I don’t get offended by someone
saying "Happy Holidays", but I don’t think that others should get upset
if I wish them a "Merry Christmas".

If I inadvertently say that to someone who is not of Christian
faith, then I hope that they take it as me offering them the joy of my
season rather than being offended.

Jenn has hit the nail on the head. We’re raising a nation of people who get offended at, well, everything. We have women who are offended when someone refers to a group of people that include women as "guys". We have people who are offended and cause a fight because someone’s driving the wrong way in a parking lot. And, of course, we have the "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" debate, which makes me want to tear my hair out.

If someone says something to you and it’s meant in a nice way, even if it misses the mark, don’t be offended. Wish them something pleasant back. If someone says something unknowingly that’s racist or classist or sexist or any of those -ist words, you can gently correct them if you think they’re open to it, or go on with your day. But stop getting your hackles up over every little thing!

I’m raising my kids to be realists. Life is often unfair. People say stupid, mean things. Things don’t always go your way. It’s not your right to go around in a self-righteous "I’m offended" mode all the time. At the same time, I am teaching them to try to be sensitive in the things they say and do. It’s a fine line and one that is sometimes hard to walk.