I was out doing a little Christmas shopping when I got a whiff of what I like to call second-hand television. As you may have heard, I try to beat back the box as much as possible, so even a little bit can be distracting. Unfortunately, it was Bill O’Reily who I got a whiff of, and surprisingly enough, I just so happened to hear one of the most shocking things I have ever heard him say… and that is saying a lot. I actually heard him say that Christians are offended when someone says “Happy Holidays” to them. Can this actually be true? Do people actually feel like I am taking something away from them by giving an all-inclusive greeting during this wondrous time of the year?

After hearing this I decided to call a close family member of mine who I consider to be a very smart person, a Christian, a family man, and a starch conservative. I asked him, do you take offense when someone wishes you a Happy Holiday Season or Happy Holidays instead of a Merry Christmas? And to my surprise, he said no. I was actually expecting to get into an argument about this but instead, I found myself agreeing with everything he said. The problem, as he saw it, was not that people were not saying Merry Christmas to him, but that in more and more places, he was seeing his and other’s ability to say Merry Christmas and to celebrate Christmas taken away.

First of all, I should point out that he did mention that he does not believe in political correctness and does not believe that people have a right not to be offended. I also agree with this. I do not think the government should be involved in forcing any sort of single practice simply because others may offend people. If someone wants to say Merry Christmas, they should be able to, whether at home, at the park, in school, at work, or on the floors of Congress. Now, if someone decides not to say Merry Christmas, but instead to say Happy Holidays, for any of the reasons discussed below, than I also think this person should be able to do so, without fear of persecution, as you appear to be attempting to do Mr. O’Reilly. I mean, isn’t that what freedom of religion is all about? I would like to make one thing clear. When I, or anyone I know for that matter (and yes, even president Bush with his now-famous Holiday Card), says “Happy Holidays” to anyone, it is not because they do not want to acknowledge Christ, or Christmas being a celebration of the birth of Christ, which for the record I do believe and celebrate. Instead, it is to ALSO acknowledge the many other celebrations that are going on this time of the year, Mr. O’Reilly. I know that there are many places in the country that are still considered practically 100% Christian, however, here in California, or anyplace else I have had the pleasure of visiting for that matter, there is a salad of ethnicities and cultures, and, out of respect for all people, and in an attempt to try to not offend as many people as possible, I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season, or “Happy Holidays” for short.

In case you are still in doubt, Mr. O’Reilly, that any other holiday or observance exists this time of year, or if you consider them to be part of an old wives tale or crazy superstition, I thought I would list them out for you (in alphabetical order). As you can see, considering that there is more than one holiday in this list that takes place in December, “Happy Holidays” is the appropriate term to use in today’s global environment.

In fact, I think I might just take offense to you Mr. O’Reilly! As an American, I am offended that you do not acknowledge Bill of Rights Day, Civil Aviation Day, Forefathers’ Day, Maritime Day, and even Pearl Harbor Day in your holiday greetings! What kind of American do you call yourself? Keep spewing your garbage Mr. O’Reilly, you and Fox News have become the perfect competitive partner for the Daily Show… nice, wholesome, entertaining fake news.

December Holidays & Observances*
Aids Awareness Day (December 1st)
Bill of Rights Day (December 15th)
Christmas (December 25th)
Civil Aviation Day (December 7th)
Eat a Red Apple Day (December 1st)
Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
Forefathers’ Day (December 21)
Hanukkah (December 25-January 1st)
Human Rights Day (December 10th)
Ice Cream and Violins Day (December 13)
International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (December 11)
International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3rd)
International Volunteer Day (December 5th)
Kwanzaa (December 26th-January 1st)
Maritime Day (December 22)
New Years Eve (December 31st)
Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th)
Poinsettia Day (December 12)
Rosa Parks Day (December 1st)
St. Lucy Day (December 13th)
St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)
Winter Solstice (December 21)

*I tried to include them all. I apologize if I left anything out. If you know of any that are missing, please email them to me for inclusion.