“Happy Holidays” vs “Merry Christmas”: What’s behind our seasonal greetings?
The phrases "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" have a surprising history, belying their current contentious uses in the so-called "war on Christmas." Reginald Hardwick/IPM News
Not only are people juggling their end-of-the-year work, the cold weather in the Midwest and finding time to fulfill loved ones’ demanding Christmas lists; they’re navigating what some in society are calling a “war on Christmas.”
The 21st was joined by a professor of history and a columnist to discuss how “Merry Christmas,” a once very common phrase, has resulted in a political divide due to ideology, age and even gender.
GUESTS:
Melissa Mohr
Author of “Holy S***: A Brief History of Swearing” | Columnist, Christian Science Monitor
Brian Balogh
Professor of History Emeritus, University of Virginia | Co-Host, "Backstory"
Opinion | Melissa Mohr: The choice between sticking with the traditional salutation or the more politically correct “Happy Holidays” is riven by differences in ideology, age, geography and gender. https://t.co/LR3GPedp4z - @NBCNewsTHINK
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 23, 2019
Prepared for web by Owen Henderson
Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: