For pagan nurses, is "Happy solstice" the right expression?

[vetpharmtech]

Winter solstice is approaching. I am aware of this just yesterday while shopping at Trader Joe's. The store employees greeted me with "happy holidays". I responded with "thank you".

Since I am not a Christian and no longer want to deal with Christmas, I want to say "Happy solstice" in response. I do think this is appropriate since December is technically an astronomical phenomenon marking the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. It is simply a celebration of seasonal change and has nothing to do with the deity that I don't worship or believe in.

Having said that, I want to learn from pagan nurses here.

Do you say that to your patients and how do they respond?

Thank you

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

This is a very strange thread.

OP, many posters have voiced the same opinion, which it seems you don't seem to agree with (and that's fine), but I don't really understand what you're looking for from this post.

It's even stranger to me that you're looking for more in-depth answers about paganism on a nursing forum. As many people have pointed out, within a nursing context (where our job is to acknowledge and respect our patient's religious beliefs), there are many expressions that would make more sense in a patient care setting than "Happy Solstice:" "Season's Greetings," "Happy Holidays," etc. which are so non-specific that they offer well wishes without the risk of unintentionally offending or alienating anybody.

Outside of the nursing setting, you can obviously greet people however you want, but surely there are better places on the internet to find pagan educational resources than AllNurses. I'm all about open dialogue, but this just doesn't seem like a very productive one? I guess I'm confused about what you're hoping to get out of this discussion.

[vetpharmtech]

This is a very strange thread.

OP, many posters have voiced the same opinion, which it seems you don't seem to agree with (and that's fine), but I don't really understand what you're looking for from this post.

It's even stranger to me that you're looking for more in-depth answers about paganism on a nursing forum. As many people have pointed out, within a nursing context (where our job is to acknowledge and respect our patient's religious beliefs), there are many expressions that would make more sense in a patient care setting than "Happy Solstice:" "Season's Greetings," "Happy Holidays," etc. which are so non-specific that they offer well wishes without the risk of unintentionally offending or alienating anybody.

Outside of the nursing setting, you can obviously greet people however you want, but surely there are better places on the internet to find pagan educational resources than AllNurses. I'm all about open dialogue, but this just doesn't seem like a very productive one? I guess I'm confused about what you're hoping to get out of this discussion.

I got sidetracked into defending my position. Sorry for that.

With nurses who practice paganism seriously (meaning people can notice through your necklace, ring, hairstyle, clothing,...), would you say "happy yule" or "happy solstice" to patients or their family members?

When a patient wishes "merry christmas" to you, how would you respond when your pagan practice does not incorporate Christianity into it?

With general public, would you address "happy holiday" or are you more specific so that people know who you are?

I hope that is clear.

[heron, ASN, RN]

OP, your notion of "serious practice" is quite pharisaical. It doesn't seem to me that you've understood much of what posters are attempting to tell you, so I'll be blunt: It doesn't matter what you say. What matters is the intent with which you say it. Honest good wishes for a happy holiday come through regardless of the name of the holiday used.

I'm done.

[vetpharmtech]

OP, your notion of "serious practice" is quite pharisaical. It doesn't seem to me that you've understood much of what posters are attempting to tell you, so I'll be blunt: It doesn't matter what you say. What matters is the intent with which you say it. Honest good wishes for a happy holiday come through regardless of the name of the holiday used.

I'm done.

Heron, I used phrase "serious practice" based on my experience with pagans. There are not too many of them; however, where I'm living, pagans are never afraid of hiding their identity, at least most of them. I can guess just by the way they look. Usually my guess is correct. That doesn't mean I exclude pagans who look just like ordinary people.

None of these pagans said "happy yule" or "happy solstice" to me. That's why I'm curious how pagans in other areas initiate greeting to people and how they respond to "merry christmas" if they don't celebrate it.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Very interesting converstation here.

During certain holiday times people generally want to wish good cheer to others.

Especially working in a hospital, I try and spread some cheer - it is just my nature and I do not mean harm or anything.

I am Christian just for some background.

During Halloween one year, I was wishing everyone "Happy Halloween". Someone reponded back to me "Happy Harvest". I asked a clarifying question, got an explanation, in turn I then wished that person "Happy harvest"

During December I wish people Happy Holidays. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I wish those Merry Christmas. For those who celebrate Hannukka I have wished Happy Hannukah. It is just a greetin. Some people respond thank you and nothing else, otheres have responded something similar or with something else. If it is something else, I then try and wish that back to the person.

People just want to spread good tidings to all. If you want to wish people Happy Solstice, then say it to everyone, not just someone who has wished you a Merry Christmas. If you want to say nothing, just say Thank you and have a good day. The person offering the greeting want to wish you well.

We live in such a global society, you can never tell by looking at someone what they believe, follow, prefer. You have to rely on yourself. If someone were to say to me Happy Solstice, I would respond back the same, or just say thank you.

[GrumpyRN, NP]

Heron, I used phrase "serious practice" based on my experience with pagans. There are not too many of them; however, where I'm living, pagans are never afraid of hiding their identity, at least most of them. I can guess just by the way they look. Usually my guess is correct. That doesn't mean I exclude pagans who look just like ordinary people.

None of these pagans said "happy yule" or "happy solstice" to me. That's why I'm curious how pagans in other areas initiate greeting to people and how they respond to "merry christmas" if they don't celebrate it.

I'm curious, how do Pagans dress? Serious question as I can find nothing on t'interwebs about this. At best (worst?) the pictures I have seen remind me of hippies from the 1960's/70's or Lord of the Rings extras.

Have you thought of asking these people the questions you have? Seems more productive than asking here.

Just to complicate matters further, do you wish anyone a Happy Kwanzaa?

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

Heron, I used phrase "serious practice" based on my experience with pagans. There are not too many of them; however, where I'm living, pagans are never afraid of hiding their identity, at least most of them. I can guess just by the way they look. Usually my guess is correct. That doesn't mean I exclude pagans who look just like ordinary people.

None of these pagans said "happy yule" or "happy solstice" to me. That's why I'm curious how pagans in other areas initiate greeting to people and how they respond to "merry christmas" if they don't celebrate it.

Your experience with pagans appears to be rather limited. "Serious" pagans aren't always going to be open about their beliefs. I really doubt that ALL the pagans in your community are open about their beliefs. Even in more liberal areas, there is still some manner of disrespect given to pagans and witches.

I look like an ordinary person. I don't wear anything specific that can ID me as a pagan except when I am performing rites. And that is solitary. If you saw me walking down the street I seriously doubt you would be able to ID as pagan. And of the pagans I know, we prefer it that way. I don't know many pagans who are in your face about their beliefs.

I say Happy Holidays. I don't see a problem with it. I don't need to get peoples backs up by saying "Happy Solstice". Honestly you are coming across as wanting to do just that. It's just as obnoxious to do this as it is for people to insist you say "Merry Christmas". Perhaps those pagans who don't say "Happy Solstice" or "Happy Yule" to you have a good reason. Ask them

[vetpharmtech]

Your experience with pagans appears to be rather limited. "Serious" pagans aren't always going to be open about their beliefs. I really doubt that ALL the pagans in your community are open about their beliefs. Even in more liberal areas, there is still some manner of disrespect given to pagans and witches.

I look like an ordinary person. I don't wear anything specific that can ID me as a pagan except when I am performing rites. And that is solitary. If you saw me walking down the street I seriously doubt you would be able to ID as pagan. And of the pagans I know, we prefer it that way. I don't know many pagans who are in your face about their beliefs.

I say Happy Holidays. I don't see a problem with it. I don't need to get peoples backs up by saying "Happy Solstice". Honestly you are coming across as wanting to do just that. It's just as obnoxious to do this as it is for people to insist you say "Merry Christmas". Perhaps those pagans who don't say "Happy Solstice" or "Happy Yule" to you have a good reason. Ask them

The pagans I met were not in my face about their belief. They were natural about their expression. They happen to fit stereotypes about pagan dresses. I guess they were pagans. I asked them and had confirmation. They were very nice people and not at all weird like the media portrayed them.

I did ask my pagan coworkers. They tended to greet each other with "happy yule" or "happy solstice". They greeted me with "happy holidays" because they respected and honored whatever I celebrated. I was moved by their gesture. A Wiccan told me that she was bound by the Wiccan Rede, so she did not want to put me an awkward position with the holiday I may not celebrate.

This is California. I don't know about other places.

My exposure to pagans is indeed limited, but it is overall positive. Plus my connection to nature one time draws me closer to their path even though mine is the other side of the coin.

I cannot say the same about Christians though. They are generally cool people. However, a few who insist in wishing "merry christmas" are the ones I feel uneasy with. I simply responded with thanks and left it at that. I will do my best to continue that way. Otherwise, I will have to respond with the appropriate expression that I see fit:sarcastic:.

[vetpharmtech]

I'm curious, how do Pagans dress? Serious question as I can find nothing on t'interwebs about this. At best (worst?) the pictures I have seen remind me of hippies from the 1960's/70's or Lord of the Rings extras.

Have you thought of asking these people the questions you have? Seems more productive than asking here.

Just to complicate matters further, do you wish anyone a Happy Kwanzaa?

Well, the pagans I encountered were my coworkers. They had to wear uniforms like I did. Since there was no code for hair style or jewelry, their appearance was different from other people. During Halloween and annual party, their dressing style showed. They looked pretty cool.

I did asked them the question. They gave me a good answer which showed me how respectful they were to people who don't share their belief. Unlike Christians who usually assume everyone celebrates the birth of their savior, the pagans I knew never made that assumption. However, this is California. Pagans here are generally open about who they are. I don't know how pagans in other states are, especially in the Bible belts.

I don't wish anyone "happy kwanzaa" unless that person is an African descent who celebrates that holiday. I don't like Christians' totalitarian holiday wish, so I try not to do that out of respect for African American people.

[vetpharmtech]

We live in such a global society, you can never tell by looking at someone what they believe, follow, prefer. You have to rely on yourself. If someone were to say to me Happy Solstice, I would respond back the same, or just say thank you.

The world will be a better place if religious people are like you and pagans. Too often I find Christians not able to think for themselves. They rely on whatever written in the Bible to mistreat people instead of using their empathy to treat people properly. That's why I am uncomfortable when Christians intentionally say "merry christmas" to me. The implied assumption is that I also celebrate and acknowledge Jesus as the king of every holiday in December.

I can definitely wish you a merry Christmas. You earn my respect.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Vetpharmtech:

Wishing you a Happy Solstice. If not, please let me know what you wish. This month is a magical month for many. I really love this season and enjoy doing things for people.

An interesting side note. We were arranging a happy hour for later in December. The organizer was doing it later in the month becuase it was the best time. He wrote out something that addressed Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and I believe Happy Solstice. SOmeone wrote him back and said please don't forget Festivus. So we added Happy Festivus to the list. I would love to know more about the celebrations I don't know much about.

[Happy.Nurselet, LPN]

I have tried out many religions, and for a couple of winters I was on the pagan spectrum. During those times I found the most respectful way to respond that I was comfortable with was "have a blessed Yuletide" or (merrily) "Yuletide cheer". I also used seasons greetings a lot and sometimes I would say (very sincerely) "enjoy your Christmas" to those I knew to be super religious. I want them to enjoy their holiday, so why not say it? Just because I won't be joining their celebration doesn't stop me from hoping they enjoy it. It's kind of like saying "have a nice vacation" in that sense.