I have not had much time to write for leisure lately, and I apologize to my loyal reader(s).  However, something has been on my mind.  I've caught bits and pieces of the "Happy Holidays" bashing by those who feel it cheapens their "Merry Christmas" in some way.  I could probably link to a million different articles on this, but I'm sure you have heard it just like I have. 

 

I prefer "Happy Holidays" to "Merry Christmas."  This is not because I oppose the spiritual imperialism of Christianity in this country (which I do, but that's neither here nor there).  No, the reason that I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays is specifically because it maximizes the celebratory time period.  Indeed, holidays plural is the key.  Merry Christmas gets you one day.  Happy Holidays, on the other hand, has a launch date of the third Thursday in November and lasts well through January 1.  As I write this, I am smack dab in the middle of the holidays and it feels great.  I am still celebrating Thanksgiving, technically, and also celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, St. Nick's day, the Saturnalia, and maybe even Ramadan. 

 

In fact, I think Congress ought to expand the holidays: Halloween on October 31 is a nice start date, and gives you the November 1 Day of the Dead (big in Mexico, but moving to the US via Corona).  It would be tough to expand beyond January 1, but I know what makes sense for the final day: The Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game, this year falling on January 4.  As I realize change starts with the individual, in 2006 expect to start hearing Happy Holidays from me in late October. 

 

So there you go, O'Reilly, have your Merry Christmas, and have fun working again on December 26.  I will still be on vacation.  In search of some Happy Holidays.

 

(Haha, you can tell I have been reading tons of those damn airplane in-flight magazines.  Look at that last sentence.  That is so in-flight-magazine-ishly cliche).