The PC Holiday

This week’s blog post is by LCI’s Brianne Miller.

 

Merry….um…Happy…um…Joyous?  It’s becoming more and more difficult to be politically correct during the holidays.  While we all want to be inclusive of different traditions and cultures, how do we succinctly express best wishes to all, and to all a good night?!

 

I grew up (back in the dark ages!) in the New York City area.  Arguably the biggest melting pot in the world.  Luckily, I was exposed to many different cultural traditions – everything from Christmas to Hanukkah to Greek Orthodox Christmas to Ramadan, BoxingDay – and for you Seinfeld fans – I actually knew a family that embraced Festivus.  No one cared if I wished them a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or “fare thee well.”  It was the spirit of the greeting that mattered, not how accurate it was for the recipient (although I did try to be correct as often as possible).  Now it seems like no matter what phrase I pick, I’m actively insulting an entire portion of the population.  So as a service to all of us who cannot fathom going without sharing holiday joy, here are a few phrases that are all purpose:

 

• Best of the holidays to you!
• Happy 2011! (don’t use Happy New Year anymore – too many different calendars you can insult – Julian, Chinese, Islamic, etc.)
• Have a wonderful December!

 

If that’s just too bland for you, I invite you to join me in bringing back the authentic bear hug.  Just hug it out and wish everyone a “wonderful time with friends and family.”  Because in the end, who cares what we call it?

 

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, here are a few ways to enjoy the season:

 

Mark Foehringer Dance Project’s Nutcracker at Zeum – a brilliant idea for parents of little ones.  The entire production is 50 minutes long, and tells the timeless story with a small company in an intimate setting.  Plus, you get to meet the cast afterwards and say hello.

 

Union Square Tree and Holiday Rink – ice skating outdoors in San Francisco?  Well, yes, Virginia, there IS skating here!  And keep your eyes peeled for local figure skating stars Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi who drop by now and then to skate with the locals.

 

Clock Bar at The Westin St. Francis – need an adult beverage after all that shopping?  Stop by the Clock Bar in the St. Francis lobby (which is a wonder of decoration in itself).  The mixologists have come up with the Jolly Dash Dash Dash and Smashing Pumpkin cocktails to help put the jingle back in your bells.