I’ve been thinking a lot about “the holidays”. It’s nice to hear more and more people saying “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” (this may change closer to the actual non-orthodox date). I like “happy holidays”  - it’s inclusive of Jewish people who have just finished celebrating Hanukkah, Black people who might be celebrating Kwanzaa, and Muslims who celebrated New Year earlier this month. Which is great. What it doesn’t do, is recognize those who are not celebrating this month. Diwali, for instance, happened in November this year. I doubt we were hearing “happy holidays” then.

So there are two things. The fact that not everyone is celebrating and that, when we get closer to Christmas, “Happy Holidays” often becomes “Merry Christmas”.

To the latter, I note the following: I don’t hear “Happy Eid” or “Happy Hanukkah” or Happy Diwali” expressed to everyone by Muslim, Jewish or Hindu people respectively while they are celebrating. But “Merry Christmas” seems to be sprinkled around liberally. What gives?  You might say it’s because Christmas is part of “Canadian Culture”. But what does that mean? What is now called Canada used to be populated exclusively by First Nations, Aboriginal and Inuit cultures. But Christmas is not from any of these traditions. What still seems to be accepted as Canadian culture is European culture - and for many years (until the 1960’s) immigration policies tried to keep it that way (and in some ways still do). So maybe Christmas was cultural after colonization and before Canada became so multicultural. But now?

Well, the word multicultural says it all, I think. So I think we need to start examining the assumptions we make about the Christmas celebrations.

Let me be clear – I’m not vetoing Christmas, suggesting it not be celebrated, or that people shouldn’t be merry about it. Not at all. I love Christmas! Plus the commercialism alone is hard to escape. But I think in an increasingly multicultural country (with people celebrating many different traditions) the lovely gesture of wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas” is missing the mark, and not recognizing what diversity actually is about.

Not everyone in Canada is celebrating Christmas. “Happy Holidays” addresses that. But what about the people not celebrating at all this month?

Of course I’m not suggesting you try to figure it out (assumptions are never a great way to go),  take a poll, ask before you offer (how awkward!), or that you quell your holiday joy. Here’s my solution to the conundrum: How about saying “Happy Holidays if you are celebrating”. Wishing someone a happy holiday is a great sentiment, and there is an out if it doesn’t apply. No nosey questions or second guessing required. It’s heartfelt and it’s a recognition of difference. It shows some awareness. If you’re celebrating, you’ll receive it. If you’re not – you’ll receive the acknolwedgment.

Four extra words to help further inclusion. Try it. See what happens. 

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