While banking yesterday my teller mentioned her excitement about an upcoming Christmas party.
“I meant to say holiday party,” she quickly corrected. Sheepishly adding. “ Hope I didn’t offend you,”
“Christmas is my favorite holiday along with 2 billion others in the world, and it pains me to think that you feel censured to wish me well for that holiday.” I replied facetiously.
“Me too!” She whispered back, with a smile.
Palmer ancestors came to America in the early 1800’s for opportunities to practice religion, free speech, and economic gain, like most immigrants. In this country no one is expected to hide their beliefs in secret and my banker should not feel intimidated by any group or person; to NOT say, Merry Christmas!
Christmas became a Federal Holiday in 1870 and it is neither politically incorrect or rude for my banker to wish someone Merry Christmas. It is her inalienable right.
Here’s the tip I gave her to keep it kosher with HR departments, school boards, or lobby group watch dogs.
Say, I wish you Merry Christmas. Then it’s a personal comment having nothing to do with a company and well within her free speech rights.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
