Tis The Season For Unreason, Part 6

Coworkers, Holidays, Jerk, Religion, Retail, USA, Virginia | Working | December 23, 2020

I work in a very Christian store though I am not Christian myself, and around the holiday season, all my coworkers say, “Merry Christmas,” to each customer that comes through. Of course, I’ve got no problem with that, but being that I don’t celebrate Christmas, I just say, “Happy holidays!” Usually, this is fine, and no one says anything about it. But one day, I’m bagging while a coworker rings up items. I hand the customer their bag.

Me: “You have a happy holiday!”

Customer: “Thanks. You, too!” *Leaves*

Coworker: “[My Name], why do you say, ‘Happy holidays,’ and not, ‘Merry Christmas’?”

I don’t want to start any kind of argument.

Me: “Um, well, New Years is coming up, too.”

Coworker: “Well… Christmas is first so you should say, ‘Merry Christmas.’”

My coworker looks very smug and proud of himself.

Me: *Fed up* “You know, it is currently Chanukah, so shouldn’t we be telling the customers, ‘Happy Chanukah,’ then?”

He instantly looked uncomfortable and confused, and I took the opportunity to go on break.