Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

Is it Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? You’ve heard those greetings all month and will continue to hear them throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

However, in today’s world, both greetings have been known to offend people. Some would say “Merry Christmas” isn’t politically correct and could offend other celebrations and religions.

On the other hand, if you say “Happy Holidays”, you’re seen as fighting a war against Christmas and disrespectful to some Christians.

Shoppers at Pueblo mall on Monday were split on which phrase they preferred to hear.

“I was helping my dad out to find something for my mother for Christmas,” said Jim Hottinger Jr., a Pueblo Mall shopper on Monday. However, when asked which phrase he preferred the decision was clear. “Most definitely Merry Christmas.”

Hottinger says he is slightly annoyed when people say Happy Holidays to him over Christmas. However, some shoppers preferred the opposite.

“Happy holidays, it kind of bows everything together,” said Terell Miles. “Either one of them really, but when you say Happy Holidays you get New Years wrapped in there as well.”

As for the war on Christmas, not everyone feels that way when they hear Happy Holidays. One shopper points out there could be a need for sensitivity despite preferring Merry Christmas over happy holidays.

“I say Merry Christmas because I believe in Jesus,” said Pueblo shopper Betty Addington. “There are different religions though and everyone can do their own.”