Quote:
Originally Posted by NeedMyCoffee  Many Americans say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas to be politically correct, as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are also celebrated this time of year. Personally, I will always say Merry Christmas. I respect others that celebrate different things, and I will not be offended if someone wishes me Happy Hanukkah. |
We don't have that problem in Norwegian since we use the word 'jol' (alternative spelling: 'jul'), from Old Norse 'jól', which was celebrated at this time of the year, as the days started to get lighter. The word may be one of the god Óðinn's (Old Norse genitive: Óðins) many names, so it may or may not be politically correct, but the word is definitely not associated with the Norse gods any more.
Even Christians often celebrate X-mas (would this be more neutral than 'Christmas'?) because of traditions (or presents (lol), which even some Vikings did before Christianity reached Norway) and not because of the added Christian stuff.
I regard it as a celebration of the winter solstice, like the Vikings.
