"Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" On-Air

kolakid1 · Dec 9, 2005

Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions or instructed you to do the contrary?

Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations; I wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either direction.

954 · Dec 9, 2005

Ho Ho Hores

> Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus
> "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions or
> instructed you to do the contrary?
>
> Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations; I
> wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either
> direction.

This may be a dumb question, but why can't they say
both, at their own discretion?

I can see telling a store clerk whast to say (well,
not really) but is personality on radio so dead
and buried that even holiday greetings are scripted?

And, come the 26th, I'd hope to hear an occasional
mention of Kwanzaa and Chanukah. After all, either
is more important than what movie star is sticking it
in whom, and radio is full of that crap.

Say it ain't so, Joe!

73s from 954______________
Have A Verry Verry Merry Christmas!

RockManAC · Dec 9, 2005

> Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus
> "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions or
> instructed you to do the contrary?
>
> Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations; I
> wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either
> direction.
>

We've been using "Happy Holidays" in all of our holiday greetings promotions (except for the one guy in sales who says "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year", though he wasn't miced individually, so you'd have to read his lips)

-A______________

billybee · Dec 9, 2005

> Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus
> "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions or
> instructed you to do the contrary?
>
> Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations; I
> wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either
> direction.
>
Recognizing that Christmas is the dominant religious holiday in this country and also the dominant commercial occasion, we say "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays". We also acknowledge the Jewish Holy Days.

scottclem · Dec 10, 2005

On my station, it's "Merry Christmas" for two main reasons, those being (a) the Christian holiday is indeed called "Christmas", and (b) to rub it in the faces of the ACLU and other atheistic organizations who have misled themselves into thinking that they can dictate what everyone else does and says.

Additionally, one of our guys is Jewish, so I also encourage references to "Happy Hannukah" (or "Chanukah", or however you choose to spell it). He's been good to respect our holiday traditions and even help with Christmas-based remotes and promotions, so I feel like we need to respect his religion and practices.

That's the story with us!

> Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus
> "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions or
> instructed you to do the contrary?
>
> Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations; I
> wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either
> direction.
>

peppertree · Dec 10, 2005

I sometimes wonder why Atheists do not insist on working on December 25th. When I got away from my Jewish cultural habits, I started going to work/school on Jewish holidays and I have not fasted on Yom Kippur since I was about fifteen.

I am a Believer in Jesus now, but I only get emotionally involved in the spiritual celebration of Christmas. I can not get into the cultural and commercial side of Christmas. I do not even like to hear secular Christmas/holiday music.

But think about this: If you look at any list of Christmas songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews know where there is an opportunity to make money and for money, they will sing Christmas songs all year if the demand is there. I have thought while having to hear a Jew sing that he does not believe in it, he is just doing it for money.

My prayer is that they will listen to what they are singing and take it to heart.

Merry Messiahmas
Happy Hanakkah

Steven Green

> On my station, it's "Merry Christmas" for two main reasons,
> those being (a) the Christian holiday is indeed called
> "Christmas", and (b) to rub it in the faces of the ACLU and
> other atheistic organizations who have misled themselves
> into thinking that they can dictate what everyone else does
> and says.
>
> Additionally, one of our guys is Jewish, so I also encourage
> references to "Happy Hannukah" (or "Chanukah", or however
> you choose to spell it). He's been good to respect our
> holiday traditions and even help with Christmas-based
> remotes and promotions, so I feel like we need to respect
> his religion and practices.
>
> That's the story with us!
>
>
>
>
>
> > Has anyone been told to say "Happy Holidays" on-air versus
>
> > "Merry Christmas"? Or, has the PD or GM made suggestions
> or
> > instructed you to do the contrary?
> >
> > Reason I ask is that I've heard both on various stations;
> I
> > wondered if there had been any guidance for you in either
> > direction.
> >
>
______________
[email protected]

Tom_Desmond · Dec 10, 2005

> I sometimes wonder why Atheists do not insist on working on
> December 25th. When I got away from my Jewish cultural
> habits, I started going to work/school on Jewish holidays
> and I have not fasted on Yom Kippur since I was about
> fifteen.That's easy enough to answer:

In the United States today, Christmas has become both a religious holiday and a secular holiday. The religious holiday celebrates (of course) the birth of Jesus. The secular holiday celebrates family togetherness and other noble values, as well as the less noble aspects of crass consumerism. Let's be blunt about it -- in America today, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman mean Christmas as much as the birth of Jesus does. Whether you like this or not, it is the reality today -- and is the reason why pretty much anyone can celebrate Christmas regardless of their religious background (or lack thereof). It's also the reason why businesses (including radio stations) that worry about offending non-Christians with the wish for a merry Christmas are worrying needlessly. Christmas has really become such a broadly defined holiday that it really does include virtually everyone.

954 · Dec 11, 2005

> In the United States today, Christmas has become both a
> religious holiday and a secular holiday. The religious
> holiday celebrates (of course) the birth of Jesus. The
> secular holiday celebrates family togetherness and other
> noble values, as well as the less noble aspects of crass
> consumerism. Let's be blunt about it -- in America today,
> Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman mean Christmas as much as
> the birth of Jesus does. Whether you like this or not, it
> is the reality today -- and is the reason why pretty much
> anyone can celebrate Christmas regardless of their religious
> background (or lack thereof). It's also the reason why
> businesses (including radio stations) that worry about
> offending non-Christians with the wish for a merry Christmas
> are worrying needlessly.

A agree with all but the next sentence.

> Christmas has really become such a
> broadly defined holiday that it really does include
> virtually everyone.

Making assumptions like that is what's offensive.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa from 954______________
<A href='http://happyholidays.atspace.com/holidaymusic.html'>
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa from 954</A>

radiospasm · Dec 11, 2005

> > Christmas has really become such a
> > broadly defined holiday that it really does include
> > virtually everyone.
>
> Making assumptions like that is what's offensive.

Be offended by something so minimal is ridiculous. The bleeding hearts of America are taking us all down. I think the closest anyone who celebrates Christmas needs to come to "Political Correctness" is to say "If you celebrate it, have a Merry Christmas." But no, because we don't want to offend someone. The truth is most people won't be offended.

I had a repair man working on stuff in my house this weekend. As he left he just said "Well you have a Me-- Happy Holidays." - HEY IDIOT. I KNOW YOU SAW THE BIG ASS CHRISTMAS TREE IN MY FAMILY ROOM! STOP WITH YOUR POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GARBAGE. SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS SINCE YOU KNOW I CELEBRATE IT, OR JUST SAY NOTHING AT ALL.

People who celebrate Christmas say Merry Christmas, so there is no need to get offended. It's like if you want into a Mexican Restaurant and on their door it says "Bienvenidos" instead of Welcome. Do you get offended? Or walking into a business owned by a Canadian and they have their Canadian flag hanging up - Do you get offended? I hope not. People say and do these things based on THEIR culture and/or beliefs. So get over yourself. Enjoy this diversity that is America and stop crying.

954 · Dec 11, 2005

Assumptions

> > > Christmas has really become such a
> > > broadly defined holiday that it really does include
> > > virtually everyone.
> >
> > Making assumptions like that is what's offensive.
>
> Be offended by something so minimal is ridiculous.

That's a ridiculous assumption you made.
Don't minimize it.

> The
> bleeding hearts of America are taking us all down.

If you'd bother to look at my other postings, you'll
see I'm not even close to being a bleeding heart.

Benny Hill said it best:
When you ASSUME, you make an ASS of U and ME.

Regarding the repairman, your response would be enough
to make me stick to 'Have A Nice Day!" for life!!!!!
He didn't owe you any specific platitude.

73s from 954______________
<A href='http://happyholidays.atspace.com/holidaymusic.html'>
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa </A> from 954

ironbear · Dec 11, 2005

> But think about this: If you look at any list of Christmas
> songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews
> know where there is an opportunity to make money <snip>

Examples?

954 · Dec 11, 2005

Christmas Songs

> But think about this: If you look at any list of Christmas
> songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews
> know where there is an opportunity to make money

Its funny. If you say blacks have more athletic aptitude, the media
and politicians will jump all over you and call you a bigot.

But this remark isn't criticized.

I'm really disappointed in you, Steve.

> My prayer is that they will listen to what
> they are singing and take it to heart.

Wow. I sure hope not.
Then they really would be selling out for the money.

73s from 954
______________
<A href='http://happyholidays.atspace.com/holidaymusic.html'>
Happy Festivus, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Saturnalia, and Happy Kwanzaa </A> from 954

Tom_Desmond · Dec 11, 2005

> Be offended by something so minimal is ridiculous. The
> bleeding hearts of America are taking us all down.

Keep in mind that the idiocy on this particular issue is coming from both ends of the spectrum. Just as I don't see the reason for anyone to be offended at being wished a "Merry Christmas", I feel that the folks making a fuss over "Happy Holidays" are being ridiculous as well. Christmas is such an integral part of North American culture that it is in absolutely no danger of disappearing.

studiotwenty · Dec 11, 2005

> > But think about this: If you look at any list of
> Christmas
> > songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews
> > know where there is an opportunity to make money
>
> Examples?
>

Neil Diamonds Christmas LP...or was he just acting Jewish in "The Jazz Singer"

Whats funnier is that its not Jew or Christian that really matters. Most of these artists who cut the "holiday (derived from "holy day")music havent been to their House of Worship in years.

Not a condemnation. Just stating the obvious

ironbear · Dec 12, 2005

> > > But think about this: If you look at any list of
> > Christmas
> > > songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists.
> Jews
> > > know where there is an opportunity to make money
> >
> > Examples?
> >
>
> Neil Diamonds Christmas LP...or was he just acting Jewish in
> "The Jazz Singer"
>
> Whats funnier is that its not Jew or Christian that really
> matters. Most of these artists who cut the "holiday (derived
> from "holy day")music havent been to their House of Worship
> in years.
>
> Not a condemnation. Just stating the obvious

That's one (possible) example. But maligning entire groups of people in a public forum should be backed up by some actual facts, don't you think?

westlife · Dec 12, 2005

> > But think about this: If you look at any list of Christmas
> > songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews
> > know where there is an opportunity to make money
>
> Examples?

"White Christmas". Written by a Jewish man named Irving Berlin.

______________

"This is the New York Emergency Broadcast System satellite channel. They took the crosstown bus."

954 · Dec 12, 2005

Christmas music

> > Whats funnier is that its not Jew or Christian that really
> > matters. Most of these artists who cut the "holiday
> (derived
> > from "holy day")music havent been to their House of
> Worship in years.
> > Not a condemnation. Just stating the obvious
>
> That's one (possible) example. But maligning entire groups
> of people in a public forum should be backed up by some
> actual facts, don't you think?

Yes it should.

But so what if they haven't?

That's because in a free market, in a free society, the
best musicians and actors and athletes become well known
and make the most money, ideally. (Let's assume for the
sake of argument there's no payola or affirmative action,
both of which which distort the free market.)

Take a look at People or Sports Illustrated and you'll
see that some of the slimiest, sleaziest, and most
irreligious become the best in their business. That's
the price for a free society. I wouldn't have it any
other way.

Or would you all prefer a society in which you had to
choose between CDs by Jesse Jackson or Pat Robertson?
Like "having religion" makes you automatically virtuous?

BTW, Irving Berlin (mentioned elsewhere in this thread)
was a very prolific songwriter. Modern music owes a
lot to him. He also wrote Easter Parade and God Bless
America -- even though he was born in czarist
Russia. (I hope that doesn't bother any nativists!)

<A href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Berlin>Wikipedia </A>says Berlin got his start as a lyricist for other composers, and although he never learned how to play a piano or read music beyond a rudimentary level, he wrote over 3,000 songs. About half of Berlin's works became popular on Broadway and in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on American music and culture with hits such as "God Bless America", "White Christmas" and "There's No Business Like Show Business". Berlin produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores in addition to his individual songs.

Also read True Confessions: Irving Berlin and the Shiksa, 1926 in the NY Daily News.

______________
<A href='http://happyholidays.atspace.com/holidaymusic.html'>
Happy Festivus, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Saturnalia, and Happy Kwanzaa </A> from 954

peppertree · Dec 12, 2005

Re: Christmas Songs

I guess I have license to say it, as my mother and father are Jewish.

Steven Green

>
> But this remark isn't criticized.
>
> I'm really disappointed in you, Steve.
>
> > My prayer is that they will listen to what
> > they are singing and take it to heart.
>
> Wow. I sure hope not.
> Then they really would be selling out for the money.
>
> 73s from 954
>
______________
[email protected]

peppertree · Dec 12, 2005

Start with White Christmas written by Irving Berlin

I looked at a list of Dr. Demento's Christmas Show a few years ago and counted 25%. Let's see how many are Jewish from a recent Christmas show.

I see that only last year's Christmas Shows are available at madmusic.com.

This show from the weekend before Christmas was picked at random from the three Christmas shows.

Title Artist
Walkin 'Round In Women's Underwear Bob Rivers & Twisted Radio
O Holy Night Eric Cartman
¿Dònde Està Santa Claus? (Where Is Santa Claus?) Augie Rios
Here Comes Santa Victor Banana Band
Santa Eats Little Kids Dan Hart
I Got It From Agnes Robin Ray
Twelve Days Of Christmas (w/o intro) Bob & Doug McKenzie
Christmas Cut-Up (2004) Whimsical Will
Virtual Christmas Cube Dwellers
Gridlock Christmas The Hollytones
Christmas Countdown Frank Kelly
Relatives Are Coming To Town Roger's Yuletide Revue
My Relatives Are Comin' The American Comedy Network
Redneck 12 Days Of Christmas Jeff Foxworthy
The Twelve Days Of Christmas (background only) Laffy (Kitty Stallings)
Christmas Is For Drunks Jim O'Brien
Christmas In Jail The Bobs
Jingle Bells (background only) Don Charles & The Singing Dogs
I'm Dreaming Of A White Trash Christmas Sean Morey
The Pretty Little Dolly Mona Abboud
The Twelve Days Of Christmas (excerpt) The Mushroom Tab. Choir
The Happy Solstice Song Ralph Carney
The Night Before Christmas (A Visit From St. Nicholas) Basil Rathbone
Father Christmas The Kinks
Stop The Cavalry The Cory Band w/ The Gwalia Singers
The War Of The Lights The Therapy Sisters
Hanukkah Hey Ya! Smooth-E
Santa Claus And His Old Lady Cheech & Chong
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town Joseph Spence
Hark The Herald Angels Sing Hark The Herald Angels Sing (brief excerpt) John Fahey
Christmas Dragnet (Yulenet) Stan Freberg & Daws Butler
Deck The Halls Kukla, Fran & Ollie
Show Promo

Most of the artists, I do not know if they are Jewish or not. Stan Freberg is Jewish. For this show I am not familiar with most of them.

> > But think about this: If you look at any list of
> Christmas
> > songs, about 25% of them will be by Jewish artists. Jews
> > know where there is an opportunity to make money
>
> Examples?
>
______________
[email protected]

peppertree · Dec 12, 2005

Neil's Jewish classmate (Erasmus Hall HS) Barbara Streisand has also done Christmas songs, though I do not know if she did a whole album.

> Neil Diamonds Christmas LP...or was he just acting Jewish in
> "The Jazz Singer"
>
> Whats funnier is that its not Jew or Christian that really
> matters. Most of these artists who cut the "holiday (derived
> from "holy day")music havent been to their House of Worship
> in years.
>
> Not a condemnation. Just stating the obvious
>
______________
[email protected]

"Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays" On-Air

kolakid1

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954

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RockManAC

billybee

scottclem

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peppertree

Tom_Desmond

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954

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radiospasm

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ironbear

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Tom_Desmond

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studiotwenty

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ironbear

westlife

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