[OtisTheMarsupial]

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Anyone who is offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas" needs to calm down and think about the intent of the comment. In almost all circumstances, it's the equivalent of "hello", nothing more.

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Offended is a bit too strong a word here. I'd say annoyed fits better. I'm offended when people say "Merry Christmas" in that jesus loves you way, and I'm just slightly annoyed when people say "Merry Christmas" in the I'm lazy/mildly rude and don't want to say "Happy Holidays" way.

Saying "Merry Christmas" all the time is poor etiquette, not a criminal offense. But, would you run around on your birthday saying "Hapy Birthday" to others?

No, you tell people Happy ___ thing they celebrate. You say Happy Chanukah to Jews and Merry Christmas to Christians and Happy Holidays when you don't know the person well or they're atheist, and so on...

Just like you say "please" and "thank you." It's just plain old fashioned proper etiquette.