Growing up in Singapore, I always thought Christmas was a special time of year. Our humid, 90-degree “winters” meant Santa would be sweating into his beard, and most of the kids making paper snowflake decorations at school had never actually ever seen one firsthand — myself included.
I grew up in a strongly Hindu family, but my mum encouraged me to sing Christmas carols and even drove me to church so I could sing in the Christmas choir. I’d stand next to my friends who were Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, atheist and Christian, to sing songs. We had a tree lit up at home for years (faux, of course — you can’t really get real Christmas trees in the tropics).
Mum’s logic, as with most in Singapore, was that partaking in other traditions made you more open-minded, empathetic and worldly. Plus, they were fun! This mindset meant that my closest friends were often from vastly different religions and backgrounds. We sought to understand and celebrate each other’s cultures with respect and enthusiasm, to be inclusive by learning from our neighbors.
Growing up in a multicultural society meant that I felt just as secure with being wished “Merry Christmas” as “Eid Mubarak” and “Happy Diwali” (which is what we celebrated religiously at home). I didn’t rush to “correct” someone who wished me well on the “wrong” holiday: Each felt somewhat my own.
Fast forward to my first December in America. I was at grad school in New York. As my semester was coming to a close, I was excited to experience a white Christmas for the first time in my life. “Merry Christmas!” I wished a colleague excitedly.
“You mean ‘happy holidays,’” she replied.
“OK… but really, merry Christmas!” I tried again.
My friend explained that singling out one tradition was rude, and that it was better to include everyone by saying, “happy holidays.” I shrugged it off as a New York quirk.
For the next few years of living in the U.S. — in Atlanta and then Seattle — I continued to be amused/confused by the “happy holidays” greeting, but it didn’t bother me too much. My festival, Diwali, fell some time in October or early November and nobody here acknowledged it unless they were practising Hindus. So I just stuck to the sanitary “happy holidays” greeting and didn’t think much of it.
But this year is different. I have a 5-month-old son and my family and I are being thoughtful about the traditions we want to raise him with. It hurts my heart to think that he may never experience Christmas the way I did. He may never feel empowered to wish friends merry Christmas or happy Hanukkah or Kwanza without first asking what someone’s tradition is.
To me, our move to “happy holidays” signals a society in which we are so worried about offending people that we would rather brush special days under the carpet. What next? Do we just pretend they don’t exist altogether?
It also seems like we're trying to deny something that we all know: For better or worse, our political and legal systems are heavily influenced by Christianity. (Remember how worried people were that Barack Obama might be a Muslim?) Our country’s banks, schools and companies are closed every year based on Christmas. And yet, by not acknowledging Christmas, we’re somehow being inclusive?
If we truly lived in a secular country, one like where I’m from, I could make sense of it. But in America today, our everyday lives are still complexly wrapped up in interpretations of Christianity. As this election season revealed, we are far from the secular society some aspire us to be. This is a country where an 8-year-old Muslim boy can be held by the police for building a clock; a passenger can be removed from a plane for saying “Inshallah.” Not to mention the troubling laws around the country governing abortion and birth control, all supposedly based on Christianity.
This is the America we live in. The divisions must be crossed with real attempts to build bridges while empowering each one of us to love, worship and celebrate what’s important to us. That’s not going to happen by glossing over realities with terms like “Happy Holidays.”
I’m also worried that the less we learn about other traditions, the less we will want to ask questions and partake in them, the way I was encouraged to do growing up — and the more suspicious we will become of each other.
The less we seek to know, and the less we teach our kids to learn, the greater the divides will grow. And families that celebrate any one tradition will band closer together only with similar families, for fear of offending the ones who don’t. We’ll continue to become less empathetic and inclusive because we won’t have a chance to see how similar we really are when it comes to festivals: We all care about celebrating with loved ones, with food, with love.
I’m disappointed that rather than being additive, by encouraging our children to partake in the rich traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah and Eid and Diwali, we try to replace all this with the bland “happy holidays.”
This may be the only time I agree with Republican voters, but my reasons are focused on inclusion. We are truly lucky to have some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, right in our backyard. Yet they’re alarmingly segregated. Being able to share traditions, “breaking bread” as it were, is a commitment we all must make. And when we do away with Christmas, we’re washing away opportunities to foster community that includes our newest immigrants.
If there’s something I’m wishing for this season, it is that we put aside this soap-scrubbed “happy holidays” greeting and call Christmas what it is: a universally-acknowledged festive time of year. For some, it is about religion, but not for everyone. Take it from a Hindu.
Christmas Quotes, Christmas Wishes and Sayings For Kids
“Wishing a Merry Christmas to you. May Santa bring you the best of the gifts to surprise you and make it the best Christmas ever.”
“May this Christmas be full of snowflakes, candies and gifts for you. Warm greetings on Christmas to you my dear.”
“May Santa bring to you surprise gifts in form of smiles and giggles, happiness and joy that last with you all your life… Merry Christmas and a wonderful Happy New Year to you.”
“I wish that this holiday season you end your year with the most beautiful times with your parents, siblings and friends… Wishing you a warm and cheerful Merry Christmas.”
“Let us decorate the Xmas tree together and sing sweet carols to make this a beautiful celebration of happiness and joy…. Warm wishes to you on Christmas my little kid.”
Merry Christmas Wishes for Kids
“Wishing you a Christmas full of surprises and hopes for you. May this holiday season brighten you with many more joys and smiles.”
May this Christmas bring along wisdom and smiles for you and fill your life with joys and celebrations. Warm greetings on Christmas to you.”
Christmas Messages for Children
“May this occasion of Christmas be full of good times and good memories for you. Warm wishes on the most awaited day of the year.”
“May you decorate the Christmas tree and find many beautiful presents under it to make this Christmas a memorable one for you. Warm greetings on Christmas.”
“May the snow shower happiness on you, May the joy of bells jingle, May Santa be very kind to a sweet kid like you. Merry Christmas dear.”
“Wishing a blessed and beautiful of Christmas to you. May the celebrations of Christmas be full of brightness, happiness and joys for you.”
“On the occasion of Christmas, wishing all the children good and happy times full of opening the gifts you always desired. Merry Christmas to you.”
Christmas Card Message For Child
“May this Christmas bring along beautiful moments for you to enjoy and celebrate your life with your loved ones. Wishing a lovely and blessed Christmas to you.”
“May you wake up with the snowfall this Christmas and have a celebration to remember for life. Warm greetings on Christmas to you.”
Merry Christmas Greetings for Kids
“May the occasion of Christmas be full of sparkles and joys for you. Wishing you Merry Christmas full of the best of the gifts to make it a memorable one.”
“Christmas is the time to forget everything else and just enjoy the good and happy times with your loved ones. Wishing you a Christmas full of joys.”
Inspirational Christmas Messages for Kids
“May Santa bring you new hopes and new dreams to make this Christmas a beautiful and memorable one. Wishing a blessed Christmas to you.”
“May this Christmas be the brightest and the happiest one for you when you just enjoy the celebrations and feasts. Warm greetings on Christmas to all the kids.”
Christmas Message for School Children’s
“Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year and also the most special memory that can always keep locked in your heart. Warm wishes on Christmas.”
“As a kid, we all wait for Christmas and we all pray that these good times never end and we never stop celebrating Christmas. Wishing a blessed Christmas to you.”
Christmas Wishes for Child's Teacher
“Wishing a beautiful and cheerful Christmas to you. May you enjoy this festive day with your family and create lovely memories to cherish.”
“Warm greetings on Christmas to you. You are the Santa Claus to the children who always brings them happiness and joys. May you have a fantastic Christmas.”
Christmas Wishes for Toddler Grandson
“Wishing a very Merry Christmas to our little grandson. May this holiday season be full of festivities and good times for you.”
“We know that our Christmas is blessed because we have you with us celebrating this day of joys and making it a beautiful one. Merry Christmas.”
Christmas Wishes for Toddler Granddaughter
“To our little granddaughter, we wish a blessed and joyous Christmas. May Santa bring you many more joys and fill your life with the best of blessings. Merry Christmas to you.”
“You are our little princess and on the occasion of Christmas, we wish that you are always smiling and happy. Warm wishes on the occasion of Christmas to you.”
Funny Christmas Wishes for Kids
My littile brat, you always come up with surprises. My salary disappeared so soon this month, left me surprised. Wish you a naughty, and fun filled Christmas and a very happy new year.
Children Christmas Greeting Card Message
May Santa bring lot of surprises, may your loved ones give you gifts, candys and chocolates. Merry Christmas to all the beautiful children.
Christmas Message for Nephew
“You are the best nephew for me, wish you all the success, joy and happiness. Happy Christmas and New Year to you.”
Baby's First Christmas Cards Message
“When I saw your face for the first time, I told myself, Jesus gave me the best gift ever in my life. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.”
Latest Collection of Christmas wishes for kids to use in Christmas card.
Children love to draw and make cards for their parents on Christmas. They also love getting their collected money and getting gifts for their parents on Christmas day. The Christmas wishes foe parents from the children can be sent through text messages cards.
“Dear parents, through this beautiful card I send Christmas wishes for both of you. I hope you have a superb Christmas celebration with lots of cherished celebratory moments to remember always. Have a happy Christmas.”
Children churches are the church and chapels which are visited and are for the children. These churches conduct mass and prayer meetings which are done by the children. Be it choirs of the church or any other activity of the church, the children themselves do and not adults. The Christmas wishes for the children’s church can be sent through cards or gifts for the children as well as the church.
“For the beautiful children’s church, I send lots of love and Christmas wishes for the jolly Christmas celebration. I pray to Lord Jesus to bless your church and the children with prosperity and happiness.”
School kids eagerly wait for Christmas celebrations in school where they get Christmas cakes and chocolates as well as gifts from the school and teachers. The Christmas wishes for the school children are sent through beautiful cards with gifts for each child as well as through Christmas wishes pictures for the children.
“For the school children of St. Joseph school, I wish you all a merry Christmas. Let Lord Jesus bless you with love, happiness and prosperity in your life and you be successful in life always. Have a happy Christmas celebration.”
Funny Christmas wishes are humorous and are meant to bring smiles on the faces of the children. The Christmas wishes can be sent through cards with funny characters and funny Christmas quotes written on the cards. One can also send funny Christmas wishes video for the students to make their Christmas more special. One can also send gifts for the children of the school.
“I hear Santa making his way to your school. Get your wish lists ready and make sure you ask for double of the wishes and make Santa leave without any further gifts on hand. Wish you all children a merry Christmas and a happy Christmas celebration.”
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Christmas Wishes for Kids
Christmas Wishes for Kids
May Lord Jesus fulfill all your dreams and wishes that you desire. Merry Christmas, baby!
Christmas is all about new hopes and full of surprises. Hope your life is filled with light and hope and love and luck. Have a lovely Christmas.
I hope you have a great time this Christmas and be blessed with unlimited happiness and luck. Merry Christmas.
Keep praying. Santa will listen to all your words. Never be disheartened. Merry Christmas!
In this Christmas, I pray to Jesus to give you lots of luck and wisdom with abundant love. Merry Christmas, kiddo!
May Lord Jesus bless you with lots of luck and wisdom and fulfills every dream of yours. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Christmas is all about surprises and happiness. I hope you get both of them in this one. Enjoy the holiday to the fullest.
Never stop praying and believing in Lord Jesus. He will remove all your sorrows. Have a blessed Christmas.
May you have a better Christmas than the last one and never forget about it in your life. Enjoy to the fullest, baby.
Jesus never let His true followers alone. I know you’re His most favorite one. He’ll shower you with all blessings. Merry Christmas, dear!
May this Christmas be better than your last Christmas, and you fall in love with your family even more. Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Promising New Year.
May Lord Jesus fill your life with beautiful moments that always bring a smile to your face. Merry Christmas, kiddo!
Never be disheartened by what Santa gets you. Lord will surely gift you joy if you truly believe in Him. Merry Christmas.
Hope this Christmas bring unlimited joy, luck, and of course, gifts in your life. Have a blessed Christmas.
May Christmas brings you all the joy and happiness you hold in your heart and makes you a great human being. Have a joyous and Merry Christmas, kiddo.
Sending you the warmest love and blessings for Christmas. I hope you have a great time in this holiday season and enjoy to your fullest. Merry Christmas.
Wish you a happy and safe holiday season with your family and friends. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your dear ones.
Do you want to be first in the test? Pray to Jesus. In this Holy day, Jesus may grant your all prayers. Merry Christmas!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, May you be blessed this Christmas with peace and love all day! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christmas Wishes for Little Boy
You are still little, but I know you have a big heart. Share your joy of Christmas with those who are not blessed like you. Merry Christmas, little man.
Have a wonderful Christmas little boy. We know you are a little packet of fireworks that will spread his love and great deed worldwide. May God bless you.
Santa surely has a lot of things for you in his sleigh because you are one special little boy out there. Merry Christmas, dear little one.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way; May you have a blessed Christmas day! I hope our little handsome boy gets to enjoy all of his desired gifts this Christmas. Have a great holiday.
Santa told me you had been a very good and obedient boy this year. I also hear that he has something special for you because you are special. Best of luck, dear son. Merry Christmas.
May this Christmas be extra sparkly for you, and people know what a wonderful and kind little person you are. We love you so much, son. Have a blessed Christmas this year.
Christmas Wishes for Little Girl
You are the prettiest gift we could ever ask for. Santa did bless us with his cutest elf. He will bless you with what you want this Christmas. Merry Christmas, prettiness.
Have a merry and happy Christmas beautiful little girl. You will be a strong woman, and we cannot wait to see you growing up. Till then, enjoy the spirit of Christmas with your loved ones.
On this special occasion of Christmas, I hope and pray that you get all your wish fulfilled. You are a beautiful little soul, and we adore you our hearts out. Enjoy a thrilled Christmas.
Santa surely needs more elves to make more gifts for you. He knows how good and pretty girl you have been all around the year. Have a blessed and happy Christmas, baby.
Have a beautiful and sparkly Christmas my beautiful daughter. Hope lord Jesus will guide you with joy and happiness throughout your life.
Go out there and flaunt what you have. I want you to have all the freedom your heart wants to reign this world, dear daughter. Merry Christmas deary.
Christmas Messages For Children
I hope you all get your desired gifts on Christmas morning. Do not forget to send me pictures of your sparkly Christmas smile. Have a merry one, children.
Santa called me and he told me that he needs to hire more little elves to help him with all the presents that he bought for you and your family this year! Merry Christmas!
I know that you can't wait to open up the presents Santa brought you, but don't forget to take a moment and dedicate a prayer to Baby Jesus. Have a blessed and very Merry Christmas!
When I see your little cherub face, I think of the Christ Child and all of His blessings. Merry Christmas, little one.
Merry Christmas to the cutest little Christmas Elf. You are the best gift a grown-up could ever ask for.
From the moment I saw your sweet face, I knew you were the best Christmas gift I could ever receive. Merry Christmas, Sweetie!
Knowing a great kid like you is the best Christmas gift ever. I hope your Christmas is full of Fun-Fun-Fun!
Go out there and shout aloud, Today is the time, Show that you are all ready, You are in the same tune, So gear up soon, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
May joy and happiness snow on you, may the bells jingle for you, and may Santa be extra good to you. Merry Christmas.
I wish that you get what you wish for, I wish that you get what you want, To me, you are my life, So go out there and flaunt, All your new dresses and gifts, Merry Christmas and happy new-year!
Funny Christmas Wishes for Kids
Don’t you brush regularly? I know you don’t! That’s why Santa won’t give you any gift at this festival. Merry Christmas, dear!
Don’t eat too many chocolates, dear. If you do, you’ll look-alike your granny having no teeth! Merry Christmas!
I’ve packed all your desired gift. Don’t cry. I’m coming as early as possible. Merry Christmas, dear.
Stop making the drama you do every morning before school. I know why you do this!! Merry Christmas!
If you don’t make your handwriting's good, I won’t give you any gifts. Merry Christmas!
Don’t worry about that little secret you’re keeping from Santa. He’s old and forgetful — you’re good.
May you build the biggest snowman in the neighborhood and have fun with the snowball fights with your friends and family. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the day; Oh what fun it is to ride – In a one-horse open sleigh! Let’s roam around and have fun, champ. Merry Xmas.
I’m already with your desired gifts, really cannot wait to see your face when you open them! Merry Christmas, baby. I love you so much, kiddo.
You’d better not pout, you’d better not cry, you’d better clean up your room before Santa’s sleigh flies.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Isn’t your favorite, my champ? We’ll sing and dance together with it today. Merry Christmas! I’m coming.
Christmas Wishes for Kids From Teacher
You all are little angels coming from heaven to bless this world with only good things. I hope you all have a very blessed and happy Christmas this year with your loved ones. Merry Christmas.
School is daunting, but I want you to enjoy it this holiday season without worrying about lessons. Go ahead and have fun. Merry Christmas, Kiddo.
I know you’re not good at math. But you know math is everywhere. I know you’ll manage it. Merry Christmas, dear!
A big thanks to you all for being my obedient pupil. A very happy Merry Christmas to all!
I’ve got your gifts. It’s so sweet. You’re my most favorite student. Merry Christmas, dear!
Maybe this is our last Christmas celebration as you’re going to be admitted to a new school. Don’t forget me. Merry Christmas, dear!
May Lord Jesus make you a good person. Never hurt people. Merry Christmas!
If you don’t understand any lesson, never feel shy. I’m always there for you. Have a blast. Merry Christmas!
Make a good utilization of your hidden talent. You promise, kiddo. Go ahead. Merry Christmas!
You’ll be a famous artist. Your creation power is so amazing. Keep learning. My blessing is always with you. Merry Christmas, dear!
Inspirational Christmas Messages For Kids
Merry Christmas, kids! Hope your lives are filled with love and luck, with light and hope, with faith and gratitude.
When you wish upon a star, all your dreams can come true! I hope you wished to receive lots and lots of presents this year! Merry Christmas!
Santa’s sleigh is blasting off; they’re quickly heading your way, with Christmas joys and Christmas toys, for sweet little girls and awesome boys.
Because I love you so much, I told Santa to give you double gifts. I think he’s getting old and losing some hearing, though. Good luck anyway!
Hey there little helper! I've heard from Santa and he told me that you'd been a very good kid this year! So here's hoping that you receive lots of presents! Merry Christmas!
I hope you spend your Christmas with your people who make you feel safe and happy. Merry Xmas, baby. Have a beautiful Christmas with your family.
Stockings full of candies and windows full of lights and stars, may this Christmas be joyous and lovely for you.
On this very special day, don't forget to give all your loved ones massive big hugs and spread joy and happiness with your smile! After all, you're Santa's little helper! Merry Christmas!