Merry Christmas!

I’m terribly sorry if that offended you.  I’m not sorry that I said it, and I’ll say it again.  I’m just sorry that you have become so sensitive and intolerant as to be offended by me wishing you joyfulness during the holiday that is about to be celebrated.

You have the right not to participate in the holiday.  You have the right to get a job somewhere that doesn’t close for Christmas and work like it isn’t happening.  You have the right not to return the greeting.  You have the right not to give or accept any gifts.  You have the right not to celebrate with a feast.  You have the right not to put up a tree and decorate it.  You have the right not to decorate your house with lights.  You have the right to select music that has nothing to do with the holiday.  You have the right not to watch the special programming on television.  You have the right not to participate in the celebrations at your local church.  You have the right to treat Christmas like an ordinary day just like any other.  You even have the right to be offended when I say it and NOT have a merry Christmas, but you do not have the right to stop me from saying it.

In the United States, after the Constitution that established our country was ratified, some intelligent men realized that the ability to speak and worship freely was extremely important and should be protected.  It became the highest priority to amend the Constitution to include that right.  That Amendment says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

So, you see, you have lots of rights, but the very first law passed after our constitution says I can say “Merry Christmas” to you … and I will because regardless of your ethnic background, beliefs, or creed, I truly want your Christmas to be merry.

Merry Christmas!