Commentary--Happy holidays?

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Maj.) Dwayne Keener
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Chapel
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The momentum began around mid October. I couldn't believe I was already seeing decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas appearing in stores. I was already hearing of plans and opportunities to attend New Years Eve parties and other events between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. It wasn't even Halloween yet and I was already seeing signs of the, dare I say it, "holidays."

The topic seems to upset some and resonates with others as they see no-harm or no-foul in using the phrase. For some it will have more impact than others, it may depend on your religious beliefs. One of the meanings of holiday is holy day. So, for some to say happy holidays is also to say "happy holy days". For others, it may be a traditional celebration of Christmas with Santa Claus, eggnog and gifts followed by "happy New Year!" Regardless, it's important for all of us to know there are several holy day observances between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day of great significance to many. To know about them is not to take away from the significance of any given holy day, but to acknowledge and respect our constitutional right to believe as we choose as Americans.

"Happy holidays" typically has included Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas (and other Christian observances), Hanukkah (Jewish), Winter Solstice (a celebration for many pagans), Kwanzaa (an African-American celebration of family and black culture) and New Year's Day. Other holy days during this time of year are Rohatsu (Zen Buddhism) and Ashurah (Islam). There are at least nine holiday observances during the timeframe when we traditionally greet folks with a hearty "happy holidays!"

I encourage you to cherish the holiday or holidays that means the most to you while respecting the right for others to cherish theirs. For my family, it's the celebration of Christ our Savior coming to Earth as both human and God celebrated during Advent and Christmas. So from my family, we wish you a merry Christmas! I trust the holidays will be happy for you and your family. Please give us a call at the chapel at (830) 298-5111 if you have any questions about holidays.