As a student of comparative religions and various beliefs and faiths, I’ve always been struck by the SIMILARITIES between them.  Others focus on the differences and argue that there is only one, true or right deity and the rest are false or non-existent and take the stand of animosity towards others who hold different beliefs.  They’d like to force everyone to believe and worship as they do.  Our right to worship however (or not) is protected by the laws of this land.  And while I do wish Christian friends of mine Merry Christmas, I also wish Jewish friends Happy Hanukah, and others Happy Winterfest, Happy Kwanza, Blessed Yule – depending on who they are.  I see no contradiction here nor does this mean that I don’t hold to my own beliefs.  My faith is not so narrow that it does not recognize that there are many ways to worship the Goddess and the God and that they are known to others by many names.  (Besides, if the God or Goddess don't object to being known by other names and in other ways who the heck am I to object on their behalf?)  These same friends and acquaintances may, if they know me well enough, wish me a Blessed Yule.  If they say Merry Christmas instead am I going to be offended because I am not a Christian?  Of course not! 

Point being – it is a mark of RESPECT to acknowledge that others have holy days as well – that even though you do not believe as they do – you  recognize that this time is special to them.  Got to wonder about someone who for whatever reason  when a friend of theirs says “Merry Christmas” to them responds with , “I don’t believe in Jesus or Christmas so your saying that to me is offensive and an insult.”  Um…ok but a simple response “And to you as well” or “A blessed season to you, happy holidays” would seem much more called for.  We have the RIGHT to believe and worship as we choose – or not.  It just seems to me that to consign those who don’t believe as you do to an inferior status of some sort because they aren’t ‘like you’ is not the kind of karmic debt I’d personally want to incur.   

As for those businesses which believe they can regulate the phrases that their employees use on business premises during business hours – hate to tell you but they can.  While it may be because they are concerned regarding lawsuits, it is also a fact that employees are a direct extension of the message, image or corporate culture that Company is trying to portray to the public.  In some instances that image translates into dollars for that company in customer recognition – such as Disney employees or airline employees wearing a uniform or adhering to a code of conduct...  Employees are a commodity of sorts – the company is selling service – they hope that a generic message which is pc won’t piss off or offend any of their potential customers.  Employers can tell you how to dress and act – when working with their customers you represent the company who pays you.  If you have any questions you should take another look at the paperwork you signed when hired, any mission statement and/or cover any concerns with the HR Department.   Does this make it right?  Perhaps not  – but if you object then you also have the right not to work there, not to shop there and to put those objections in writing.

My place of current employment in my group of 35 – 5 different religions are represented.  Do we have a Christmas tree – yes.  Do we have a Holiday Season Party?  Yes.  Do we have Secret Santa?  Yes.  We do not however have manger scenes, menorahs or other religious symbols displayed.  Two of the Jewish members of the group made ornaments in the shapes of dredels.  We also celebrate Chinese New Years, Thanksgiving, Cinco de Mayo, Ancestors Day to name a few.     We have a corporate calendar with the holidays on them for the various countries our offices are located in, as well as the religious holidays on them.  As I said – it is a mark of honor and respect – something that, in my opinion, the world could use more of.