Why should it matter which words we use to extend good wishes during the holidays, as long as we are sincere and genuine in our greetings?

Why should it matter if we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah Kwanzaa, Yuletide or any of a number of holidays that fall within the same time frame?

Growing up in a Catholic family in the 1950s and 1960s, my parents taught my brother and I to say "Happy Holidays," as well as "Merry Christmas" because my mom said it was including all the holidays my family celebrated: Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year.

I have carried this tradition with me now for 66 years, except that since becoming an adult, I get to choose for myself, and although some of my beliefs have may have changed along my journey, my love for humanity and all things living has not, so you may hear any number of holiday greetings come from my lips.

Knowing that the cause of many wars has been due to religious differences, it behooves me that humanity has yet to embrace each other for what we are, and not cause grief because of markedly different beliefs.

The United States is made up of so many ethnicities and traditions; isn't it about time we embrace our differences instead of creating more problems because someone wished you "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas?"

Why should it matter if we call the decorated tree a Christmas tree, or a Hanukkah bush, or a Holiday tree? Its purpose is to bring some joy into the lives of everyone who is fortunate enough to see it. It's not meant to anger people because of what it is called, or not called.


We should all be teaching our children and grandchildren about love, respect and acceptance, not about prejudices, hatred or intolerance. I know from my own parochial education we learned to love our fellow man. I also believe we should send love to all living creatures.
