Maybe we could stop assuming

I'm not a militant member of any religion, but I am big on not making assumptions. Like you'd probably never congratulate someone on being pregnant just because they've got a bit of a tummy, I really wish people would stop assuming which holiday anyone else celebrates. I never wish anyone anything other than Happy Holiday. I wish people would do the same for me.

Why is this coming up today? I went to mail a package to the incredibly kind Sadie, she of the month of March in the Knitty calendar, and watched as the person behind the counter put the stamp on the right on the package. Yup. There's the original holy family. What is it doing on my package?

When she asked me if I wanted to buy xmas stamps, that's when I went didactic. I hadn't even had my coffee yet. I just said, very politely, that maybe she should ask first before assuming people celebrate any specific holiday. We had a wee chat about it, and I felt quite like a lunatic making a fuss about this, but it really is important to me.

I live in the most diverse city in Canada. Who knows WHAT the person sitting next to me on the bus celebrates? I know no one means any harm by a simple wish of "Merry Xmas", but "Happy Holiday" should mean even more, because it's inclusive. That's all I'm saying.

Be inclusive!