Do you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Some LSU students choose to celebrate the holidays in a way that is inclusive to everyone.
“I’ve always said Merry Christmas because that’s what I’ve grown up with,” said Biological Science Sophomore Carly Morris. “Now that society is more inclusive to everybody, you can say Happy Holidays if you know someone that is not celebrating christmas.”
Events similar to that of Starbucks, with the disagreements about its red cups, bring about the annual debate between Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
“I know there’s a lot of controversy over the whole Starbucks thing, removing Merry Christmas from their cups,” said Digital Arts Freshman Jenny Yost. “But I think that’s actually awesome…it’s less ‘Oh Christians’ and it’s like ‘Oh yay holidays’!”
On the other hand, some family-owned stores like that of Elementary Education Major Elizabeth Culotta choose to celebrate despite the controversy.
“We’ve been open for 31 years, so every Christmas we always decorate,” explained Culotta.
Despite the length of time Culotta has spent working at Victoria’s Toy Station, she says to her knowledge there have not been negative comments with regard to the store’s Christmas decorations.
Although many people celebrate differently, some LSU students have come up with ways to include everyone. 
“I say Happy Holidays just because it’s more inclusive,” said Yost. “I feel like there’s a very few number of people who actually celebrate Christmas, and I want to extend my greetings and joy to everyone I see, not just a couple of people.”
Morris said that she tries to make her greetings specific to whom she is speaking.
“I think that if you know someone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, then go out of your way to say Happy New Year, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa,” said Morris. “But, if you want to say Merry Christmas and you don’t know…then just spread the cheer.”
Apart from expressing celebration for a specific holiday, just wishing someone well this time of year can be a great way to spread some seasonal cheer.