Dave Edwards and It’s Just my Take, 12-22-23
Merry Christmas! Seems like it shouldn’t be hard to say that to a stranger, but I have to admit, it’s not always easy.
When you say “Merry Christmas”, we assume that the recipient of that phrase is willing to accept it in the spirit that it is intended. We assume their religious background, whether they observe the holiday, cultural norms, what type of mood they’re in…all sorts of considerations.
In most cases, it is avidly returned with a hearty “Merry Christmas” back at you, but in our times of extreme political division, rampant unrest in the Middle East, a more diverse population, and the fact that fewer of us attend church now, maybe it is an assumption I should not make lightly anymore.
I’ll keep saying it, but maybe with a tiny hint of apprehension.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
