I've never understood the brouhaha over "Happy Holidays", either, for much the same reasons you cited. Over here in Germany, everybody and their aunt wishes others "Happy Holidays" (which so nicely includes New Year's); we even have cards in the stores with just that printed over the stereotypical winter landscape, Christmas tree or other seasonal picture -- and NOBODY blinks an eye.
If Germans want to emphasize the Christian aspect, they're more likely to wish each other "merry and blessed Christmas".
no subject
I've never understood the brouhaha over "Happy Holidays", either, for much the same reasons you cited. Over here in Germany, everybody and their aunt wishes others "Happy Holidays" (which so nicely includes New Year's); we even have cards in the stores with just that printed over the stereotypical winter landscape, Christmas tree or other seasonal picture -- and NOBODY blinks an eye.
If Germans want to emphasize the Christian aspect, they're more likely to wish each other "merry and blessed Christmas".