Merry Christmas, not necessarily a good greeting!
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word “cheerful” as full of joy and good humor.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t describe everyone’s experience on any given day of the year, let alone Christmas. There are many during the Christmas season who feel lonely, sad, or sick. Some face circumstances involving abuse, addiction, or poverty. Many think of unfulfilled wishes or broken promises both given and received. Merry does not describe her situation.
The word Christmas usually refers to a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Christ and is honored as a legal holiday. Not all, however, are Christians, or have a celebration on December 25. For some there is no holiday or even a change compared to any other day of the year.
Thus, when it comes to the greeting “Merry Christmas” we can find that it is not appropriate, falls on deaf ears or is not well received.
Even the phrase “Happy Holidays” doesn’t seem to fit every case. Not everyone is happy before December 25, and many maintain that state of mind during and even after it happens. The idea of having a vacation might not apply since many people don’t have free time at work and most don’t even leave home. There’s no vacations. In fact, December 25 can be a day that involves stress, relationship problems, and lack instead of abundance.
So how can we greet others and wish them well in December in a meaningful way?
I like the word “peace” and when I think of it, my thoughts go to free me from chaos, conflict and stress. “Content” is a state of being satisfied regardless of the circumstances. “Love” can come from many sources, and when it is genuine, it warms our hearts. Therefore, I believe that the best greeting that we could express would involve the words peace, love and joy.
If I could wish you something, that I help you every day
If I could give you something, to hold on the way
If I could wait for something, I’d pray that you have peace
And that you would feel joy and love that will not cease.
May peace, joy and love be present in your life every day!