A Wish for Joy and Peace

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about whether to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”

Happy Holidays seems too generic, but it covers Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Even now that Hanukkah’s over, it still gives you three for one.

But I like Merry Christmas. First, I like the idea of urging people to be merry. We get lots of “happy,” but not much “merry” these days. Merry is more celebratory, more jovial, more light-hearted.

Also, I like the spirit of Christmas - peace on earth, goodwill toward all. I love the idea of giving presents to people who are important to us. I love that people make an effort this time of year to do something for others, even if it’s just writing an extra check, or dropping a toy in a bin. I love that cops and firefighters, who usually see the worst of things, deliver toys to kids and see smiles and joy and thanks.

But I also understand that many Jews are offended by being asked to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Although some don’t care, many do, and even inadvertently upsetting someone while trying to wish them joy and goodwill is graceless.

I think I found the perfect compromise in a story in Wednesday’s Los Angeles Times about a man who works as a professional Santa Claus. He had carved out a niche for himself portraying “Kosher Claus” at private parties. “I don’t have to be Christian to believe in the joy you see in a child’s eyes when they first meet Santa,” the man told the Times. “That goes beyond religion. Santa is more of a spiritual icon than a religious icon. Really, he’s an icon for love.”

That’s what I want people to hear when I wish them Merry Christmas - joy and love. But this is what I will say today. If you celebrate it, I wish the most joyous Christmas for you and your family. And if you don’t, have a wonderful Saturday full of joy and love and peace.