Republican official Sid Miller, Texas' agriculture commissioner, warned on his Facebook page Wednesday he may take physical action against the next person who wishes him "Happy Holidays."
"If one more person says Happy Holidays to me, I just might slap them. Either tell me Merry Christmas or just don't say anything," said Miller.
The post since has been shared more than 5,900 times, and liked by 9,140 fans. It is accompanied with an image of a cowboy on a steer riding under a pharmacy sign that reads, "We will never take the Christ out of Christmas."
Not all agreed with Miller's sentiments. One Facebook poster, Stacey Britton, responded: "Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, Blessed Yule, Happy Hanukkah...phew. I'm out of breath but I think I covered the diversity of the people I love. Next time I'll just say happy holidays because that is what I'm wishing them. Your world must be much smaller." She received 1,357 Facebook likes to date on that reply, one of the most popular remarks based on those reading Miller's page.
Karen Fair wanted to know if Miller realized there are other religious holidays in December. "Wouldn't it be presumptuous to assume everyone is a Christian? I love you and Christmas, but it isn't a month long holiday, it's two days...personally I find it obnoxious that people are saying Merry Christmas for 25 days, right over the top of other religious holy days."
Donna Otey told Miller while she preferred Merry Christmas, she would still think 'God Bless Them' if they choose to say Happy Holidays, because "they took time to acknowledge me and that is pretty awesome in this busy world."
Carol Cutter Gonzales suggested Miller take a deep breath. "Not everyone celebrates Christmas and that's OK! Just b/c everyone doesn't worship the same way and same stuff you do, doesn't mean you have to overreact. What makes America great is our diversity!"
A thoughtful, detailed response came from Paula Woolley, who said she usually only specifies the holiday when she knows how one celebrates. "Since you apparently celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you and yours. It is presumptuous to assume everyone I encounter does so, though.
"I usually would not wish a non-Muslim a happy Eid or a non-Jew a happy Hanukkah. If I don't know you, I'm not going to assume what religion you are or what you celebrate. Saying happy holidays is a way to extend a special greeting for the season. There's no reason to get offended, IMO."
"Just remember as an elected official," stated Woolley, "You do represent all Texans, not just those who share your religious beliefs. Oh, yes. Also, don't forget that slapping someone is assault and battery in the eyes of the law, and being personally offended is not just cause for striking someone. And there is that whole 'what would Jesus do?' question. You know, the one who you are supposedly celebrating."
