#BecauseYouAsked: The ‘Merry Christmas’ Controversy

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Angeline & Hot Chocolate | Theresa Nicassio

Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays… Does it Matter?

When your child asks you a question like, “Mommy, are my friends naughty because Santa didn’t give them any presents?” a cascade of other questions are sure to soon follow. Suddenly the social and emotional implications of the Merry Christmas – Happy Holidays controversy becomes very clear.

When I received the following loaded and controversial question for my BLUSH Vancouver Magazine column, I jumped on the opportunity to address it. One of the reasons I was so happy to embrace this question is because it touches upon the often unexposed issue of unintentional exclusion.

I hope you enjoy the article…

The Controversial Holiday Question… featured, yvr blogger, entrepreneur, yvr fashion, follow your dreams, fashion, women in business, blogger, fblogger, blush, beauty products, skincare, travel, lifestyle, health and wellness, Vancouver, Victoria, yvr, vancity, westcoast, helen siwak, retail shopping

Zucchini Carrot Crumb Cake | Theresa Nicassio

Dear Theresa,

Can you explain why so many people push back against using an all-inclusive phrase Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas? As someone who is not Christian, it doesn’t seem like that much to ask, especially given the multi-cultural society that we live in.

I would appreciate any insights you have about this question.

Baffled in Burnaby

Dear Baffled,

I love that you asked this question. Just this evening as I was making Angeline’s Favourite Hot Chocolate, I was pondering a similar topic. Actually, I was thinking about what it must be like for children who do not celebrate Christmas and so naturally do not get presents from Santa. Being pretty tuned in emotionally from a young age, when my oldest daughter Alex was six years old, she asked if some of her friends were “naughty” because Santa did not bring them anything for Christmas… READ ARTICLE

Ask Theresa Nicassio PhD questions about health, psychology, life, food, parenting, wellness and whatever else you need advice on.

Do You Have A Question Or Topic You’d Like Me To Address?

#BecauseYouAsked…

Ask Dr. Theresa questions about health, psychology, life, food, parenting, wellness and whatever else you need advice on.

The “Because You Asked” radio show segment was inspired by the plethora of questions friends and followers have been asking me since the YUM Project began. I can’t begin to tell you how moved I have been by the droves of email inquiries, social media messages, phone calls and in-person questions YUM and my speaking engagements have prompted!  With such a demand, it will be terrific to be able to offer my reflections and information to an even broader audience.

If you have any topics or questions that you would like me to address, I’d love to hear from you! 

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