Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Is it Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

The annual war on what to call the holiday season has begun and whatever greeting you wish to use should be immaterial as long as the Christmas spirit is in your heart. Or that’s the way I see it. But some people choose to make it a point to argue about. They are making a mountain out of a mole hill in their desire to pontificate on what the founding fathers thought the proper greeting was acceptable. Much ado about nothing. They need to read their history books. It’s evident they know nothing about the early settlers and Christmas.
The early pilgrims didn’t even celebrate Christmas. They considered it a pagan practice and ostracized anyone who openly gave credence to the birth of Christ. And the believers were put in stocks in the town square and ridiculed by the citizenry or put in jail. This was the custom back then that went on for many years until celebrating Christmas was allowed.
I resent people taking the joy out of what the most beautiful season of the year should be by making it a point of contention. Is it their need for self-aggrandizement or for making an argument when there is no argument? And what gives them the right to judge a person who wishes them Happy Holidays as suspect? Are these terrible people the culplrits who started the “War on Christmas?” I find it odd that only recently this hyped up slogan has surfaced to pump up ratings on TV.
I cite one example when a customer wished a store clerk Happy Holidays after paying for her purchase. The clerk answered her in a whisper “Happy Holidays to you. But I’ve been told not to say that.”
People who turn something heartfelt and well meant into something ugly are an abomination. And they must be very unhappy. Is this what Christmas means to them? Must they ruin it for everybody? Are they the Scrooges of the world?
Christmas greetings translates joy from the heart, no matter in what way they are said. And they shouldn’t be dissected, analyzed, met with suspicion. If your heart is in the right place, you will accept their words in the spirit in which they are given. If not, stop trying to take the joy out of the season for those who honor Christ’s birth.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Peace on Earth.

This traditional casserole made with cut green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions is the perfect addition to your holiday table.

Campbell’s® Green Bean Casserole

2 (10.75 ounce) cans Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or Campbell’s® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cups cooked cut green beans
2 2/3 cups French’s® French Fried Onions

Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3-qt. casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 min. or until hot. Stir.
Top with remaining onions. Bake for 5 min. more.