Happy Holidays

Advent 3
3rd Day of Hanukkah

I'm tired of the Christian Right saying that we should stop saying "Happy Holidays," and make more specific Christmas greetings this time of year.

My first marriage was to a Jewish woman. We attended Friday Shabbat services at the synagogue. We attended High Holy Days services on Yom Kippur. We celebrated the Passover Seder with her cousin's family. I continue to remain in touch with her cousin since Ruth's death in 1989.

Today I work in a diverse environment. Many of my co-workers are from India. They may be Christian, but they are more likely to be Hindu, or members of another Eastern religion. Many of my American colleagues choose not to have a religious orientation.

I consider myself a Christian, and I observe Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. I appropriately say "Advent Blessings" and "Happy Christmas" to my fellow worshipers. But I honor and respect those who don't observe Christian holidays.

So it is without any guilt that I clearly say to those who don't choose the path of Christianity, "Happy Holidays!"