Reflection on

'Happy Holidays'

by Board President Rev. Jeffrey Hubers

This time of year is full of the lovely and yet subtle tension between those who say “Happy Holidays” and those who say “Merry Christmas!”  And yet, this tension is one created under false pretenses and gaslighted by the popular media as a “war” on Christmas; when in reality, wishing someone a “happy holidays” is not a rejection of Christmas or Christianity, but a way to include it and the many celebrations undertaken by a variety of religious and ethnic traditions.  Indeed, saying “happy holidays” might carry more of the Christmas spirit than previously imagined or publicized. 

First, it’s so important to note that, simply in terms of being a good neighbor, not “everyone” observes Christmas, at least as it’s understood via Christianity.  Many might celebrate the overly-commercialized and Santa Claus-and-reindeer-themed version, but observing it as adoration of the Incarnate Word of God in Jesus Christ, that’s something different altogether, and statistics show that membership of Christianity, at least in the U.S., is anything but on the rise. 

Secondly, December alone has numerous holidays beyond Advent and Christmas - not only are Hanukkah and Kwanza major religious-ethnic celebrations both at home and abroad, but this month also carries several other notable festivities for various people groups that are taken just as seriously by those communities as Christmas is for Christians.  To say, “happy holidays,” recognizes this diversity of practice and identity as well as acknowledges that such varied expressions are just as sacred as your own.   

The reason this kind of awareness is crucial is because it recognizes that the public sphere is one inhabited by a rich tapestry of humanity, and with it, a variety of spiritual, religious, and cultural ideologies and traditions that make this world such a beautifully-compelling (and complex) place.  That same tapestry existed in the time of Jesus, and rather than see it as an issue, the biblical writers assumed such pluralism and continued with their own theological framework, while at the same time refusing to turn this multi-layered reality into a cultural warzone. 

The birth of Jesus is an event that bridges several traditions (a Jewish family under the duress of Roman oppression, Zoroastrian priests paying homage to the Christ child, the liturgical community “dating” the event near winter solstice, stars, angels, prophets and signs) - Christmas exists within the multitude of holidays, and it doesn’t harm Christians to embrace this.  It does not dismiss Christianity’s own claims and traditions nor does it have to combat others.  It simply can be a practice in the kind of humble offering that we see in the idea of God taking on flesh in a manger, among the lowing of cattle and bleating of sheep. 

Christmas is not intended to make war upon others, and the existence and acknowledgement of other holidays in no way “attacks” Christmas.  This is the world that has always been, the one believed that God entered to save.  Indeed, Christmas is about the gift of “self” to others - and what is a better gift than offering an open and inclusive posture to the world, rather than standing with closed fists against it?   

I say “happy holidays” because I know Christmas is one of many celebrations this time of year, and it does nothing to my faith to acknowledge that.  I also say “happy holidays” because I believe God taking on flesh is not just about “me” - it’s ultimately about my neighbors.