I grew up in a super-conservative Christian area. There was / is no controversy about this issue there; one was / is expected to say Merry Christmas lest they be identified as an outsider. I imagine this is true for most of the U.S. fruited plain, which is vastly rural and Christian.
But once you've lived in a more populated area, and have plenty of non-Christian friends, the lines get blurred. I'm much more likely to say Happy Holidays now, not because political-correctness requires it, but because it's easier. It covers more bases, and I simply don't have to think about it.
The other day, I asked my non-Christian neighbor about his thoughts, not only on Merry Christmas, but other traditions such as Christmas trees and presents. A native of India, he said he thought nothing of it. He certainly was not offended in any way. Unlike me, he came from a religiously diverse country, and everyone there respected others' traditions.
I'm not offended by anyone who wants to say Merry Christmas, but I am offended by those who would expect it of me, or that think it's the only holiday greeting that should be posted on public property. Those people are close-minded, and ironically, not being very Christian when it comes to respecting others and their faiths.
Just accept my secular holiday greeting if you get it, as I would accept a non-secular one, and let's move on.
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