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I’ve often said if the year ran from Halloween through New Year’s and started all over again, I’d be perfectly happy. I love this time of year. Christmas is my favorite holiday of all.

Yes, Christmas. But feel free to wish me “Happy Holidays,” or “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Habari Gani?” if you want. I don’t care. It’s the thought that counts.

While I love this time of year, it can also drive me completely nuts. People go WAY overboard with the political correctness. A Christmas tree is a Christmas tree. It’s not a holiday tree. There’s no other major holiday that’s celebrated this time of year that involves a tree.

Every year, stories like this one (from a few years ago) at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina pop up. Prior to the display of the nativity, the Air Force extended offers to all faith-based and secular groups to put up holiday decorations. What started as a great attempt at inclusiveness turned into an issue because only the Christian group responded, and some others complained. Military regulations prevailed, and the nativity scene was removed. (My understanding is that the display was moved closer to the base chapel, which is allowed within military regulations. Go figure.)

I know some Christians who get so upset saying “Happy Holidays” that the anger just oozes from them as they push the words out through their gritted teeth. (OK, that was a little exaggerated, but you get my point.) Here’s the thing: No one makes you say anything. It’s just your decision on how inclusive you want to be. Saying “Happy Holidays” is an acknowledgement that there are a lot of holidays this time of year. It’s not a matter of trying to exclude people who celebrate Christmas. It’s an attempt to include everyone and all holidays that are celebrated at this time of year. If you don’t know what holiday someone celebrates, it’s more inclusive to say “Happy Holidays.” If you do know what holiday they celebrate, then send them well wishes for theirs. And, if you know they don’t celebrate anything, then you don’t need to say anything.

Finally, if someone extends well wishes for the holidays, even if it’s a holiday you don’t celebrate, accept the intent of the well-wish and just say, “Thank you! Same to you!” No one wants to be berated when they’re trying to be nice.

Hoping you have (or had) a great holiday, whatever you celebrate, and a very happy new year!