on the news tonight.

**heaven** · 12-10-2002, 08:57 PM

they were talking about store clerks in Canada are not allowed to say Merry Christmas to customers! is that not sad? what do you think should they be allowed to say merry christmas to people when they are done with the transaction?

**Phaedrae** · 12-10-2002, 11:15 PM

In my opinion Happy Holidays is better. Not everyone celebrates Christmas so why should they be subjected to that sentiment?

It would be like going around saying Happy Kwanza(not sure how to spell that) or Happy Channuka to everyone you meet. To some it would make them feel displaced.

**bamamomto4** · 12-10-2002, 11:36 PM

Well,I never even thought of it.I do know people you don't celebrate Christmas. I hope I never said Have a Merry Christmas to them...now I feel embarrassed lol

From now on I'll say Happy Holidays!

**babynurse** · 12-11-2002, 08:06 AM

You think that's far fetched? Listen to this, we have a commercial on T.V right now that is advertising special collectable Canadian Coins....it is a cartoon and the song is "on the first day of Christmas..." Except it is "on the first day of GIVING". Well, it was in the newspaper, people are upset about it!!! Also in Toronto, they put up a tree (you know like the one in New York or any other major city) and there was a huge uproar when the mayor called it a "holiday tree" instead of a Christmas tree...so much uproar they again had it on the news and in the newspaper...then changed it back to a "Christmas" tree.
My first thought is....don't we have more important issues to talk/think/debate about than what a Christmas tree is called? Also I have had an issue with how Canada is just giving their culture away....people from other countries are coming here and have for many years to escape their own countries (fine, no problem) but I BELIEVE that you should still respect some of the cultures of the country you decide to become a part of...(I am referring in particular to the ONLY truly unique Canadian symbol, the RCMP (the Mounties, red uniforms, hats, horses). A few years ago muslim man fought to be able to wear his turban instead of the hat as a RCMP officer, which went to a high court and he won). Tell me if you go to Saudi Arabia do you not have to wear what they wear? If you are in the United States Military do you not have to wear the uniform...why can't the muslims wear their turban to work in the air force either...under their helmet ? (LOL! funny picture in my head) My point is I am disappointed that Canada is not trying to protect our culture WHICH WE DO HAVE!!!! The average CANADIAN is the minority now...and the governments are bending over backwards (I think unnecessarily) to cater to everyone to not offend anyone. There is always going to be people with different beliefs and backgrounds but come on its Christmas...a commercially invented event to some extent. No one is trying to impose their religion or values on the wording of a song...that is the word in the song (Christmas!) Sorry I got a little off topic, but I feel strongly about this issue....any thoughts? Disagree, agree?

**captclearance** · 12-11-2002, 09:10 AM

I think people have become far to sensitive.... If Merry Christmas offends then stay home... You are far too sensitive.... If someone where to wish me a happy Kwanzaa or Happy Chanukah I would find no offence in it or feel displaced.... If I were in another country I would expect people to practice their local cultures and customs.

**Jenlee** · 12-11-2002, 12:32 PM

Amen, Lori!! I am not up on my Kwanzaa facts, but if I'm not mistaken, it is a relatively new "celebration". Plus, the great majority of Americans are Christians and celebrate Christmas. I don't know the % who are Jewish and celebrate Hanukkah, but I have no problem if someone were to wish me a Happy Hanukkah.

Why take something away from the majority to please a few who don't complain about it to start with? You CAN take political correctness too far.