Hanukkah makes the case for saying Merry Christmas during the season
Culture and entertainment discussion argues that specific greetings recognize tradition rather than erase it
December brings a familiar debate over how to greet others during the holiday season. A growing chorus argues that saying Merry Christmas better reflects the distinct traditions many observe, while others push for a neutral Happy Holidays to signal inclusion for everyone. In this framing, Hanukkah is offered as a case study about why specificity in greetings can matter and how public gestures shape conversations about faith, culture and community.
Hanukkah began this year on December 14 and is often cited as a reminder of why identity matters in a season defined by shared celebration and public display. Proponents say the Maccabees resisted assimilation by preserving Jewish language and customs, even reclaiming Hebrew names long used by their people. The name Jason, for example, is cited as a Greek adaptation of Joshua, and some historical accounts describe leaders who promoted Greek names and customs to blend in. The effort to maintain Hebrew identity highlighted how a culture can endure by staying true to its traditions. The public lighting of the menorah remains a powerful symbol of faith and community, a reminder for some that the holidays deserve explicit acknowledgement rather than a generic nod. The core message offered by supporters is simple: recognizing a particular celebration does not require agreement on a belief system, but it does honor the people who observe it and the history behind it.
Advocates argue that acknowledging someone’s celebration is an act of kindness and respect, not endorsement. Saying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Joyous Kwanzaa is, they say, a doorway to conversation about values, history and identity. In this view, inclusivity is enhanced by recognizing the differences that make the season vibrant rather than concealing them under a single, indistinct phrase. Critics, however, warn that insisting on specific greetings can create uncomfortable moments or imply division, especially when people hold multiple identities or observe multiple holidays in a given year.
The counterpoint to the specificity argument emphasizes practical common ground. Some say Happy Holidays is a sensible way to acknowledge a plural, multi-faith, multi-cultural audience without presuming which traditions each person observes. Others contend that a universal greeting can feel detached or transactional, cutting short opportunities for meaningful engagement about faith, history and personal identity. The debate, in this framing, pits a pledge to recognize difference against a desire to avoid exclusionary language, with no one-size-fits-all answer.
The tension also reflects broader social currents about the season’s commercial dimension. Retailers have increasingly used inclusive language to appeal to the broadest possible audience, a trend some critics say reduces the holidays to consumer-driven events. Proponents of specific greetings argue that commerce should not dictate how individuals acknowledge their neighbors’ celebrations; instead, they say the holidays deserve explicit recognition that reflects their unique significance. The result, many supporters believe, is deeper human connection rather than a purely transactional exchange.
Some observers acknowledge the discomfort that can accompany choosing a precise greeting, and they argue that a gesture, even if imperfect, can convey thoughtfulness. A Christian greeting a Jewish neighbor with Happy Hanukkah or a Jewish neighbor wishing a Christian friend Merry Christmas can build bridges across difference and foster mutual respect. Yet others push back, arguing that persistent schooling in inclusivity can drift toward erasure of particular identities, and that a more intentional approach to greetings may be warranted.
The piece closes with a call to reclaim specificity in a season that is rich with distinct stories and traditions. Rather than retire the idea of acknowledging others’ celebrations, it suggests a measured path: honor the depth and meaning of each tradition while maintaining openness to dialogue and shared humanity. By saying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Joyous Kwanzaa where appropriate, communities can honor both the common good and the unique contributions of every celebration. The holiday season, in this view, is strengthened when people recognize what makes each tradition special instead of smoothing differences into a single refrain. It is a reminder that the true spirit of the season may be found not in uniformity, but in the thoughtful recognition of one another’s joys, histories and identities.
From the author: Eli Federman has written on society and religion for major outlets including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, New York Post, and Reuters. The opinions expressed here reflect the author’s view that recognizing the distinctiveness of each holiday strengthens community and dialogue during the season.