'Tis the season

Merry Christmas.
There, I said it.
It's that time of the year again and an increasing quantity of confusion and uncertainty continues to revolve around the very words I opened with.
Christmas has a long tradition in Canadian soceity and as such, has been categorized as an official holiday to be recognized once a year by all of those who reside in our nation, coast to coast.
Now, before you fly off the handle and propose that I'm suggesting you're "forced" to celebrate Christmas, I only mean to say that it is recognized, regardless of your faith, as a national holiday that includes a day off work, so relax.
Last year I was strongly urged not to have the words "Merry Christmas" appear in anything I wrote for The Brock Press, as it apparently carries with it the connotation that it's not inclusive.
Not inclusive?
Who are we excluding?
Am I excluding those of the Jewish faith because I failed to say Happy Chanukah? Am I excluding those who do not recognize any type of December holiday? Am I excluding those who celebrate any other sacred day in December?
How is it, that in the year 2008, we are still so caught up in this idea that we will offend everyone by making a single, simple, sincere gesture?
So many questions, only one answer.
Suck it up.
If you say Happy Chanukah to me, I'm not going to be offended. In all likelihood I'll say it right back, as I would be under the assumption that's the holiday you are celebrating.
There are far too many institutions, offices and other similar places that have void themselves of anything that resembles the idea that someone might celebrate Christmas.
Lights, trees (unless it's a holiday tree), presents, carols, you name it; it's all become a gargantuan no-no.
Besides, what exactly is a "holiday" tree anyway?
We live in a free society, but what is free about the fear of saying "Merry Christmas" to the wrong person?
There is always conversation about how minority groups feel oppressed or excluded in the very atmosphere that is supposed to be secure and accepting.
Are these people, who are offended by the celebration of Christmas, doing the exact same to those who do celebrate Christmas?
I think they are.
If you hand me the argument that the holiday you celebrate is not accepted because downtown isn't riddled with menorahs then I will likely sigh and shake my head.
I am in no way in opposition to the celebration of every holiday that resides in December, nor will I oppose should you congregate with those of the same faith to join in your celebration.
What I will oppose, however, is the constant complaining that Christmas is geared to one faith and shuts out the rest in such a multi-cultural country.
What so many fail to recognize (including those who do celebrate Christmas), is that Christmas, for the most part, is an idea; a state of mind that urges people to be kind to one another, put others before themselves and let the peace and joy we all so desperately yearn for come out.
Sure, many observe it for religious reasons, but the overarching idea of Christmas is much, much more.
I'm still waiting for a logical argument to be presented to me as to why saying "Merry Christmas" is not a wise decision.
Should we then forget all of the other holidays that this country has celebrated for over a century?
Maybe we'll get rid of Easter in the spring, because, after all, it's a Christian holiday. Wait, wasn't this country founded on Christianity? Ah, to hell with it, it might make others who aren't Christian take offense, it's got to go.
While we're at it, let's axe Thanksgiving, Canada Day and Remembrance Day, because really, not everyone in this country recognizes those things. God forbid we unsettle them.
My point is simple; we all need to relax.
There's enough stress that accompanies this holiday already, and having people protest the notion that saying "Merry Christmas" is not inclusive doesn't help anyone's cause.
If someone says "Merry Christmas" to you, say it back . or don't.
You can always opt for the pair of synonyms that are inclusive; "Happy Holidays".
So to all of you who opt for "Happy Holidays" I say this to you .
Merry Christmas!