Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in November in the US. What you were seeing was the Thanksgiving day for Canada.

Happy Holidays as it's inclusive, but really in the US basically everyone celebrates Christmas even when they have separate religious holidays around then.

Religious folk and those who don't believe you shouldn't wish a Merry Christmas just to keep from offending those who wish to celebrate in an non-traditional fashion, still say Merry Christmas. I shall continue to say Merry Christmas. I am not offending anyone by saying the same phrase uttered for a many a year before my time,  its offensive to be restricted from using it.

I'm an early shopper and like to get my gifts knocked out before the holiday rush. Usually by October at the latest. You see so many people put off by the stress of last minute shopping- trying to find that perfect gift for someone. Seems counter-intuitive; taking what should be a joyous occasion and turning it into some sort of competitive sport where you are seemingly playing against every other consumer in the stores. I know that people get frustrated when they can't find what they want so why set yourself up for failure.

As a family we like to decorate and do it up. Celebrating the advent season and the hanging of the greens; all the familiar ceremonies. I'm blessed with good kids, and they are instilled with a giving spirit. Even the younger ones realize the importance of meeting the needs of those in lack. It's awesome to see honestly.

We say Merry Christmas to keep it Christcentric rather than egocentric, but are not put off by the happy holidays thing at all. It would be silly to impose our ideology on anyone else. We celebrate and share with all, not just those who look like we do or worship like we do or enjoy the same status. What would be the point in that, right?

Yes, I''m just as excited as you are, Daenerys-Targaryen.

I bet you won't either. We're taught not to give out of our abundance but from our poverty. Goes against being a good steward in some regard but there you go. Its hard to rein in the desire to please others. I say break the bank and have faith that all will be restored unto you and more. :)

Thanks for the pearls of wisdom, Cav, but there are several "real Americans" who are not Christians, and they celebrate other holidays than Christmas, regardless of their political affiliation.

We wouldn't say Happy for Christmas here. We say Merry.

I'm a libertarian and agnostic. Saying Happy Holidays isn't about feel good. It's about there being more than one holiday clumped together. I'm far more excited about the solstice (DAYS START GETTING LONGER) and New Year's Eve than Christmas.

We say Merry Christmas in Scotland also. Never heard anyone use Happy Christmas. We reserve the term Happy for New Year, so generally folk say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, all at the same time lol.

I've been pretty excited about Christmas this year, mostly due to the fact i'll be in Florida for most of December though.

We also use Happy for New Year.

I have heard people use Happy for Christmas, but I think they were Australians.

I would also be excited to be in Florida in December. Or y'know. RIGHT NOW.

if i am not working away will be 3 generations of the family in the same house for a big christmas dinner and drinking, can't wait