Can someone explain why everything is 'Happy Holidays' and not Merry Christmas?!

[FoodieFood]

'Happy Holidays' seems to be everywhere this year, from Christmas cards, banners in shops and windows etc, and I'm a bit baffled because last year is was all 'Merry Christmas' as it has been forever; why the change?!

Someone at work said it's because 'Merry Christmas' could be deemed as offensive but couldn't explain why, and I've racked my brains but I genuinely cannot think of how this could be deemed as offensive!

Am I missing something or have people just changed from Merry to Happy...?

Well that was an anti climax. I expected the wooden spoon to have Santa carved on one end and MERRY CHRISTMAS hand tooled on the long bit.

god knows why I was told 'Merry Christmas' would be offensive

Who told you?
Was it the same people who told you that Muslims want to stop you wearing poppies.

Re PP, I didnt mean my query to cause division, that's not my intention at all, I just asked a question because I was curious as to why (apparently just up here) a lot of Christmas cards etc have changed from Merry to Happy.

As someone whose DH and his family are not British I am keenly aware and conscious of any perceived cultural or religious slights, so please do not think that was my intention, it certainly wasn't and I would be very upset if someone thought I had made some xenophobic or divisive comment.

Merry/Happy Christmas everyone

Haven't seen it around here (central/North London). It's an Americanisation. Doesn't bother me, but as I come from a Catholic background, I personally stick with Happy Christmas.

However, as I am non-practicing/believing, I don't really have any particular moral grounds to complain about Holiday v Christmas.

You said its "everywhere" could you clarify where you have seen it that could lead to this conclusion?

I've never seen it.

I don’t think anyone is offended by the display of Christmas; it’s just not the most inclusive shop greeting.

Assumedly customers also celebrate other winter-time festivals, so it seems reasonable to try and include everyone.

It's not. And if anyone ever says it I correct them.

I've only ever seen Happy Holidays in a GAP advertisement.

And I've never in my life heard of anyone being offended by Merry Christmas, even though I know plenty of people who don't celebrate it.

Because it covers Thanks Giving, Christmas, Hanukkah and other winter celebrations THAT's why. Besides 'Christmas" is a total rip off of our pagan ancestors winter solstice so... Happy Holidays!

Oh, and I have rarely seen it in this country, but Merry/Happy Christmas is everywhere and NO_ONE is offended. Even if the Daily Fail says they are...

I work for a large organisation and received an email from the head saying something about the Christmas vacation. I am in North East England.

I can't see the words 'Christmas Vacation' without it being preceded in my head by the words 'National Lampoon's'

I was curious as to why (apparently just up here) a lot of Christmas cards etc have changed from Merry to Happy.

That’s not what you said. You asked why it says Happy Holidays, not why ‘everything’ says Happy Christmas.

No nothing has changed 🙂

People of all faiths and none still wishing each other Merry Christmas in recognition of the ancient midwinter rite, no matter how many wide-eyed 'innocent' posts there are claiming that it's ALL CHANGED.

Can't move for mangers here as usual.

Season's Greetings, anyone?

(Picture is of an English Victorian Christmas card)

It's the thin end of the wedge I tell you.

Who told you it was offensive?

Also are Happy Christmas and Merry Christmas not interchangeable?

I live in a seaside town with a fair few trendy/hipster types. What you describe would occur here if anywhere, but as it happens I have seen no mention of "holidays" but plenty of "Christmas".

I've seen seasons greetings but I remember that phrase from my 1970s/1980s childhood too.

I can't imagine a Jew or Muslim (or anyone else) getting the hump with "Merry Christmas" tbh. My Muslim colleague organised our team Secret Santa and team lunch, as it happens.

So that's a total of 0 examples is it, OP?

Curryforbreakfast: I've asked Mumsnet to delete this thread. I asked a question out of genuine curiosity with zero malice, division or ill-intent meant, and I've had sarcastic and accusatory responses which I have found quite upsetting.

It's a shame that people (not all) have chosen to respond in such a mean manner. I have nothing more to say on the subject other than to suggest a little kindness when responding to people's genuine queries may be in order.

OP it would be helpful if you could give examples of where you've been told it is offensive.

Happy/ merry Christmas all over here.

Happy holidays being less offensive is trawled round Facebook every year by Britain First or daily mail types.

Along with banned nativities and Winter Decorations instead of Christmas.

All bullshit.

Can't say I have noticed tbh i don't think i have heard anybody being offended by a merry christmas except those Britain first shitty facebook things.

that does actually make sense, saying 'Happy Holidays' for those who don't celebrate Christmas but still have the holiday period off!

What does this even mean OP?

Of course those that don't celebrate Christmas should get the days off. They're bank holidays.

It sounds like you begrudge non-Christians the time off?