Puzzling Americans

Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

There are a number of people in both the US and Canada (and doubtlessly
other countries) who feel it is inappropriate to wish Merry Christmas
anymore, since a sizable percentage of the population doesn't celebrate
Christmas, or celebrates something instead of Christmas. Because of these
"political correctness" zealots, trees have been erected, removed and
reerected in many public places. (I've also seen discussions saying "Happy
Holidays" may not be appropriate either, since Holiday is derived from Holy
Day, and it's not a Holy Day for some. Proponents of that argument seem to
prefer "Seasonal Greetings")

Of course, their comments could also have been derived from the fact that in
North America, the vast majority who do celebrate Christmas use "Merry
Christmas", not "Happy Christmas".

In any case, Wayne, please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit,
my wish for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically
correct, non-addictive, low stress, gender-neutral celebration of the winter
solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, as well as the secular practices of
your choice, but with full respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular
traditions at all.

And further, please accept my wish for a fiscally successful, personally
fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the
generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the
calendar of choice of other cultures whose contribution to our diverse
society has helped make this country great (not to imply that my country is
necessarily greater than any other country, and without regard to the race,
creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, veteran status or
sexual orientation of the wisher, wishee or their third party
beneficiaries).

These wishes are limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a
period of approximately one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent
holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

Use of the term "Holiday" herein is not intended to, nor shall it be
considered to be, limited to Judeo-Christian celebrations or observances,
nor to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community group,
individual or belief (or lack thereof). In particular, the word "holiday" is
used herein without reference to its etymology.

Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable ab
initio at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason or
for no reason.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that there is no alteration to
the original greeting text. Any transfer is to be at the risk of the
transferor who, by making such transfer, thereby agrees to hold the wishee
harmless from any and all adverse consequences resulting from such transfer.

This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually take any action
or fail to take any action to implement any of the wishes for the wishee
her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may
arise from the implementation or non-implementation of same.

This greeting is void where prohibited by law, custom or policy and is
offered irrespective of any card, hard copy greeting or embarrassing
self-indulgent letter summarizing achievements in 2006, however mendacious,
which may or may not have been purveyed by myself or any member of my
extended family.

Best (sorry, reasonably endeavored) Wishes.

--
Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP
http://I.Am/DougSteele
(no e-mails, please!)



"Wayne-I-M" wrote in message
...
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with
us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on
Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

Merry Christmas!
I think the English phrase is to be happy about something and Merry is a
wish for some one to enjoy himself. There is a subtle difference. So Happy
Holiday or Merry Christmas would be correct.

Since Christmas is a religious holiday then some Americans could be offended
since it does not include their religion.
--
Janis


"Wayne-I-M" wrote:

Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

We typically say "Merry Christmas". Over the last few years some of the
secularists have taken offense at that and felt that Christians were pushing
their beliefs on them. The fact that they don't hesitate to take that day
off from work is kind of odd though :-p

This year, a couple of talk show hosts have pointed out that businesses have
resumed saying "Merry Christmas" this year instead of "Happy Holidays". I
think they realized that trying to bend to please a very small minority was
not the way to win customers. We have been saying "Merry Christmas" for
many many generations and you never got law suits from those who were not
Christians. It seems that these days everyone just has to try to make a
fuss. Everyone wants to be 100% politically correct. Those of us with more
traditional beliefs simply ignore that and go on about our business.

Anyway, Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Seasons Greetings. Whatever your
beliefs, enjoy the holidays and spend time reflecting on what's important to
you and your family.

--
Rick B



"Wayne-I-M" wrote in message
...
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with
us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on
Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

Doug:

Brilliant!

I think I'm probably in trouble, though. I did wish someone here, who I
suspect may live somewhere your side of the pond, a Happy Christmas this
morning. I've received Christmas cards from Jewish and Hindu friends, and,
despite being an atheist myself, have sent a vast number (alright, I confess,
my wife sends them, but she's even more ungodly than I am) I shall continue
to wish people a Happy Christmas. Its odd that Merry Christmas should be
favoured, though, as to me this would seem to emphasise the bacchanalian
nature of the festival rather than the religious one. Knowing you to be such
a beer and wine aficionado I suspect Christmas might be pretty bacchanalian
in the Steele householdG.

Ken Sheridan
Stafford, England

"Douglas J. Steele" wrote:

There are a number of people in both the US and Canada (and doubtlessly
other countries) who feel it is inappropriate to wish Merry Christmas
anymore, since a sizable percentage of the population doesn't celebrate
Christmas, or celebrates something instead of Christmas. Because of these
"political correctness" zealots, trees have been erected, removed and
reerected in many public places. (I've also seen discussions saying "Happy
Holidays" may not be appropriate either, since Holiday is derived from Holy
Day, and it's not a Holy Day for some. Proponents of that argument seem to
prefer "Seasonal Greetings")

Of course, their comments could also have been derived from the fact that in
North America, the vast majority who do celebrate Christmas use "Merry
Christmas", not "Happy Christmas".

In any case, Wayne, please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit,
my wish for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically
correct, non-addictive, low stress, gender-neutral celebration of the winter
solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, as well as the secular practices of
your choice, but with full respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular
traditions at all.

And further, please accept my wish for a fiscally successful, personally
fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the
generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the
calendar of choice of other cultures whose contribution to our diverse
society has helped make this country great (not to imply that my country is
necessarily greater than any other country, and without regard to the race,
creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, veteran status or
sexual orientation of the wisher, wishee or their third party
beneficiaries).

These wishes are limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a
period of approximately one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent
holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

Use of the term "Holiday" herein is not intended to, nor shall it be
considered to be, limited to Judeo-Christian celebrations or observances,
nor to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community group,
individual or belief (or lack thereof). In particular, the word "holiday" is
used herein without reference to its etymology.

Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable ab
initio at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason or
for no reason.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that there is no alteration to
the original greeting text. Any transfer is to be at the risk of the
transferor who, by making such transfer, thereby agrees to hold the wishee
harmless from any and all adverse consequences resulting from such transfer.

This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually take any action
or fail to take any action to implement any of the wishes for the wishee
her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may
arise from the implementation or non-implementation of same.

This greeting is void where prohibited by law, custom or policy and is
offered irrespective of any card, hard copy greeting or embarrassing
self-indulgent letter summarizing achievements in 2006, however mendacious,
which may or may not have been purveyed by myself or any member of my
extended family.

Best (sorry, reasonably endeavored) Wishes.

--
Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP
http://I.Am/DougSteele
(no e-mails, please!)



"Wayne-I-M" wrote in message
...
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with
us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on
Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

Agreed.

This question reminds me of something a Swiss friend asked while visiting in
New York: "What topics should I avoid talking about with Americans?"

To which I responded: religion, politics, the Middle East, differences
between Europe and America, and, basically anything other than American
football and baseball. And even those two are dangerous."

We Americans are too easily offended.

Dave
--
Brevity is the soul of wit.


"Ken Sheridan" wrote:

Doug:

Brilliant!

I think I'm probably in trouble, though. I did wish someone here, who I
suspect may live somewhere your side of the pond, a Happy Christmas this
morning. I've received Christmas cards from Jewish and Hindu friends, and,
despite being an atheist myself, have sent a vast number (alright, I confess,
my wife sends them, but she's even more ungodly than I am) I shall continue
to wish people a Happy Christmas. Its odd that Merry Christmas should be
favoured, though, as to me this would seem to emphasise the bacchanalian
nature of the festival rather than the religious one. Knowing you to be such
a beer and wine aficionado I suspect Christmas might be pretty bacchanalian
in the Steele householdG.

Ken Sheridan
Stafford, England

"Douglas J. Steele" wrote:

There are a number of people in both the US and Canada (and doubtlessly
other countries) who feel it is inappropriate to wish Merry Christmas
anymore, since a sizable percentage of the population doesn't celebrate
Christmas, or celebrates something instead of Christmas. Because of these
"political correctness" zealots, trees have been erected, removed and
reerected in many public places. (I've also seen discussions saying "Happy
Holidays" may not be appropriate either, since Holiday is derived from Holy
Day, and it's not a Holy Day for some. Proponents of that argument seem to
prefer "Seasonal Greetings")

Of course, their comments could also have been derived from the fact that in
North America, the vast majority who do celebrate Christmas use "Merry
Christmas", not "Happy Christmas".

In any case, Wayne, please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit,
my wish for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically
correct, non-addictive, low stress, gender-neutral celebration of the winter
solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, as well as the secular practices of
your choice, but with full respect for the religious/secular persuasions
and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular
traditions at all.

And further, please accept my wish for a fiscally successful, personally
fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the
generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the
calendar of choice of other cultures whose contribution to our diverse
society has helped make this country great (not to imply that my country is
necessarily greater than any other country, and without regard to the race,
creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, veteran status or
sexual orientation of the wisher, wishee or their third party
beneficiaries).

These wishes are limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a
period of approximately one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent
holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

Use of the term "Holiday" herein is not intended to, nor shall it be
considered to be, limited to Judeo-Christian celebrations or observances,
nor to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community group,
individual or belief (or lack thereof). In particular, the word "holiday" is
used herein without reference to its etymology.

Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable ab
initio at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason or
for no reason.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that there is no alteration to
the original greeting text. Any transfer is to be at the risk of the
transferor who, by making such transfer, thereby agrees to hold the wishee
harmless from any and all adverse consequences resulting from such transfer.

This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually take any action
or fail to take any action to implement any of the wishes for the wishee
her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may
arise from the implementation or non-implementation of same.

This greeting is void where prohibited by law, custom or policy and is
offered irrespective of any card, hard copy greeting or embarrassing
self-indulgent letter summarizing achievements in 2006, however mendacious,
which may or may not have been purveyed by myself or any member of my
extended family.

Best (sorry, reasonably endeavored) Wishes.

--
Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP
http://I.Am/DougSteele
(no e-mails, please!)



"Wayne-I-M" wrote in message
...
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with
us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on
Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

Wayne-I-M wrote:
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked
with us (MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

Well, one would mean Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. Frankly I use
Merry Christmas.

Lately there has been some debate about the political correctness of
using Christmas thus the holidays thing.

Me I also use Happy Hanukkah as well.


I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas
and I had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy
holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy
christmas becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say
happy new year on Feb 18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit

Dave

Now that's just way out of line ... (wait for it ...) G!

Jeff Boyce

"Dave F" wrote in message
...
Agreed.

This question reminds me of something a Swiss friend asked while visiting
in
New York: "What topics should I avoid talking about with Americans?"

To which I responded: religion, politics, the Middle East, differences
between Europe and America, and, basically anything other than American
football and baseball. And even those two are dangerous."

We Americans are too easily offended.

Dave
--
Brevity is the soul of wit.


"Ken Sheridan" wrote:

Doug:

Brilliant!

I think I'm probably in trouble, though. I did wish someone here, who I
suspect may live somewhere your side of the pond, a Happy Christmas this
morning. I've received Christmas cards from Jewish and Hindu friends,
and,
despite being an atheist myself, have sent a vast number (alright, I
confess,
my wife sends them, but she's even more ungodly than I am) I shall
continue
to wish people a Happy Christmas. Its odd that Merry Christmas should be
favoured, though, as to me this would seem to emphasise the bacchanalian
nature of the festival rather than the religious one. Knowing you to be
such
a beer and wine aficionado I suspect Christmas might be pretty
bacchanalian
in the Steele householdG.

Ken Sheridan
Stafford, England

"Douglas J. Steele" wrote:

There are a number of people in both the US and Canada (and doubtlessly
other countries) who feel it is inappropriate to wish Merry Christmas
anymore, since a sizable percentage of the population doesn't celebrate
Christmas, or celebrates something instead of Christmas. Because of
these
"political correctness" zealots, trees have been erected, removed and
reerected in many public places. (I've also seen discussions saying
"Happy
Holidays" may not be appropriate either, since Holiday is derived from
Holy
Day, and it's not a Holy Day for some. Proponents of that argument seem
to
prefer "Seasonal Greetings")

Of course, their comments could also have been derived from the fact
that in
North America, the vast majority who do celebrate Christmas use "Merry
Christmas", not "Happy Christmas".

In any case, Wayne, please accept with no obligation, implied or
implicit,
my wish for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible,
politically
correct, non-addictive, low stress, gender-neutral celebration of the
winter
solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the
religious persuasion of your choice, as well as the secular practices
of
your choice, but with full respect for the religious/secular
persuasions
and/or
traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or
secular
traditions at all.

And further, please accept my wish for a fiscally successful,
personally
fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the
generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for
the
calendar of choice of other cultures whose contribution to our diverse
society has helped make this country great (not to imply that my
country is
necessarily greater than any other country, and without regard to the
race,
creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, veteran status or
sexual orientation of the wisher, wishee or their third party
beneficiaries).

These wishes are limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a
period of approximately one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent
holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

Use of the term "Holiday" herein is not intended to, nor shall it be
considered to be, limited to Judeo-Christian celebrations or
observances,
nor to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community
group,
individual or belief (or lack thereof). In particular, the word
"holiday" is
used herein without reference to its etymology.

Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable ab
initio at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason
or
for no reason.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that there is no
alteration to
the original greeting text. Any transfer is to be at the risk of the
transferor who, by making such transfer, thereby agrees to hold the
wishee
harmless from any and all adverse consequences resulting from such
transfer.

This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually take any
action
or fail to take any action to implement any of the wishes for the
wishee
her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may
arise from the implementation or non-implementation of same.

This greeting is void where prohibited by law, custom or policy and is
offered irrespective of any card, hard copy greeting or embarrassing
self-indulgent letter summarizing achievements in 2006, however
mendacious,
which may or may not have been purveyed by myself or any member of my
extended family.

Best (sorry, reasonably endeavored) Wishes.

--
Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP
http://I.Am/DougSteele
(no e-mails, please!)



"Wayne-I-M" wrote in message
...
Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked
with
us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and
Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas
and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy
holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy
christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new
year on
Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.

Wayne-I-M wrote:

Bah humbug.

Scrooge

--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
Please respond only in the newsgroups so that others can
read the entire thread of messages.
Microsoft Access Links, Hints, Tips & Accounting Systems at
http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm

Well I work in the adventure industry which I have been told is the last
non-politically correct industry there is. It all comes from the saying –
you got yourself up here, you get yourself down. So I have no fear in saying
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo to everyone. (or even vacanza felice for the
PC people).

But whatever faith you are, I personally wish you a happy Christmas and I
would hope that you will wish me a happy Bayram or happy Diwali, happy
Nirvana or happy Baisakhi , happy Ramadan, happy Hanukkah. Or even for the
pagans a very happy yule.

And may I apologise now for every drink induced thing I say or do over the
next few days to everyone in the Manchester UK area

To everyone on this forum – Happy Christmas


--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.



"Wayne-I-M" wrote:

Sorry - nothing at all to do with access - unless you are networked with us
(MikeCCC ??)

Can someone explain the difference to between Happy Holidays and Happy
Christmas.

I placed a welcome timed screen on our 5 DB's to say happy christmas and I
had a number of mails (all from USA) to say it should be happy holidays.

Why? My holdays next year are in August (going to Spain)

Some of my friends are not christians and they still say happy christmas
becuase it "is" christmas in the same way as I will say happy new year on Feb
18 in 2007 to any chinese people

Just thought I would ask

--
Buon Natale, Happy Chritmas.

Wayne
Manchester, England.
Scusate,ma il mio Inglese fa schiffo :-)
Percio se non ci siamo capiti, mi mandate un
messagio e provero di spiegarmi meglio.