Christmas is making a comeback.
It may just be a cease-fire in the so-called “War on Christmas” that some claim has been raging for decades, but wishes of “Merry Christmas” are now being heard as often as the religiously and politically neutral “Happy Holidays.”
“I’ve been adamantly going ‘Merry Christmas’ this year, just to counter the numbing of it,” said D.C. resident Derrick Clark, who described himself as spiritual but not religious. “We’ve been appeasing everyone for years, but I think you’ve got to get back to the heart of the celebration.”
Clark isn’t alone.
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A Marist poll done for the Knights of Columbus shows that 64 percent of American adults prefer “Merry Christmas,” while 31 percent go with “Happy Holidays.” A separate poll by WTOP showed an even greater preference, 71 percent, for “Merry Christmas.”
Cultural conservatives are claiming victory in the bitter battle over what to call the season of joy and thanksgiving that includes Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
“I think consumers are tired of being politically correct and having that put upon them. And I think [Merry Christmas] makes people more jolly,” said Ashley Tarter, manager of the Richmond-based Wish Me a Merry Christmas Campaign.
“The other day, for the first time in six years, when I was shopping at Walmart, someone at the checkout wished me Merry Christmas. And I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this hasn’t happened in years,’ ” she said.
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