# Is wishing a non-Jewish person "Happy Hanukah" wrong? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 24, 2018, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629 "2018-12-24T15:13:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/1 "2018-12-24T15:13:21Z")
Okay, we’ve debated the “Merry Christmas” idea to death. But occasionally at work a customer will wish me a “Happy Hanukah.” I give our programmed response of “Thank you, and same to you.” I celebrate neither holiday, but it seems the nice think to do. So, religious of not, would you be offended if a person wished you a “Happy Hanukah”? ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/2 "2018-12-24T16:02:05Z")
It would not bother me at all. I would even consider it proper during the actual holiday. The rest of the time, it’s still just fine. And it’s a lot easier than trying to figure out what the other person celebrates. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/3 "2018-12-24T16:29:22Z")
I am never offended when others wish me happiness. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/4 "2018-12-24T16:52:59Z")
Offended? No. I find it a bit silly since the holiday is so minor. It’d be like wishing someone a happy flag day, or something and making a really big deal of it. I had a work friend trip over herself apologizing for forgetting to wish my happy Hanukkah. It was sweet, but so unnecessary. The only negativity I might feel (depending on the person and situation) is that I wish that people who go out of their way to wish me Happy Hanukkah would also remember the actually important holidays (Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippor), which often pass with little notice. Often even scheduling work meetings and such on them. However, for the average person the motivation is one of kindness, so it would never offend me. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/5 "2018-12-24T17:16:05Z")
If they know you aren’t Jewish, and they are doing it to make a point, and the point is an unpleasant one, then you could be mildly offended. But if it’s someone who thinks you are Jewish, or if it’s in a setting where most people are Jewish and it’s the default holiday comment (or at a Hanukkah party, etc.) Then it just seems like random kind intentions from them, and that’s howi would take it. Of course, I am Jewish, and that’s how I interpret most Christmas greetings. And, if your friend is just excited about Ramadan or Diwali and wishes youa happy festival-they-are-celebrating, I figure the same. They are wishing you well. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/6 "2018-12-24T18:47:08Z")
I just respond same to you when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas. Don’t see why it wouldn’t work the other way. Unless the person wants to be offended. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/7 "2018-12-24T19:15:55Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > I just respond same to you when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas. Don’t see why it wouldn’t work the other way. Unless the person wants to be offended. I agree, though far too many people these days do seem to want to find reasons to be offended. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/8 "2018-12-24T19:19:09Z")
If somebody wishes me a happy anything, it’s a friendly wish, and I’ll respond positively. I don’t care if it’s Hanukkah, Ground Hog Day, or Satan’s birthday. The meaning is good. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/9 "2018-12-24T19:20:42Z")
Miss Manners suggests the proper greeting to a customer at your store (whom you do not know) is “Happy holidays”, not “Happy Christmas” or “Hail Satan” or whatever. That way you do not have to worry about anyone getting offended (though there will always be some nasty grouch). ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/10 "2018-12-24T19:48:14Z")
The only thing that annoys me about Happy Hanukkah is that it’s strange to hear the greeting long after the holiday has ended. I get the sentiment that you understand that I am Jewish and are trying to recognize my holiday, but my holiday ended back on Dec. 9. It’s as if I wished a Christian person Merry Christmas on Jan. 10. I always take it as intended, but sometimes I use it as a teachable moment to explain the timing of Hanukkah. Mostly I’m just happy when anyone has good wishes for me. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/11 "2018-12-24T20:59:09Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I am never offended when others wish me happiness. > [@AskNott](#): > > If somebody wishes me a happy anything, it’s a friendly wish, and I’ll respond positively. I don’t care if it’s Hanukkah, Ground Hog Day, or Satan’s birthday. The meaning is good. > [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > However, for the average person the motivation is one of kindness, so it would never offend me. > [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > Mostly I’m just happy when anyone has good wishes for me. These sentiments sum up my feeling on the matter. I feel sorry for anyone whose propensity for offense is set to such a hair trigger that such a thing would bother them. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/12 "2018-12-25T02:30:58Z")
I’m not Jewish but would happily (merrily?) welcome the gesture - anyone who would be offended by it would probably be offended if you wished them “Good Morning” at 12:01 PM. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/13 "2018-12-25T13:40:51Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I am never offended when others wish me happiness. This. ---
**Author:** ![Ace309](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ace309/32/1050_2.png) [@Ace309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace309)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/14 "2018-12-25T14:34:34Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Offended? No. I find it a bit silly since the holiday is so minor. It’d be like wishing someone a happy flag day, or something and making a really big deal of it. I had a work friend trip over herself apologizing for forgetting to wish my happy Hanukkah. It was sweet, but so unnecessary. > > The only negativity I might feel (depending on the person and situation) is that I wish that people who go out of their way to wish me Happy Hanukkah would also remember the actually important holidays (Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippor), which often pass with little notice. Often even scheduling work meetings and such on them. > > However, for the average person the motivation is one of kindness, so it would never offend me. I hope you have a happy and productive Boxing Day. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/15 "2018-12-25T15:04:30Z")
Sorry, just realized I had misread the intent of the thread. Merry Christmas, and happy birthday, OP! ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/16 "2018-12-25T15:07:57Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/17 "2018-12-25T15:10:09Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > It’s lovely to hear how you’d take an attempt to acknowledge your traditions with such magnanimity. Did you read the title of the thread with the same diligence that you require from others? Uh, did you not see the post directly above yours? Casting stones and all that. And pulling one part of a larger post, which provided context and a general spirit of acceptance, to make it look as bad a possible, was not very kind. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/18 "2018-12-25T15:12:48Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Uh, did you not see the post directly above yours? Casting stones and all that. > > And pulling one part of a larger post, which provided context and a general spirit of acceptance, to make it look as bad a possible, was not very kind. We are cross-posting. I did delete my post, realizing I was being a bit of a jerk. Happy two-weeks-after-Hannukah! ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/19 "2018-12-25T21:01:31Z")
A Jewish friend corrected me when I wished him a good Yom Kippur because it’s supposed to be a day spent contemplating ones many flaws, so now I wish my Jewish friends a most reflective and miserable day and that I hope they will discover some boneheaded and embarrassing things they had forgotten about. He also explained that the correct wish on December 25 is, “Happy Jews Eat Chinese Food Day.” ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2018, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629/20 "2018-12-25T22:22:30Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > A Jewish friend corrected me when I wished him a good Yom Kippur because it’s supposed to be a day spent contemplating ones many flaws, so now I wish my Jewish friends a most reflective and miserable day and that I hope they will discover some boneheaded and embarrassing things they had forgotten about. That’s not what Yom Kippur is about either. It’s a solemn and reflective holiday, not one to be miserable at. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-wishing-a-non-jewish-person-happy-hanukah-wrong/826629.md?page=2)