how has this become a big deal?

Trimming 'Christmas' from trees stirs debate
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What an absurd issue!!! Has anyone in the world ever been offended by being wished "happy holidays" instead of "merry xmas"?! I have used the "happy holidays" greeting for a number of reasons - either to wish someone a happy holiday season - xmas, new year's, etc - y'know - multiple holidays (plural) - or because of the fact that I have friends of many different backgrounds, many who are not christian. I have always wanted to include them out of friendship and the spirit of the season! It seems pretty non-christian to exclude so many people when you are supposedly celebrating the season!