Happy Monday! It’s time for Did You Know.
‘Tis the season for folks to argue over the use of the greeting “Happy Holidays!”
But did you know saying Happy Holidays dates back to the 1860s?
It’s true.
Saying Happy Holidays during December is neither new nor PC. The phrase was used in newspapers and other holiday ads back in the 1860s and became more popular as years went on. There is even a beloved Christmas song from the 1940s called “Happy Holiday.”
As far as PC goes, December is full of festive and religious holidays, and all of them are to be respected and valued. Saying “Happy Holidays” as a way to encompass all the joy and be inclusive is not PC, it’s being kind. But there is also nothing wrong with saying “Merry Christmas” or “Blessed Yule” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanza” either.
On the receiving end, why can’t we simply accept shared joy whether we celebrate a specific holiday or not?
Be kind this holiday season.
Wish joy to others.
Accept joy from others.
Diversity is beautiful.
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House of Stitched: The Magazine 