At holiday time, it has become a battle between “Happy holidays” and “Merry Christmas.” For those who insist on “Merry Christmas,” they can say it to their hearts’ delight. But how dare they impose what they want said onto other people? Or have the gracelessness to demean what is meant to be an uplifting, happy sentiment?

“Happy holidays” is not a new sentiment. I’ve been saying it for 15 years, mostly without problems, until lately. Andy Williams was singing it in the “Holiday Song” back in the ’60s and ’70s. Do people turn off the radio in disgust when that song comes on?

My holidays begin at Thanksgiving, rush right into Advent, then Hanukkah. Soon, we will celebrate Christmas Day, and several of my friends will begin Kwanzaa. Then, lastly, thank goodness, New Year’s. I work in retail, and though my company does not instruct me on what to say, they do make sure I am very busy. I vaguely know when Hanukkah is, but am distracted by which sale I need to set up next. “Happy holidays” works for me because it is foolproof.

I personally love this time of year, but I think it is a sorry lack of manners and etiquette when someone makes others feel bad for expressing a jolly sentiment. And, somehow, I don’t think Christ would have approved of bullying people who like to say “Happy holidays.”

Dot Chabot, Lewiston