Happy Springtime Holiday?

[Mia14]

I had an interesting experience at the store where I work today. Everyone was coming in and wishing me "Happy Easter," which is very nice of them, but what about people who don't celebrate Easter? (I do because my family does and I like their company).

I decided to respond to wishes or "Happy Easter" with "Happy Passover" - not because I celebrate Passover, but more to make people realize that there are other religions and holidays out there. I wasn't trying to be difficult, I was just trying to make a point.

Was I wrong to do it?

[Zerbie]

I hear ya. I used to worry a great deal about that - it bothered me, insulted me actually, to be wished a merry christmas. (that was way back in my ultra-extreme-leftist teens.) That changed (whew!). Now I just say, "thanks, you too." Whether I am celebrating said holiday or not.

I think in the case of a well-meant remark by a stranger, "thanks, you too" is the easiest, simplest response. It was meant as a pleasantry, so I take it that way.

You responded how you felt guided to respond, so I don't think you were wrong, but I do think you were reacting to a sort of, er, ideological symbolism, rather than to the immediacy of the communication. Which was meant on the lines of "have a nice day." But on the positive side, you may have made someone think twice about their Christian-centered assumptions, and perhaps in a positive way. So who knows?

[Jennifer5]

Was I wrong to do it?

I don't think wishing anyone a happy anything can be wrong... if it's happy I'm sure they appreciate it. I know I would, it's nice from what-ever perspective

[Venari]

Originally Posted by Mia14

I decided to respond to wishes or "Happy Easter" with "Happy Passover" - not because I celebrate Passover, but more to make people realize that there are other religions and holidays out there. I wasn't trying to be difficult, I was just trying to make a point.

Was I wrong to do it?

Mia,

I would say your intentions were a little wrong. I had the same discourse with some I work with and I said is "I am going to express what I believe as a sigh of respect to you and how you want to respond is up to you." If a person doesn’t believe in Christmas and decides to say “Happy Hanukah” or “Happy Holidays.” That’s cool with me.

But I comes down to why are you doing it, are you saying it to bless the person or to make a point.

-Venari