What do you want to hear from strangers?

As it gets closer to Christmas, I was wondering what people thought about other people saying Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas and personally I wouldn’t mind someone saying Happy Hanukkah to me.

I know in many stores in the US, employees aren’t supposed to say Merry Christmas, but is it a big deal what they say to you?

I’ve seen a girl say it to a customer in line in front of me, the guy didn’t care, said it back, but as soon as he left, a manager came over and spoke quietly to her. Her happy expression kinda dimmed and when I was finished buying, she said “Happy Holidays”, which I replied Merry Christmas to and she seemed to be really happy with me saying that. I am not arguing that stores have the right to tell their employees what they can and can’t say, but more if it is necessary. There are many holidays in the holiday season and no one wants to offend anyone or make them feel excluded. Do you think everyone should just say Happy Holidays, or is Merry Christmas still okay?