http://www.searchreslt.com/stocking-holiday/
Why is Christmas now called "Holiday" in the U.S. and Canada?
Every time someone is referring to christmas now, they say "holiday" instead. Examples: - holiday tree - holiday wreath - holiday song - holiday carol - holiday spirit - holiday shopping - holiday stocking - holiday cheer - holiday season - holiday gifts - holidaytime - holiday decorations - holiday specials All these things are specific to christmas, no other holiday... when people speak of halloween things they don't call them "holiday" things, so why is that the case with christmas?
This will apparently come as a complete surprise to you but Christmas isn't the only holiday being celebrated this time of year. Not one of the things you mentioned are exclusive to Christmas or Christianity. You seriously believe that Christmas is the only holiday with decorations, gifts and sales? Let me make this perfectly clear to you. When people say 'Holiday' they don't mean Christmas, they mean 'Holiday(s).' It is appropriate to wish strangers or the general public (for stores, governments) a 'Happy Holiday' or 'Seasons Greetings' because these sentiments include every holiday being celebrated and even express 'cheer' for those not celebrating a holiday. Saying 'Merry Christmas' to strangers or the public is very inappropriate, self-centred and presumptuous. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. You have to ask yourself why you seem to insist to want to use the word Christmas. If you want to spread 'peace, love and joy' to strangers, why would you refer to a holiday you celebrate. You don't wish other people a Happy Birthday on YOUR birthday, so why would you wish other people a 'Merry Christmas' when you are celebrating Christmas and you don't know if they are or not. 'Happy Holidays' expresses that 'peace, love and joy.' However, in this day and age and seeing questions like yours, it is rather obvious that when someone says "Merry Christmas" they are not saying it for me (since I don't celebrate Christmas and I don't give anyone any hints that I do) they are only saying it for themselves because they are so self-centred to think everyone celebrates their holidays. There's nothing wrong with using the word Christmas -- IF YOU MEAN CHRISTMAS -- but none of the things you mentioned are exclusive to Christmas. You do not own holiday songs. But if you know your friends and family are celebrating Christmas, go nuts and use the word Christmas with them. I use the word Christmas with people who I know celebrate Christmas. If you don't mean Christmas, why are you saying Christmas? The best way to "put Christ back into Christmas" is to take Christmas out of the public square. Disassociate Christmas with the secular aspects of the holidays because none of what you mentioned has to have anything to do with Christmas.
Full Size Crochet Christmas Holiday Stocking