What happened to Merry Christmas Life in Marin, posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 9, 2009 at 11:46 am
In my line of business, I meet a lot of Marinites all year long. I'm amazed at how few are willing to to say "Merry Christmas". Even when I say it, they come back with Happy Holiday. I even ask them, "What holiday are you talking about?. It's fun to watch them squirm. Even if they are Jewish and say so, it amazes me that they are willing to buy Christmas trees and buy presents to give during this season. I know they have their holiday at this time of year as well so I guess it's a double gift for them. I am not one who believes you have to be a practicing Christian to celebrate this season of giving. I realize that it is a Western tradition born of a pagan past. What's important to me is the tradition that is uniquely American and has been celebrated for the past couple of Century's. I love every bit of it. The lights,the trees, the decorations, the songs, the gift giving, the mistletoe, the foods and the spirit of sharing and loving one another. It's a great way to end the year on a high note decked in holly and candy canes. We always look forward to this time of year and are sad when it is over. To all of my fellow Marinites, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I wish you health and prosperity. And I wish you a country that is a beacon for freedom around the world. God bless each and every one of you.
Posted by MarinResident, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 10, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I always say Happy Holidays, because it covers all the bases. So, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukha and Solstice..last but not least, Merry Christmas too.
And Happy "?" to the pagans whose holiday was co-opted distorted by the Church long, long ago.
Posted by anon, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 10, 2009 at 2:32 pm
We also say, "Merry Christmas" to everyone we run into this time of year.
People start to say, "Happy Holidays" and then as soon as they see we aren't afraid of saying it, they say it right back.
I agree. It is Christmas time so why not just come out and say it! Especially when you know you're greeting another person who does celebrate Christmas.
There's too much worry about being "pc" these days and it's stupid. If I see someone who I know to be Jewish, then I wish them a Happy Hannukka (not sure of the spelling), but I honor what they'd like to hear.
Happy Holidays is to general and I think a lot is lost by not hearing Merry Christmas so much anymore.
I must admit that Happy Kwaanza (or however you spell it) emerged out of nowhere around 5 years ago and it's a little over the top too.
I don't subscribe to all this pc crap.
So Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year too!
Posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2009 at 11:10 am
I just heard Bill O'Rielly give a solution to the problem. He is saying "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you". Makes sense to me. That way we get to keep our greeting and at the same time acknowledge the holidays that others may be celebrating. Works for me. Hope it works for you.
Posted by Elsa, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2009 at 4:47 pm
It sounds like the people who like to say "Merry Christmas" are threatened by those who wish to say "Happy Holidays". In the spirit of the season, just let people say what they want to and stop making more out of it than it is. Despite what Bill O'Rielly tries to promote every year at this time, there is no "war on Christmas." As we evolve, so will how we do and say things. And hopefully, there will be fewer people who also dismiss Kwanzaa as "over the top" and don't even bother to look up it's correct spelling (because it's African American?) will respect that, too, and not call it "pc crap" because it's new to them and they feel threatened by anything that disrupts the status quo.
Just for those who don't know:
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans
Posted by anon, a resident of the Fairfax neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Would it bother you if everyone wished you "Happy Chanukah" instead of "Merry Christmas"? Well, it bothers me as a Jew who does not celebrate Christmas at all to have someone assume that everyone is Christian. The wish for a "Happy Holiday" covers it for everyone and is preferable to excluding people. In my childhood singing Christmas carols in public school was mandatory. The Rabbi advised us just to remain silent for the mention of "baby Jesus" and other Christian beliefs in the songs we were required to sing. Don't require me to hear you wish me a "Merry Christmas" just because you think I'm a bad sport.
Posted by gary, a resident of the Fairfax neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2009 at 5:12 pm
a tip of the hat to our marin merchants.
a lot of marin merchants really need help this holiday.a really bad year with a not so promisng first quarter in 2010.
there will be many failed mom and pop stores in marin. its very sad. so help them out ths season. they dont care what you say re happy holidays,merry xmas. it is the money that talks and every merchant will say thank you. the best two words.
my personal comments follow.
a kind thought or two about our marin merchants is in order this year. these are the 10% of our local men and woman who take their own money where and invest in their dreams. many i know risk bankruptcy ever month.
they roll the dice in life. they are called entrepreneurs!there also called small business employers. you dont read much about them because they only comprise 10% of us.
it would be nice to give your xmas thoughts to the people who have opened all these places with their hard earned money and who give jobs to others . please tip your hat to them and while your at it spend a little $ and try to keep them in business.
you will be seeing a lot of empty storefronts next year. it is the small business OWNERS employERS who need your help this year.
Posted by Bob Cratchit, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Why argue about this. As long as the sentiment is genuine, a statment of good will should probably be taken as intended. The exact wording need not matter.
Joy and peace to you, one and all and the best wishes during whichever hoiliday that you celebrate.
Posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 12, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I believe that a recent poll stated that 80 percent of Americans consider themselves to be Christian. If that's true, then I see no problem with the annual Christian holiday being celebrated in the the traditional American manner. If your Jewish, you have Chanukah. If your muslim, you have Ramadam. If your a pagan you have a burning bush. If your an atheist, you have a stick up you butt. I don't care what you believe in, just leave my Christmas alone. Don't try to change it. I like it the way it was. You don't have to sing our songs, buy our trees and give our gifts. Just stay home and enjoy your own traditions. We don't interfere with your traditions. We don't try to stop you from enjoying you holidays. We even give you extra days off from work to celebrate them. Just you, not us.
Posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 12, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I forgot to mention that if you go to foxnation.com and look for the article on the proof that there is a "war on Christmas". If your a liberal, don't tell your friends you were on the site. We know you want to be invited to some "holiday party" this month and it would not make you look good to actually learn something about how we see the world. We promise not to tell. We like your pin headedness. It gives us an opportunity to argue with someone other than our spouses or boy and girl friends.
Posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 13, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Happy Holidays covers all of the other holidays, but is an insult to those who celebrate and believe in Christmas. If you are a follower of one of the other religions, You too would be insulted if we were dictating how to celebrate your event or holiday. Think about this...., name 10 Christmas songs or rituals and then try to do the same for Chanukah,Ramadan, Kwanza or Festivas. Okay how about five. Still having trouble. How about two or one. This doesn't apply to individuals that are part of those groups. That would be to easy. End of argument. In America, it's Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays,December, Winter, or any other excuse to throw a party and hope for gifts.
Posted by MarinResident, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 13, 2009 at 2:33 pm
well johnnymarin, you seem to live in a very small world...good luck with that while everything around you is changing! I prefer to be more participatory. Happy Holidays to you -
Posted by Ricardo, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 14, 2009 at 2:10 am
A friend of mine told me that when he lived in Puerto Rico the holidaze start on Nov. 5 and go all the way to Jan. 15. Something to do with cheesus happened on Jan. 15. He said not much work gets done during the holidays, but a lot of partying goes on. People are told to take it easy and not to party too much at once. That long holiday season sounds like what some people and businesses do around here.
I say Happy Holidaze and guzzle up for safety, guzzle up.
Posted by trueblueanne, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 14, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Gosh, how sad that this person gets all judgmental about someone not saying Merry Christmas, but Happy Holidays, instead. I do it out of respect for everyone I know and deal with: I have no way of knowing definitively who are Christians,fundamentalist, Catholics (who consider themselves different from other Christians), atheists, agnostics, lapsed whatevers, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. In case you haven't noticed, we live in a multi-cultural and multi-religion to no religion society. Where our Constitution protects us from the attitudes of those who want all to belief or honor their specific religious beliefs.
Posted by anon, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 9:23 am
It used to be that Merry Christmas was the classic greeting. And back in the day, if you said Merry Christmas and then the other person told you they were Jewish, you'd both have a chuckle and you'd say you were sorry and then wish them a Happy Hanukka.
It wasn't necessary to be perfectly accurate with a greeting. I think Happy Holidays evolved out of someone's need to give a neutral greeting across the board to all. But in doing that, the ones who used to hear Merry Christmas are let down a bit.
At the end of the day it really doesn't matter. But it's sad to be in a world that's so neutral these days. That's why we push to keep it okay to still say "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Posted by Saveourplanet, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 10:19 am
Maybe 80% of the US population espouse Chritianity in some form but the 2000 census figures show 40 million espouse "no" religion. Stick to the "Happy Holidaze" and you won't offend anyone. And quit being so petty. Geez...get you panties in a knot over what greeting someone espoused to you during the holidays....geez...
Posted by Ricardo, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 10:28 am
During the time from November 20 to Jan 12 there are several holidays, my birthday and 3 other close friends. Even when times are tough I still get a good festive feeling during the holidays.
As long as I have plenty of firewood to burn, a house to live in, plenty of good food, am healthy and have friends and family I am happy, so I greet people by saying happy holidays for the 2 months before January 12. Christmas is just one of the holidays, there is also Thanksgiving, New Years celebrations and the birthdays.
What is sad is to see so many people focus on Christmas as the source of their income for the entire year, and base their world and the economy on how much they sell or receive on that one day. There is much more to life on earth than just Christmas, and as far as I'm concerned every day is a holiday if I'm healthy. Just Happy to be here.
Posted by Saveourplanet, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 10:39 am
If johnnymarin had any inkling as to the history of Christmas he might retract 90% of his post. Christmas was orignially celebrated in July, the true birth month of Jesus of Nazareth. The Christians were dismayed that the Pagans had a month long celebration of the Winter Solstice and decided to change their holiday to the end of the year which would allow Christians a holiday celebration during the Winter Solstice.
Of course if you take fauxnews as fact you might be somewhat confused when the "real facts" are thrown in your face.
Posted by Saveourplanet, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 10:56 am
Sorry johnnymarin. Name ten Christmas songs. Johnny you just don't get it. Christmas has become a corporate feast and many of the Christmas songs don't even relate to religion. Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, Granma got ran over by a reindeer (best selling Christmas song of all time)and many more have nothing to do with any actual religion.
I have no problem with the holidazes being the biggest spending spree during the year. I have no problem with kids learning that their is a time of the year that is about "giving" even if it is some what corporate/religiously based. My children learned that the holidaze are about peace and love, giving and family.
Lighten up and live and let live....Happy Holidaze, Peace & Love to you johnnymarin.
Posted by Saveourplanet, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 11:01 am
So Ricardos the one. The one who pollutes Mill Valley every year with his fireplace. The one who fills the valley with smoke so heavy on cold nights that it looks like LA. Hey Ricardo...cut it out. Get a gas insert. It's just as pretty, saves our forest, requires no work to keep burning and is non-polluting. Peace
Posted by Ricardo, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Saveourplanet, Bah humbug ! I don't have gas at the house so no gas insert that you ordered can be put in. You think that you are saving the planet by dictating what other people do, but you are the one who is destroying our rights and freedoms. Also you are a party pooper.
If it makes you feel any better, I burn my wood stove 24/7 from November to at least January. But don't worry, you will never get to go the the area that I live in because there is no diesel powered public transportation for miles from my house, that is why the air is so clean up here.
Happy Holidays and cheer up a bit saveourplanet, it's not the end of the world if you can't control everybody, your just going to have to deal with what you have now.
Posted by johnnymarin, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Yes it's true I do live in a small world. Don't we all. It's made even smaller when others are trying to remake my holiday. I'm not telling you how to celebrate or name your holiday so why can't you extend me the same curtesey? And yes I know the current celebration of Christmas is an amalgam of other religious and secular practices. All I'm asking for is pretty simple, if dealing with a Christian, then say Merry Christmas. If Jewish, then Happy Chanukah. If Muslim, then Happy Rammadan. No way do I want to tell you how to celebrate your holiday. And if you want to celebrate ours, then feel free to say Merry Christmas, give some presents and while your at it, put another log on the fire.
Posted by anon, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Dec 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm
saveourplanet, you are a bundle of contradictions my friend. Plus, I don't think you're totally accurate on Jesus' actual date of birth either. It's supposed to be more around the month of april.
All that aside, you were going on about live and let live and peace and love and all that stuff. Yet you came down pretty hard on Ricardo!
Hey Ricardo, keep enjoying your fireplace. We do. We love having the warmth of our fire over the weekends and plan to do so on Christmas morning as well.
People have been buring fires since the dawn of time. There is no ramification in having a nice fire in your home. And if you bring global warming or algore into it, that will be hilarious.
I say let the home fires go on and enjoy them as you remember that Christmas day is the day the world has set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. At least you're right on the idea that it's better to give than to receive. The true joy and spirit of Christmas is to spread good will, cheer and love, no doubt.
View in an RSS Reader
E-mail this topic.
Print this topic.
