Merry Christmas

Merry C

hristmas By Joe Ingino B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States What times we live in? When it has become offensive to wish someone a ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’. Many walk around almost in shame. Let’s look at what it really means when we wish someone a Merry Christmas. When one is speaking of a happy or merry Christmas, the adjectives are lowercase. Merry Christmas began as a saying in the 1500s. It was recorded in a letter as a wish that God would send the recipient a “merry Christmas”. Brian Earl's Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions traces the first known instance of “Merry Christmas” to a 16th-century letter from a bishop to England's Chief Minister, in which the religious leader hoped God would bless the politician with a “Merry Christmas.” Deciding whether to say, 'Happy Holidays' or 'Merry Christmas' can be a personal choice. But for employers, government agencies, and schools, holiday activities or public displays must respect freedom of religion; otherwise, they could be held liable for discrimination. What is the real reason for Merry Christmas? Because Christmas is about the birth of God's Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn't change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this is good news worth celebrating! Which country first invented Christmas? This is the origin of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christ-mass was being celebrated in Rome by 350AD and this is probably the place that the celebration of Christmas originated. Is Merry Christmas religious? Wishing happy holidays or season's greetings is a way of acknowledging the various holidays taking place at the end of the year: Christmas, New Year's, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. When you wish someone a Merry Christmas, you are saying you wish him or her a happy day of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas, is a special time across the globe. During world wars. Wars would pause during Christmas in an act of good faith and celebration from opposing forces. This national/global tradition is not about religion or faith per se as it is the basis... or root. Christmas is about celebrating peace, love and all that is innocent and pure. From the nostalgia of a Santa Clause. To baby Jesus. The one time of the year that our hearts feel pure and innocent. Full of love, compassion and giving. The human essence is Christmas. No matter your faith or your God. Peace and joy is always found in communal celebration. From the lights to the trees. From the decorations to the chilling weather. The spirit is all around us. To think some may be offended by such celebration is offensive in itself as it clearly shows their lack of compassion, understanding and appreciation. Merry Christmas.