Merry or Happy?

Every year at this time the news and social media get flooded with the "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas" debate. The solution is simple - we just need to remember that Christmas IS a holiday and wishing everyone a happy one is not inconsistent with the spirit of the thing. Human have an intrinsic need to create myths, rites and rituals that not only define us but sustain us in an harsh and uncertain world. The holiday season is an amalgam of many myths, rites and rituals that have various historic relevance but that nonetheless depend on our connection to nature and each other. Back to the "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas" debate. Let's remember that December 25th is not the actual birth date of Christ - this date was selected by early Christian church leaders because it coincided with the Roman pagan festival Saturnalia as an incentive for the Romans to convert to Christianity. Not coincidentally its also the time of the winter solstice that spawned Saturnalia. The shortest day of the year is celebrated because it signals the beginning of the end of winter as well as the march towards an awaking earth ripe for planting. Many Christmas customs evolved from this pagan celebration as well as from countless other traditions worldwide and what we have today is what has been passed down and morphed over centuries of use. These celebrations get us through the winter, get us in touch with each other, and yes, make us merry and happy. So say and do whatever reflects your spirits and be gracious enough to let others do the same.