[componentheading]Yes, I Do[/componentheading]
We love greeting customers with “Merry Christmas!” Most return the greeting with a big smile. It makes them and us happy!— Deborah Lucas; Dems Fine Jewelers, Irmo, SC
We say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah” and “Happy holidays” as the situation merits. It’s just a cheerful holiday greeting. — Lonnie Marcus; Castle Rock Jewelers, Castle Rock, CO
Because it is Christmas! And that’s why they bought a present. — Richard Frank; Goldstein’s, Mobile, AL
I am wishing them the joy and peace of the day that is celebrated in my religion. I fail to see how anyone can be offended by wishing someone joy and peace. — Brian E. Smith; Smith Jewelers, Glendale, OH
Our customers tell us they don’t like how some of the mall stores will no longer say “Merry Christmas.” And many actually thank us for saying it! — Gregory Fliegauf; Fliegauf Jewelers, Washington, NJ
We have a substantial Jewish clientele, so we say “Happy holidays” to everyone through the end of Hanukkah and “Merry Christmas” to everyone after that. — Dorothy Vodicka; The Gem Collection, Tallahassee, FL
For us, Christ is still the center of Christmas. — Kevin Stanfield; Stanfield’s Jewelers, Gilmer, TX
If they are Christmas shopping we say “Merry Christmas,” if they are Hanukkah shopping, we wish them “Happy Hanukkah, and if they are birthday shopping, we ask them to please bring us a slice of cake! — Rosanne Kroen; Rosanne’s Diamonds & Gold, South Bend, IN
This is the holiday we are celebrating. If it offends you, you can buy in another store. — Dan Decker; Decker Diamond Jewelers, Ebensburg, PA
We are Muslims, but we see nothing wrong in respecting and celebrating the birth of Christ and wishing all of our customers a merry Christmas, just as they would wish us happy Eid, or we would wish others a happy Diwali. We put up a tree in the store and in our home. It’s all part of celebrating the holiday season. — Shahraz Kassam; Shamin Jewellers, Burnaby, BC, Canada
[componentheading]No, I Don’t[/componentheading]
During the holidays, saying “Merry Christmas” ranks right up there with “How are you today?” in terms of sincerity. — Bill Elliott; Ross Elliott Jewelers, Terre Haute, IN
“Seasons greetings” — it’s more non-denominational and all-encompassing. — Lisa Corbin; Tompkins Jewellers, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
I say, “Enjoy!” I don’t celebrate any of the holidays for religious reasons. — Annette Evens; RD Allen Freeport Jewelers, Freeport, ME
“Have a great holiday!” And: “Thank you very much.” — Jared Nadler; Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Birmingham, AL
There are other religious holidays during the Christmas season, so greeting customers with “Happy holidays” just seems to encompass all religions. — Judy Stanley; Skippack Jewelers, East Greenville, PA
[span class=note]This story is from the November 2010 edition of INSTORE[/span]