During the coldest months of the year, one might greet another with “Merry Christmas!” And yet, in response, they might be greeted with a “Happy Holidays!”
These two phrases, each of a mere two words, have managed to, inexplicably, irritate thousands of people who typically take to X, formerly Twitter, or other social media platforms to air their frustration. Welcome to the “War on Christmas”, the purported conflict that resumes every December 1st and ends a month later, only to begin anew a year later. In cities across the nation, warriors for each side traverse the streets, correcting others’ salutations and subsequently refusing to continue with their conversation until their opponents concede to their view of how the winter months ought to be viewed.
Eponymous right-wing commentator Dennis Prager argues that this “War on Christmas” is far from a fabrication, and that attempts to create a more secular society deny the religious nature of American society, as well as disrespect one of its national holidays. Prager, a Jew, believes that “Merry Christmas” is more inclusive, since most Americans are Christian and since it better respects their celebration of the holiday. Sean Hannity, a well-known Fox News opinion host, has taken to casting politicians as belligerents in the “War on Christmas” in his newest mockumentary, framing President Biden as the grinch.
However, there is pushback against these claims. A Tufts University professor claims that the logic underpinning Prager’s claim is problematic, arguing that not directly specifying one holiday is in no way discriminatory. Hannity’s film has been received with disdain, even by international news outlets.
Between these two sides, though, there lies a third group. One which has become more vocal over the past few years. MSNBC writer Melissa Mohr writes that using either term serves as a marker for one’s political beliefs, and can act as a predictor for one’s demographics. So what about the people who don’t care? The group of people more irritated by this seemingly perpetual spat has steadily grown over the years. Mohr’s article has little to provide in the way of politically neutral winter greetings, though, with her only suggesting the use of “Happy New Year”, a salutation that has, thankfully, avoided politicization thus far.
Whether you have a stake in this conflict or not, there is no doubt that the effects of this digital war will reach you somehow. And, for the purposes of maintaining our journalistic neutrality, we at the INTimes wish you an enjoyable conclusion to your December.
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