Happy Christmas or Holidays, I know which I prefer, you delete as applicable

Whilst we live in a multi-cultural and multi-faith society (or for some no faith) I have never been a fan of the phrase Happy Holidays as a cop out that wishing someone a Happy Christmas might upset them.

As a turban wearing British born Sikh I am always asked at this time of year, "Can I wish you a Happy Christmas, you won't be offended?" or "Do you celebrate Christmas?". My replies are as follows; "Please wish me a Happy Christmas, if you don't I will be offended". "Yes my family and I celebrate Christmas, and whilst we may not do the religious side of things, we enjoy the tradition that is Christmas".

I go on to explain that some of my fondest memories as a child are those of Christmas. As my family owned businesses Christmas was that one time of year the businesses were closed and we could all spend time together. My parents would work hard to decorate the family home and buy us children amazing presents...my dad and then later on one of my brothers would even dress as Santa Claus to give out the presents.  On Christmas Day like millions of families we would eat and drink far too much, fight over what to watch on the television, but bickering aside we would simply bask in the glow of familial love.  I carried this tradition on to this day with my own children and now my grandchildren…the Santa suit fits a bit to snug these days!

So for all of the aforementioned reasons please wish me a Happy Christmas and I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas, a wonderful New Year and above all Peace and Love.