Ana Pires 2.0

When speaking with people you don’t really know that well, should you wish them a ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’?

I’ve just been in a huge discussion about this on a community I usually go to. Some really valid points were made on both behalf’s, but I’m sticking with my opinion. I really, very much prefer Happy Holidays over Merry Christmas.

I’m Atheist, and although I live in a predominantly Christian country, Christmas doesn’t really speak out to me on the spiritual level. Time of giving and loving and being kind… Nah. I love the hypnotizing lights of the Christmas trees and giving and getting presents. I won’t lie, I get a huge hype with that. Besides, shouldn’t you be giving and loving and kind the entire year around? - But still.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t get upset or offended when people wish me a Merry Christmas. Because really, it’s not like everyone’s out to get me. They’re just wishing me a happy day. Nothing to be offended about.

But then again, it’s something I do notice. You can’t really know everyone’s religion. How could you? So, wouldn’t it be nicer to wish Happy Holidays to everyone? I think so, at least. It’s something that gets to all religions and non-religions (since even Atheists have the New Years) and, again, although people of other religions wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) be upset, don’t you think a Happy Holidays would make them happier?…

I’ve been asked why I always say Happy Holidays and never, ever Merry Christmas. After explaining, I got the response “that’s silly”. No, it’s not silly, it’s a lot more comprehensive and broad. You, from the county’s predominant religion, might not notice. But I assure you everyone else does. Really.

What are your thoughts on this? Is it something you notice, or not really?

…Oh and, Happy Holidays!

I’ve gotten myself yet another addiction. It’s called Amazon.co.uk.

In maybe a month, I don’t know, I’ve spent around 70€. Actually, I do know, it was 74€.

I haven’t ordered that many things, really! It was a book by PostSecret, another one by Elie Wiesel and a third for university. The blame is really on the conversions and on the delivery fees. Really! A 16 pound book turning into 30€?

Anyway, I won’t be buying anything else for a while now. Although my wish list keeps growing. And that - that - is the real addiction: browsing thorough Amazon.

Have you seen the books? And the household items? And the jewelry? And, oh, the DVDs, specially the box sets?

You get such a great variety of products. And it’s so much more comfortable than going to stores. For example… In the American Amazon, coffee! Guormet coffee, that is. The prices on it range a lot according to quality, but wouldn’t you like to know, for example, what a 800 dollar coffee tastes like?

Not that I’m thinking of buying anything else. No, I can’t. Nothing stops me from browsing, so I guess I’ll keep doing that for fun… and for when I have the money.
It’s just so nice when you get home and there’s a little card box waiting for you…

The service is wonderful too. I’ve had a little problem with one of my packages recently. A book that I bought new (because you can either buy new or used) came with marks and rips all over it. Obviously, I mailed them and demanded a replacement. They’re sending it now, and letting me keep the damaged one, because, although it’s their policy to ask for the damaged item first, it’d be too expensive for me to send it back. So yeah, they’re letting me keep both.

What company does that? I was a bit sad and angry when the first book arrived, but seriously, that attitude and action equals a consideration +50! I guess I’ll use that book for now and then donate it to my University’s library or something when I get the other one.

I should have gotten my credit card longer ago, I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on.