Hanukkah makes the case for saying Merry Christmas in holiday greetings

An opinion piece published by Fox News argues that December holiday greetings should explicitly acknowledge individual traditions, contending that saying Merry Christmas is a meaningful gesture of recognition rather than endorsement of belief. The author, Eli Federman, suggests that acknowledging another’s celebration honors the joys and humanity of people across faiths.

Hanukkah began on December 14 this year, and the piece uses its history to illustrate why specificity matters. Federman notes that the Maccabees fought to preserve Jewish identity in the face of pressures to assimilate into Hellenistic culture. The article recalls a historical period when Jewish leaders, such as Jason (originally Joshua), abandoned Hebrew names and promoted Greek customs to blend in. The public lighting of a menorah in public spaces is described as a visible assertion of faith and tradition, not a private ritual.

Supporters argue that greetings such as Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah acknowledge another’s tradition and invite conversation about its history and meaning, rather than signaling agreement with a creed. By contrast, the piece contends that the widespread use of Happy Holidays reduces distinct holidays to a vague sentiment and can diminish their importance. The argument emphasizes that the season is richer when people recognize the specificity of each tradition.

The article also notes the broader cultural context: the rise of seasonal marketing and the way retailers sometimes promote generic language to appeal to the broadest audience. Yet proponents of specific greetings argue that such language strengthens community ties by opening doors to dialogue about values, customs and shared humanity. The piece adds that saying Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah can build bridges by recognizing a neighbor’s celebration, and that recognition does not require surrender of one’s own beliefs.

Public figures highlighted in related coverage of Hanukkah events, including Gal Gadot and Ashton Kutcher, have condemned antisemitic violence at Hanukkah gatherings, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities during the season. The op-ed uses such moments to illustrate that recognizing distinct traditions can coexist with solidarity against hatred.

Retailers and cultural commentators sometimes push for universal greetings to avoid awkwardness or offense, but the author argues this approach can feel transactional and hollow. Instead, he invites readers to reclaim greetings that reflect the season’s core traditions, arguing that the holidays deserve more than a generic nod and that acknowledging Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Joyous Kwanzaa demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and shared humanity.

As the piece closes, the call is to retire the generic phrasing in favor of language that honors the depths of specific celebrations. The message is not about imposing beliefs but about celebrating the unique identities that illuminate the season, with the broader aim of fostering genuine connection across faiths and cultures. The author concludes with a pledge to celebrate authenticity, connection and shared humanity during a season rich with history, and to move away from the broad umbrella of Happy Holidays.