I was wondering why so many people from the USA say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Is it being PC so as not to offend other religions, as was suggested in one of our local papers when a visitor from the States commented on our city's flags' "Merry Christmas" message? Or it is simply meant to encompass Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day?

all the above. and then some...

It seems that all has been said and I echo it. Thank all of you for your help with my travels. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a wonderfull new Century. <BR>Arthur Hussey <BR>

I couldnt resist - some threads "just get to you" <BR>Merry Christmas to all the wonderful people/personalites that contribut daily to this forum and all the fantastic help we got when planning our first trip to Europe in March this year. The experience would definitely been lacking without the input of you all. <BR>As to the snow, well think of us "down under" (Australia) it is expected to be 40degrees celsius tomorrow! <BR>And finally I would like to send a very special Christmas wish to Clara and Herb who had my family continually asking "why are you laughing?" <BR>- Gayle

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to one and all. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the laughs, the wisdom and the occasional mind expanding points of view. I've enjoyed it all - even the tiffs! <BR> <BR>No matter what you're celebrating (Hanukkah, Christmas, Eid - any I've missed?) I truly wish you health, wealth, happiness and joy. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

The reason for "Happy Holidays" is obvious: in a pluralistic society, such as ours, where so many celebrate other holidays besides Christmas--the season includes Hannukah and Kwanza. Plus, the term extends to New Years.

Bringing this ttt, for other newbies, like me who missed this last Christmas season. <BR>Nancy <BR>Al and Ruth, <BR>So sorry to read about your daughter!

To close the circle and bring you glad tidings of great joy, we wish to thank the many, many Fodorites who have written us this past year to express their sympathy to us on the loss of our oldest daughter. And the most amazing things have happened. It has been a year of healing and renewal, and we have made new friends around the world. Our daughter's daughter has become a willowy young woman, the very spit and image of her own mother, difficult at times and charming always. We are most grateful to all of you and the parts you have played in this year of putting our pain behind us. Too many strange and unexplainable things have happened for us to brush them aside as coincidences.

The third Christmas for this thread - - and my third Christmas here too.<BR><BR>Looking for many more with all of you...<BR>

Neal? It's 2001; we're waiting.

Feliz Navidad! Salud y Prosperidad en el nuevo a&ntilde;o 2002!!

Fodors - Thanks for our Christmas [substitute any other holiday you might want] present- one that keeps giving all year. Soon it will be time, with the help of our friends on the Forum, to plan next year's vacation. And this year we truly know how lucky we are! Hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday.