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Nevermind Happy Holidays ... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives Associates

I know, one of my last posts was about Christmas being everywhere way before Thanksgiving is talked about, but even I like to get my Christmas cards ready early.  So I went to Wal-Mart yesterday for the yearly purchase of Holiday cards... ooops, said it again.  I mean Christmas cards.  Getting my point yet?  When did all this happen? 

I think I remember the first time I heard about this.  I was at one of our weekly meetings about 8 years ago, and as all meetings should, they touch on a few ideas that will may make our business better.  At the time it seemed to make sense.  Send cards that say "Happy Holidays" so not to offend others from other beliefs.  I have done that every year until now. 

Even yesterday at Wal-Mart while browsing through the vast selections of cards, each time I saw "Merry Christmas" on the card, I put them down.  Then my boyfriend came to see which ones I had in my hand.  He looked at me in disbelief and asked me "Your not one of those people, are you?"   WOW!  One of those people?  I proceeded to explain why I purchase these, yet he still had that confused and distorted face finding out this tid bit about me.  It is amazing how one little observation from someone could alter my thought process.

That look he gave me made me reflect on why I have been doing that.  Is my business so important that I put my beliefs on the side so not to offend?  Yes, hide a tatoo (not that I have one), watch your language (not that I curse), wear appropriate clothing (of course I do!).... these I can and will do not to offend others. 

But from this CHRISTMAS forward, I will not be sending out or saying out loud Happy Holidays.  It is going to be a Merry Christmas for me and I want others to know that I celebrate the birth of my Jesus.  For everyone with other beliefs, I welcome your sayings.   We are all Americans with freedom of speech and we should all, no matter what your beliefs are and how you celebrate your holidays, shall not be put out for political correctness. 

Comments(19)

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Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
Well I am Catholic my boyfriend is Jewish. He gives me a Christmas presents and he gets Hanukkah presents which is kind of an oximoron if you really learn the meaning of the Holiday. With that beening said. I do think that we should decorate with Christmas decorations which really has nothing to do with Jesus but an American Tradition. However when it comes to greeting cards I choose to say Happy Holidays because I think it's a respect issue. My customers I know celebrate Xmas I send them Xmas presents, but if I dont know and if they do happen to celebrate something else it shows respect. But that's my opinion. Your Orlando & Lake Mary Real Estate Expert, Heather Joubran
Nov 20, 2007 03:23 AM
Steve Prewitt
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Real Estate
I heard on the radio the other day about a small town that has a rule or law that only white lights can be put on the outside of homes because green and red is too Christmas specific!! Thanks for the post...Merry Christmas!
Nov 20, 2007 03:28 AM
Elaine Hanson
Coldwell Banker Realty - Malibu | Topanga - Malibu, CA
REALTOR - Topanga, CA Real Estate Agent

I live in a very diverse area.  Happy Holidays is out of respect for my friends' beliefs.  They know what I believe and respect it as well.  Say what you are comfortable with...I love a good Merry Christmas, especially from my Jewish friends!

I can't believe about the small town Steve is talking about, though.  That is appalling!  Your home is an expression of YOU! 

Nov 20, 2007 03:37 AM
Meg Zoller
Keller Williams - Houston, TX
Houston Fine Homes

Anona - It's odd that you commented on this.  I went to Sam's and bought 600 or so cards last week.  Normally, I buy the Happy Holiday cards . . . but this year I bought about half and half (traditional, religious Christmas cards and the Holiday cards).  I have always loved the manger scenes.  I felt guilty putting down my favorite cards because they were about Christ.  Therefore, I decided to buy half and half.  I work with nationalities from all over the world and dearly respect that many people don't believe that Christ is our Savior or are atheist or are of another belief altogether.  I want to respect them by sending a Holiday Card if I know they would be more comfortable.  However, my favorite manger scenes will be going to many people I know.  I hope they are pleased and surprised at my change.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!

Nov 20, 2007 03:46 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Heather,

This is what I love about AR.  We get to share our opinions.  My opinions on many issues change daily.  Americans will be glad to know I am not running for president. 

 

Nov 20, 2007 04:05 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Steve,

We have to find out where that town is, decorate our cars, and go cruising!

Nov 20, 2007 04:06 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Jennifer,

Your approach as with most is reasonable.  Wishing Happy Holidays is a nice sentiment, it just drives me crazy that we are being so politically correct these days, we don't get to say what we mean. 

To tell you the truth, around most people, I don't even say Merry Christmas...

It usually comes out Merry Ho Ho!!!!  lol

Nov 20, 2007 04:09 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Elaine,

Maybe some of my change of heart is I now live in a smaller town.  Not such a diverse area as when I did real estate in Las Vegas. 

Like I told Steve, we need to find out where that town is, decorate our cars, and go cruising... hahahaha

Nov 20, 2007 04:11 AM
Elaine Hanson
Coldwell Banker Realty - Malibu | Topanga - Malibu, CA
REALTOR - Topanga, CA Real Estate Agent
Anona - Just tell me where and when! LOL
Nov 20, 2007 04:13 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Meg,

Good for you!  It was really hard for me to try this route.  I didn't do as good as you.  I went with a puppy with a Santa Hat that said Merry Christmas.  A good start for my first Christmas Cards.  

Like you and each of the others who have commented on this, I do want to respect those with other beliefs and holidays and if I do find out they aren't "Christmas" people, I do plan on sending them a more appropriate holiday greeting. 

Maybe I just feel I am giving something of myself up by not saying Merry Christmas.   

Nov 20, 2007 04:17 AM
Diana Dupre'
San Diego, CA
Behind the scenes making people look great.

I usually like the Happy Holidays sentiments just because it covers Thanksgiving through New Years and every religious sect or non-religious person. 

I usually take into consideration who is sending the card.  If a someone sends a Christmas card it's because that is what they believe in and are wishing me well in their way.  If an affiliate or friend sends me a Happy Hanukkah card I would be thankful as well.  If someone of a different faith than me knows me well enough to know what I follow and takes the time to send an appropriate card for my holiday then that speaks volumes as to their wonderful character.

Would you be offended if someone you are affiliated with sent you a Merry Yule card because they follow a pagan path?  Or would you consider it someone who cares enough to send you well wishes during their spiritual holiday and feel thankful to them for including you on their list?

Nov 20, 2007 04:23 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes
Anona, right back at ya... MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Have a prosperous New Year as-well. See you around.
Nov 20, 2007 04:28 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Diana,

In my last paragraph I noted to people with other affiliated beliefs, I welcome their sayings.  Even if this year I'm on my Merry Christmas soapbox, I do find other religions interesting.  Like getting to a house on Main St., there are other routes to take than the one I put on my MLS print-out. 

Like I responded to Meg, I do want to respect those with other beliefs and holidays and if I do find out they aren't "Christmas" people, I do plan on sending them a more appropriate holiday greeting. 

It's not time for me to be wishing Happy anything yet, so I will be wishing you a very Fabulous Real Estate Day and thanks for the comment!!! 

Nov 20, 2007 04:33 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate
Thanks Vincent!
Nov 20, 2007 04:58 AM
Chris Fisher
Your Virtual Assistant - Concord, CA
One of THOSE people who is intelligent enough to know not everyone is a Christian?  Happy Holidays makes it easier than sending out separate, appropriate holiday wishes to your friends of different faiths.  Because we're not all the same, Thank God!
Nov 20, 2007 05:09 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate

Jennifer,

Your soooo right.  Our new set of rules.  It actually surprises me I don't have more comments on this "contraversial" issue we as business people are facing each year when it comes to all this political correctness.  Code of Ethics is one thing.  Political correctness, while most times is for the "greater good" makes me stand tall on my soap box.  Have a great and filling Turkey Day! 

Nov 20, 2007 05:11 AM
Anona Large
Realty Executives Associates - Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN Real Estate
Way to say it Chris!  I guess I'll have to do a follow up after Christmas to see how my experiment turns out.  Happy Turkey Day..... if you do that.  lol.  Thanks for the comment!
Nov 20, 2007 05:13 AM
Diana Dupre'
San Diego, CA
Behind the scenes making people look great.

Well I think it's great that you are wishing a Merry Christmas, if anyone is offended pfft on them.

and a Fabulous Real Estate Day upon your head as well!

 

Nov 20, 2007 05:39 AM
Kim Carpenter
Coldwell Banker - Alton, NH
Lake Winnipesaukee REALTOR -Lake Winnipesaukee Real Estate, NH
I agree Merry CHRISTmas to all!  Thanks for saying it like it is!
Nov 20, 2007 05:45 AM