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To me, this is an absurd topic to debate; however, the fact that there are those out there who are offended by the phrase “Merry Christmas” has inspired me to seek the opinions of my readership on this issue. During this holiday time, is it improper to wish a stranger “Merry Christmas?” (by “stranger”, I mean an individual whose faith is unknown)

Having my education flanked by Christian influence (a Catholic pre-school and a Baptist undergrad), I consider myself to be relatively familiar with the religion. Do I practice it? No. But do I owe some of my upbringing to it? Undoubtedly. It’s the most widely practiced religion in America (not to mention the rest of the world), and being an agent of assimilation, I prefer adapting to some of the most poignant practices of Christianity, one of these being the Christmas holiday.

Growing up, I interpreted Christmas as a “time when mommy and daddy will buy me gifts.” While this is completely incorrectly, especially in light of what Christmas really represents, many still cling to the materialistic connotation of the holiday. Yet there are many non-Christians who don’t celebrate Christmas in the first place. The reasoning is obvious – it’s a Christian holiday; however, I don’t see what harm is done if someone wishes them a “Merry Christmas.”

People need to grow up. In a society where we have enough to worry about, denying someone the pleasure of giving a holiday greeting which is, sure, of a different religion, makes no sense. This whole “Happy Holiday” movement is just another example of how messed up our priorities are. For those who are offended by being wished a “Merry Christmas”, please realize that the intentions behind saying this are rooted in the cheery mood associated with this time of year, not in the pursuit of trying to convert you. Take what you can get, and appreciate kindness when it’s shown to you. Don’t give the individual a lecture about how wrong it is to wish his/her people “Merry Christmas.”

So now, for the sake of both groups, I say MERRY HOLIDAYS to everyone!

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As a third year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, my posts are intended to educate others and share my experiences from this incredible journey without violating patient privacy at all costs. These blurbs are not to serve as a replacement for recommendations provided by licensed physicians under any circumstance.