Merry Christmas. That’s right, I said it. Over the years, this phrase has become politically incorrect and offensive. However, this isn’t how it should be. In an age where political correctness has become the norm, we shouldn’t abandon our own beliefs just to be nice to others.

Not everyone celebrates Christmas. There are other winter holidays, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Eid al Fitr (which occasionally falls in December). So, in an effort to not hurt anyone’s feelings, more and more people are switching from saying merry Christmas to happy holidays. This is illogical. In a nation that prides itself on religious freedom, why should some have to make concessions to their faith just because others don’t believe in it?

Christmas isn’t even necessarily a religious holiday. Although it has roots in Christianity, it’s become a secular holiday over the years. Christmas is celebrated by atheists and Christians alike, and its celebration doesn’t have to  promote Christianity in any way. It’s merely a day to celebrate family and giving to others.

Also, happy holidays is not all inclusive. Not everyone celebrates a winter holiday. While some atheists and agnostics do celebrate Christmas, others choose not to, so happy holidays could be an offensive phrase to them as well. When people say merry Christmas, they don’t intend to be offensive whatsoever. It’s just supposed to be a kind gesture in a time where people are being nice to each other.

Although the phrase merry Christmas should be OK to say in society, this doesn’t mean everybody has to say it. People can still say happy holidays if they so choose, but they shouldn’t force others to do the same. After all, we live in a society where we are given free speech, and we shouldn’t forfeit that right for the sake of political correctness. And with that, I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas.