Career News 24/7: The Cynical Girl: Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Cynical Girl: Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 03:45 AM PST

I love talking about religion at work because ‘religious conflict’ is often overstated. God is deeply personal and wholly unique to the individual human consciousness. Nobody believes in or understands God in the same way — even if they share the same religion.

And even though we have differences, most people find a way to get along at work.

It’s lovely.

Thankfully, religious differences are no big deal during the holidays. Your fellow employees are nice and don’t care if you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or nothing. Your colleagues will politely smile and wish you a Merry Christmas even if they are followers of Sikhism or believe in Jainism.

And nobody really gets their undies in a bunch about the birth of Jesus Christ because, really, nobody cares when TPS reports are due.

Personally, I really appreciate it when one of my Christian colleagues wishes me Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I like the effort. It’s cool to make accommodations for me. Do it more often!

And I’m a nice lady. Even as a Muslim Kenyan Socialist Lesbian Secular Humanist, I say Merry Christmas. It’s no skin off my nose, and honestly, I really do hope you have a Merry Christmas.