I wrote this article in 2011 for the Burlington Union paper.  Since Thanksgiving is over, we have entered into the Christmas season.  Shoppers are entering stores and probably hearing “Happy Holidays”.  I however celebrate Christmas and believe I should be able to express my beliefs without feeling like I am doing something wrong.  In today’s society we are asked to be tolerant of many things.  So, why is the term “Merry Christmas” excluded?

December 8, 2011

May I Wish You a Merry Christmas?
By Dina Accardi

I don’t know if you believe in Christmas

 Or if you have presents underneath the Christmas tree

 But if you believe in love

 That will be more than enough

For you to come and celebrate with me

 Christmas is a time to come together

 A time to put all differences aside

 And I reach out my hand

 To the family of man

To share the joy I feel at Christmas time

The above poem is actually partial lyrics from a song titled “The Christmas Wish” written by John Denver. I always liked this song because of its melody and words. It expresses the true meaning of Christmas. Over the years, the phrase “Merry Christmas” has been considered politically incorrect. Some have replaced the saying with “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings.” But to many who celebrate Christmas, those other phrases simply do not capture the true spirit of this special time of year.

A few years ago I took a photo of my children and made it into a card to send out to family and friends during Christmas. The message on the card said “Happy Holidays from the Accardi Family.” I have to admit, I really wasn’t happy with the words I chose. The next year however, I followed my heart and the message on the card said “Merry Christmas from the Accardi Family.” I felt I needed to change my message because the card with “Happy Holidays” simply didn’t say what I was feeling. You see, when you wish someone a Merry Christmas you are wishing them peace, hope and happiness. And that is what I wanted to wish my family and friends.

I fully understand that not everyone celebrates Christmas. But is it so bad to wish someone a Merry Christmas anyway? Why can’t I wish everyone, peace, hope and happiness? Why can’t I let everyone know that during this special time I’m celebrating the Christmas season? Why can’t I share the joy I feel at Christmas time?

I don’t have a drop of Irish blood in me but I still accept a Happy St. Patrick’s Day salutation from people. After all, someone is wishing me happiness on a certain day. Just because I don’t have Irish ancestry doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a smoked shoulder dinner and cupcakes with green frosting. It doesn’t mean that I can’t share in others’ celebrations. I feel the same way for religious holidays. It is always nice to share a joyous occasion with someone.

I’ve stood in front of a lit Menorah and listened as my good friend said a prayer. I enjoyed a dinner of latkes, applesauce and noodle kugel and watched my children having fun spinning a dreidel. On another occasion, my children gladly accepted gifts from Muslim classmates during their religious celebration of Eid al-Fitr. On both occasions, friends were expressing their well wishes and sharing their joy with my family and me.

During this time of year I want to be able to say the words Merry Christmas without feeling as if I have done something wrong. After all, when I wish someone Merry Christmas I don’t have a hidden agenda. I’m not trying to be spiteful or imply that my religion is better than anyone else’s. My words express good wishes, peace, hope and happiness now and throughout the coming year. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, I celebrate Christmas and I want to wish you tidings of joy that I feel during this time.”

So I ask the question again. May I wish you a Merry Christmas?