"Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" -- The Debate Goes On...

Last week, a colleague in my office asked me if I believe that "Happy Holidays" has become the most common phrase of the Christmas season, rather than "Merry Christmas." In fact, he asked which phrase I tend to use the most. I'm a "Merry Christmas" kind of guy, but I certainly don't mind the "Happy Holidays" phrase because that also encompasses New Years. Regardless, whether to use "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" has been a debate for many Americans over the past several years.

Just in the past week, CBS News reported that a new poll shows that “Merry Christmas” remains the top holiday greeting among Americans. The poll, conducted by Monmouth University Poll Institute, shows that 67 percent say that at this time of year ‘Merry Christmas’ is the greeting they tend to use. Twenty-five percent of those polled say “Happy Holidays."

In another poll conducted in the past week by the Pew Center on Religion and Public Life, it was shown that most Americans are not concerned about the language of Christmas/Holiday greetings in public places. In fact, 52 percent of Americans say they don't care how a store clerk acknowledges the holiday, while 32 percent would like to hear "Merry Christmas," and 15 percent would prefer "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings."

So, what does any of this have to do with health and fitness (since this is a fitness-oriented blog)? Well, your vocal apparatus is your lips, tongue, teeth, top of the mouth, and the voice box in your throat. There are muscles in the lips, tongue and throat as well as your cheeks and jaw. Overall, it takes about 100 muscles to speak! In fact, it takes the same amount of physical energy to say any of the following: "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," or "Seasons Greetings." So, exercise your vocal apparatus this month by expressing to others one of the three phrases -- and have yourself a wonderful Christmas... Holiday... or, Season!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past