Is it OK to say "Merry Christmas" to someone who isn't Christian?

Yes, almost always. Most non-Christian Americans celebrate Christmas in some way, and most people hear “Merry Christmas” as a kind wish, not a sermon. If you know your neighbor keeps a different holiday, wishing them well on theirs is a nice touch. The only wrong greeting is the one shouted as a dare.

1 · MindWhat people believe, and how they know

Pew Research found in 2013 that about 8 in 10 non-Christian Americans celebrate Christmas, including most Asian American Hindus and Buddhists. In 2017, Pew asked how stores should greet shoppers. About half of Americans (52%) said it doesn’t matter. About a third (32%) preferred “Merry Christmas.”

So the greeting itself is rarely the problem. Tone is. A warm “Merry Christmas” lands as a gift. A “Merry Christmas” with a chip on its shoulder lands as a chip.

What each tradition or community says

Many Jewish neighbors

Many are used to it and take it kindly. Some appreciate it when a friend remembers Hanukkah too, without assuming it’s “Jewish Christmas.” It isn’t. It’s a smaller holiday with its own story.

Many Muslim neighbors

Muslims honor Jesus as a prophet, and many are glad to return a holiday greeting. Some don’t celebrate Christmas themselves. A simple “Thank you, you too” is common.

Many Hindu and Buddhist neighbors

In the U.S., most celebrate Christmas in some way, often with a tree, gifts and family time (Pew Research, 2013).

Many people with no religion

In Pew’s 2017 survey, 85% of religiously unaffiliated Americans said they celebrate Christmas. Plenty of them say “Merry Christmas” right back.

2 · HeartWhat it feels like

For the person saying it: you’re probably just being friendly. You don’t need to run a background check before wishing someone well.

For the neighbor hearing it: in December, the whole country plays one song on repeat. Most people shrug. But if you keep a different calendar, it can feel nice when someone notices that too.

Every December, somebody declares war on Christmas. Christmas has survived Rome, the Puritans and the mall. It’ll survive a cashier saying “Happy holidays.”Neighbor Radio

3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor

Say it warmly or don’t say it. If you know a neighbor’s own holiday, learn its name and use it. A “Happy Hanukkah” from a neighbor means you were paying attention.

If someone says “Happy holidays” to you, that’s a kind wish too. Take it. Nobody is stealing anything.

This weekLearn one holiday your neighbors keep this winter, and wish them well on it by name.

TimelineWhere this fits

1791 The First Amendment

See every faith on one timeline →

Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?

Sermon: A talk during a worship service that explains a passage of scripture and what it means for life. Catholics call it a homily; Muslims call the Friday sermon a khutbah.
Prophet: Someone believed to speak a message from God.

All the words →

Four questions to take with you

From Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan, about the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Samaritan Test.

Did they see? Or look right past?
Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?

Try it on: the last time you were annoyed by someone’s holiday greeting. Did you hear the kindness, or just the wrong words?

Quick questions

Is “Happy holidays” anti-Christian?

No. It’s an old phrase that covers Christmas and New Year’s, and other holidays too.

What if someone says they don’t celebrate Christmas?

Say “Fair enough, have a good week,” and mean it. That’s the whole job.

Sources and research

How this answer was made

Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Each faith's and community's section is checked by someone from that faith or community. Until then, this page says so. Spot something wrong? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.

Is it OK to say “Merry Christmas” to someone who isn’t Christian?