Political Correctness Can Burn

It's nearly Christmas, and that means an end to the songs on the radio, the decorations in the street, and all else associated with Christmas - at least for another year.

Being Jewish, I feel somewhat removed from all the hubbub and hype. I get asked if I'm looking forward to Hannukah - sure, why not? I get eight "crazy nights" - thank you Adam Sandler, you immature goon - of presents and candle lighting and dreidel! Fun fun! But of the winter holidays, Christmas means the most religiously. Hannukah means next to nothing as a religious holiday - it celebrates the miracle of the oil and the Maccabees' heroism. For eight days of religiousness, look to Passover. Kwanzaa? Although I admit I don't know much about it, what I know indicates a religious connection on the level of Hannukah.

But Christmas is different. It's amazingly religious. I have no objections - as a Jew, as an agnostic - to being wished Merry Christmas as I go about my day. In fact, the thing I struggle with during the holidays is remembering to wish others Merry Christmas in return. Why? Because it means something. Because Happy Holidays means nothing. It's a wimpy, wishy washy way to say "you might take offense if I get the holiday you celebrate wrong." If I were a cashier, would I say Merry Christmas? Damn straight I would. Let political correctness go right where it belongs (hint: it rhymes with 'bell'). And so I say to any and all who read this:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!