Is it really Christmas?

That’s a shame, I’ve been wished “Merry Christmas* by shop assistants, and by two taxi drivers, one Sikh and one Muslim. Perhaps Brummies are just friendlier!

Went to a senior school carol concert in church the other night. It closed with the choir singing ‘Where are you Christmas?, I’d never heard of it before, but think it was used in ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’.
Don’t know if it was the words, the occasion or just the beautiful voices (including DGD), but found it so poignant.
The title of the song seemed to say it all somehow, perhaps I’m just getting old and cynical.

I have shared and received Merry Christmas wishes with others.

But have you wished these casual contacts Merry Christmas April rose?

There is a good question mumofmadboys. I havent and that was because when I looked at the shop assistants/ check out assistants etc. I felt somehow it would not be welcomed.

The faces were either scowling or they were trying to get rid of me as quickly as possible ( not always because of queues I suspect but just because (my feeling anyway) was they didnt want to be there.

I am not an outgoing person but I will respond in kind when a wish is given.

Our Rumanian Big Issue seller has been wishing everyone a Happy Christmas for weeks. Shs is always cheerful despite the weather.

Was in M&S at the crack of dawn to pick up a turkey - we were first in the checkout queue! - and the assistant did wish us a merry Christmas.

Lots of people ‘Merry Christmasing’ around here.

I always put Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on card's but people don't put it back on card's.

A rather nice young man on the DWP customer services line the other week, asked about the weather, was I ready for Christmas etc. At the end of the conversation he wished me a happy Christmas and reminded me to take care of myself.
He dealt with my query very efficiently too.
It's not often I finish a call to the DWP with a smile on my face!

I've had at least 3 weeks of "Merry Christmas" here.
Like DoraMarr this has come from all sorts of people, postmen and women, shop-workers, delivery drivers, a big issue seller, a security guard, policeman...
Can hardly think of anyone who hasn't said it... even my Muslim neighbour.
So sorry you have missed out on this little bit of good cheer aprilrose.

Merry Christmas in all the shops here and the pubs and re4staurants - I haven't been in them all - yet!

We're all Merry Christmassing round here, Aprilrose. Delivery people, neighbours, the postman, bus drivers, random pedestrians you pass in the street... Our shop assistants are a cheerful lot as well. What a shame it's not like that in your area.

All the shops where I live are run by Asians. They don't wish anyone 'Merry Christmas' even though, oddly enough, many of them celebrate Christmas too. When I asked why, they said 'It's such a nice festival, we want to enjoy it too'.

Have to say have been wished MerryChristmas in lots of places especially our lovely local pub

april; Many, many, years ago when I was a little urchin living in Manchester, we'd go to the vegie shop in the New Year and say "Happy New Year" and he was obliged by custom to give us an apple or orange!
I don't remember anyone actually throwing them at all; if they did they were poor shots!
So just hang about for a week or so!

I don't wish "merry Christmas" to people I don't know well because, for all I know, they may have good reasons for not being "merry" - bereavement, bankruptcy or serious illness, maybe.
I do, however, wish people the compliments of the season which acknowledges the festival and covers all faiths and none.

I've had many greetings and given them.

In fact all this week, I've answered the phone with 'Merry Christmas!'

So Very Happy, Peaceful and Joyful Christmas to YOU aprilrose

I tend to say " have a good break" or " have a nice rest", not to a shop keeper or a para medic obviously.

I've just received a seasonal (not religious) Christmas card and a gift wrapped box of biscuits from our Muslim neighbours. Their daughters come to play when my grandchildren stay with me during the summer.
Quite a few people in shops and restaurants wishing us Happy Christmas too.

Had a hospital appointment this morning and was wished a lovely Christmas by every medical person and receptionists . Lots of friendly smiles and appointment on time.

I’m an outgoing person. I’ve said ‘Merry Christmas’ to many folk - in lifts, leaving a checkout at the supermarket, at the doctor’s and pharmacist where I’ve left a card and a tin of biscuits.

Someone has to be brave and break the ice!

The response is always positive.
?

I’m an outgoing person
Urmstongran Oh Dear! I, for one, will miss you, even though you're only a pseudo Mancunian, but just in case you don't change your mind and come back, I wish you "Season's Greetings" AND "A Happy New Year", where ever you are!
Cheers

Could it be that your region has become more diverse, april and not everybody celebrates Xmas? Or people aren't sure who does and who doesn't? They could solve that, of course, by simply saying, "Happy Holidays!" so IDK if that's the reason, but maybe.

As for me, I've enjoyed several Merry Christmases and Happy Christmases and Happy Holidays and say the same (or send the cards) to others. As a matter of fact, sending best holiday wishes to everyone here!