A few years ago, major-chain retailers decided to be politically correct by banning their employees from saying the words "Merry Christmas" to shoppers. It was replaced with "Happy Holidays", which means "Happy Holy Days". I guess the culturally enlightened smart guys at the home office don’t let etymologists play in any of their reindeer games. Rather than debating the silliness of that decision, it should be noted that many of these corporations have reinstated the traditional use of the Christmas greeting.
Did the merchandising barons have a Scrooge epiphany, awaking in time to make amends, taking the spring out of the Grim Reaper’s step? Hardly. Sales were lower during the seasons that used generic terms for this most wonderful (and profitable) time of the year. The numbers tell the story: the bottom line is higher when Americans are sprinkled with Christmas greetings while we shop. I digress.
It annoyed me to be welcomed with a mandatory "Happy Holidays!" by the rank and file, when I would have been warmed more with a heartfelt "What's up?"
So I wrote a protest song. Kinda my Occupy Nativity. And regardless of why we're hearing "Merry Christmas!", I hope this year you let it remind you why we can be merry. After all, that's what makes it a happy holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
CHRISTMAS CAME TO SHOW THE WAY
Christmas Morning I Can't Wait To See
The Gift That's Hiding Underneath The Tree
Laughing, Sharing, a Moment Caught In Time
Living Pictures Painted In My Mind
I Find In The Eyes Of The Ones I Hold So Dear
The Reason For This Special Time Of Year
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
Every Morning I Can't Wait To See
The Gift That's Hiding Deep Inside Of Me
Loving, Caring, A Moment Caught In Time
Living Stories Written In My Mind
I Find In The Lives Of The Ones I Hold So Dear
The Love That We Must Give Throughout The Year
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
The Gifts We Give Though Precious Now One Day Begin To Fade
The Thrill We Feel Will Disappear Like The Snow That Melts Away
But The Gift That Lasts Forever Was Found Sleeping In The Hay
Given In A Manger On That Blessed Christmas Day
Years Are Passing Oh How Things Have Changed
The Dolls And Soldiers Have All Been Put Away
Still The Meaning Of Christmas Is Alive
Living Pictures In The Gallery Of Time
We Need To Find...
Merry Christmas Is More Than Just A Simple Phrase
And It Changes Not Just One But All Our Days
Like The Star That Burned Bright On That First Holy Night
Christmas Came To Show The Way
He Came To Show The Way
Written by: John MacManamy
Copyright: jmacmusic
Thanks Tori, Grayson, and Jacob for the recording.
