I still think of saying happy Saturnalia.

I really don't know what to say when I read that two college educated women on this post need to go to a food bank for groceries. What is wrong with your country! Not that we don't have food banks here in Canada as well but, they are generally not the grocery supply place for educated people or even a very many people other than in emergency situations. People should not have to go to charities for food it should be a human right.

My boss tells me Merry Christmas to annoy me.

There are a bunch of religious and secular holidays between Thanksgiving and Epiphany, and the term "happy holidays" is by no means a recent expression or in any way anti-Christmas. I don't know why it's so difficult for the religious folks to get past this idea that there's a "war on Christmas." Why must they play the victim?

Tomorrow is the xmas party for our Community Food Bank, which is run by a local church and held at the Community Centre where I work. Due to my height and strength I was seconded to help set up the pantry each week which is 2 hours hard physical work before and after. I found out yesterday that tomorrow will be bigger than previous years as they are bringing in bus loads of residents of aged care communities in the region. So in addition to xmas carols, other music, their will be a bbq and face painting for kids and so on. I also found out yesterday that I am responsible for the proceedings on the day. The church volunteers are naturally very religious as are many of my co workers. So they have a prayer before the pantry opens etc, and all the bless you/Jesus loves you platitudes. Everyone knows I am an atheist, and I leave when they have their prayers as I explained my position and while I will help anyone doing something good and positive, it would be hypocritical of me to stay. The the BIG one for me, people insist on saying things like, "I will still pay for you". and that is when things get uncomfortable as I respond, "I would really prefer that you don't, because applying your belief to me really is devaluing and showing contempt for my beliefs". The Merry Xmas I can handle and simply reply "and you". So if someone ever says, "May the light of the Lord always shine up your alley", I can simply reply with a straight face, "and up yours!"

I don't know why they have to get all bent up about that stupid 'war on Christmas' crap.

Few years ago I started to answer their ¡Merry Xmas! with Happy Atheism. I love the look on their faces....

A smile goes a long way.

Smile, be nice, ... "Happy Holidays" is fine, not offensive. They should not be judgmental, but read Matt 25:40

So, people really notice the difference? Weird. I have never thought much about either response until the silly....I MEAN AWESOME...war on xmas. What a crazy world. I think when I was young, I thought 'Happy Holidays' meant Hanukkah, Xmas and New Years rolled into one.

I always call out Thank You, as I’m leaving the food bank.

I always call out Thank You, as I’m leaving the food bank.

I always call out Thank You, as I’m leaving the food bank.

Good on you, and wow, that's...weirdly hostile on their part O_o