If you are talking about a one-on-one exchange, the correct term...

If you are talking about a one-on-one exchange, the correct term is Merry Christmas, regardless of the recipient. This is a no-brainer, the only people who would kick up a stink on that are people less interested in the issue and more interested in an argument.

The term is just two words designed to carry meaning, meaning from the giver, a fairly specific meaning around imparting the hope of a fun day. The religion of the recipient is immaterial, because the intent of the term is derived from the speaker, not the recipient. Unless the recipient is basically a weirdo, they will always accept it as a genuinely positive term, even if the base foundation of the term is incongruous with their own religion or beliefs because it's not delivered in their own language but in the language of the giver.

The only entitlement to be offended at the use of the term rests with the giver. That a giver might be forced to wish someone a Merry Christmas when they don't want to is awfully unlikely, but is an exception to the otherwise unassailable rule that nobody normal can complain about wishing or being wished a happy named public day of rest and gift-giving.

I think an entity might be a tougher question, because entities have no moral foundation from which to derive the intent of the term. Things like TV stations, businesses etc. I probably would not advocate the use of Merry Christmas in that instance, because in the absence of a clear, moral foundation of intent from the giver, it's leaning very much towards the possibility that the entity is directing the positive intent to a particular cohort for whom the foundation does have meaning.

I think a Church or similar entity with an aligned foundation of intent could comfortably wish an entire population a Merry Christmas.

Saying Happy Holidays to a Christian of sound mind shouldn't uspet them in the slightest, because again the intent is founded with the giver. Saying Happy Holidays is generic, and positive. You can say Happy Holidays to anyone you like, regardless of who you are. Who could possibly be upset that they are being wished happiness on an upcoming Holiday experienced by the entire nation? No one could reasonably be offended by this. Talking heads on TV do, often, really often, get upset by this sort of stuff...sometimes some people just need to always be fighting, even as a job.


In summary, say Merry Christmas to anyone you like, if you're an individual. If a non-aligned entity, stick with Happy Holidays.

That's probably more than you wanted. Sorry :/

And, Merry Christmas