We know it's going to start soon. Like a storm on the horizon, while we can't tell you exactly when it's going happen, the fact is that it will.
Every year a letter writer on PlanetFeedback writes a letter complaining that they were told "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and usually goes on to say how Jesus is the reason for the season and how they are never going to shop there again because of this policy. Some, like this letter from last year, are outraged because of a statement by a cashier that she is forbidden by her employer to say "Merry Christmas" - even if a customer says it first.
We've looked at this from a consumer point of view, but rarely from a business perspective. Regardless of whether businesses chose to have "holiday" sales or "Christmas" sales, someone is going to be annoyed by their choice. And, invariably, will vow never to shop there again.
If it's that important to you, you can find "Christmas" friendly language at Wal-Mart, Kohl's, and Target (curious, since Target was the target of that letter on PlanetFeedback last year). Banana Republic and Old Navy lean towards "holiday". Best Buy mixes it up and has both sets of greetings on their gift cards and in their advertisements. In this economy, it's important to some businesses to straddle that line and not offend anyone. Time will tell if that works.
We support the consumer and their right to shop whereever they want and for whatever reason they want. If this issue is that important to you, then feel free to make your feelings known with your wallet. Although we do question whether - when having to stretch that buck - people will be willing to pay for their principles.
--Contributed by Deb
