When you walk into any PUBLIC arena you do not leave your religious beliefs at home. For example, Christians like to say that the body is a temple - so you're church is whereever you go. So walking into ANY public arena and shouting 'Merry Christmas' or 'May Mithra be with you' or 'Happy Hanukkah' is the same as depicted in your scenario.

The truth is, personnally, I'm really not offended at all by a heartfelt personal wish for health, prosperity, happiness, etc - what does offend me is when poeple wish it in their name of their god of which I have no personal connection to. Hoever, I tolerate it because I would like to believe that the person wishing felt some connection with me - even if just out of respect for another human being.

What I don't understand is why Christians seem to NEED these dramatic displays all around them, in order to feel like it's Christmas. If that's what freely expressing a religious belief is all about ....

Isn't that quite imposing on others who do not share the need to display their religious beliefs in such boisterous style?

Shouldn't we feel the least bit uncomfortable with exhibitionist displays of only one when thre are so many others in our country?

I don't see it that way. I do think that people need to realize not everyone will celebrate the holidays their way and need to stop getting offended by that.

haha nice.

Our Mayor is Jewish and he was at the Christmas Tree lighting and spoke there. So, it's definitely not all people who are offended by things having to do with certain holidays. I think some people just like to complain, no matter what's going on. They're not content if they're not complaining about something.

I know you don't. You are one of the ones that is non Christian that celebrates it (not in a religious sense)

I'm Christian but I don't celebrate the holidays in a religious way because it's my belief.

I'm on the same page as you

See - this is what is so ironic. Chritians see this kind of action as 'support' for their views (ie. religion). Would they see it that way if they didn't feel so impressed by their own majority?

Can they not see how truely Pagan their splendiferous holiday has become? There was a very well thought out political reason for combining religious festivals - now for those who lament the disregard of 'tradition' - rest assured that the Pagan ones are alive and well - as so many in this thread have proven.

May Mithra be with you all as you enjoy your midwinter feasts and my the Yule tide bring you a renewed cycle of health and happiness.

It may not say Christmas but it's used during that time. I have never heard it said during the summer. It is just a PC way of saying it.

I understand if a business wants to remain neutral. They are probably better off not saying anything but Have a nice day.



wouldn't that be offensive to someone just sending you well wishes?

I'm glad I have never worked at a place that dictated our well wishes.

Actually, I'd think Season's Greetings is as neutral as can possibly. Happy Holidays would suggest that you do celebrate some holiday, whereas Season's Greetings could apply to ANY season, not just winter.

Really? Funny I have NEVER heard anyone saying 'Season's Greetings' outside of the Christmas Shopping season. Perhaps the phrase is best equated to the largest consumer season of the year?

I wonder - is there a great increase in Bible purchases and hymnals in that Season of Greetings? I wonder if those profits would come close to the profits made at the same on religious iconic jewelry?

a job that will discard someone for saying merry christmas is not an environment that would be a good fit for me anyhow,,,making everyone comfortable is impossible and not the bottom line

Just before I read your post I was thinking to myself - "I wonder what would happen if every store and every and Public area (not private - like homes) was completely void of any 'holiday' dressing and no Christmas music was piped in?"

Do you think the stores would see record decline in sales?

Then wish me luck with my little social experiment as I'm working within a majorly Catholic corporation.

Should they get complaints about the pagan greetings, I may be visiting the EEOC.

May your candles burn throughout the long solstice night.

I don't see it that way. I do think that people need to realize not everyone will celebrate the holidays their way and need to stop getting offended by that.

Happy Chanukkah!!

That being pretty general isn't it? I'm a Christian and no I don't have a problem if someone doesn't display Christian beliefs.

I have no problem if someone puts up decorations for the Yule, Hanukkah or whatever.

I have a problem when others try to dictate how a someone should act, believe, etc.

Generalizations aren't very accurate.

Happy Chanukkah!!

The OP was about a Christmas tree, to be specific.

Ah - but you showed offence when others suggested the docorations be taken down - didn't you?