motivation should be to wish people, all people, happiness and health. Don’t turn “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” into a war cry. The point is to wish people well. Fighting over the words we use to express that wish kind of defeats the point.

·   Respect People’s Beliefs: Don’t wish them a Merry Christmas if you know your friend doesn’t celebrate Christmas. It’s rude. If you know what holiday someone celebrates, wish them a happy whatever it is they celebrate. It’s the nice thing to do.

·   Don’t Make Assumptions: If you don’t know what holiday someone celebrates or whether they celebrate a holiday at all, ask them. They won’t be offended. Most people welcome these sorts of questions as it shows you respect them enough to not assume they share your beliefs. This is particularly true of your non-religious friends. Just make sure to ask because you really want to know and because you really want to respect their beliefs and not because you are hoping to convince them to celebrate your favorite holiday.  

·   When In Doubt, Go Generic: While most people in America consider “Merry Christmas” to be a generic wish of happiness during this time of the year, it is actually more polite to recognize the real differences of beliefs Americans hold and to respect those differences by simply wishing people a Happy Holiday Season. That way, whatever holiday they celebrate, or even if they don’t, they are included in your well wishes.

·   It’s the Thought That Counts: And finally, if you are wondering whether your Humanist friend(s) would like to receive a gift from you, the answer is yes. We like presents and good food. So feel free to invite us to whatever holiday gathering you are hosting. We’d love to join you.


Jennifer Hancock is the author of the book, The Humanist Approach to Happiness: Practical Wisdom ($12.98 - 122 pages). She publishes the Happiness Thru Humanism blog and podcast and writes a monthly freelance column about Humanism for the Bradenton Herald newspaper.

For more information go to: http://www.jen-hancock.com