I tell my classes merry christmas without trepidation. It's all crap about this happy holidays stuff. If one does believe in God, why the hell would one think that he gives a flip about what you call it let alone making it a requirement of any sort. I feel the same way about burkas. You think God almighty created (if he did) this fantastic mechanism called a human body and then wants it covered up head to toe? You can call it religious practice or faith or culture all you want; to me, its just plain stupido and, no, I don't respect it!