I grew up as an Irish Methodist with my Mother's sister converting to Judiasm and have a partner in what we do here in WCG who is a Egyptian Muslim.
A little diversity maybe?
I was brought up thinking that saying Merry Christmas to people was done in the spirit of friendliness and of the season and still feel that way.
I don't say it to hurt anyone and if I "know" that the person I'm speaking with isn't a Christian I will change my greeting but there is a simple fact that here in the USA the vast majority of people are Christians and that is not debatable so I will continue to use that greeting. If my greeting of joy is taken by a few as hatefull then so be it. The problem is theirs not mine and my advice to them is simply "Get over it, you live in a country that is mostly Christian and we assume that you are also."
We really need to get beyond this small stuff that separates us and work together for the betterment of all.
When I first became involved in WCG with my friend who is Muslim it was back in 2006 and the events of 2001 were still VERY strong in my mind. We discussed many things and I learned that just like you and I he has a family that he loves, works hard to make a good life for them and to me is one of the people I call the "good hearts". He is also one of the smarter people I've ever met and has a cold logic to get to the root of an issue better than anyone I've ever met.
We even got to the point in the relationship where we could tease and no insult was meant or taken.
I tell the story of saying to him one time: " If you ever get the chance to visit I promise not to serve a roast pork." To which he laughed and replied:" I promise not to park a camel in your driveway and scare the neighbors"
This is what we need more of in this world. private communication between peoples of different backgrounds and cultures so that "We the People" can see for ourselves how much we have in common and with that knowledge the fears of the unknown disappear.
People are good or bad and skin color and ethnicity doesn't change that fact in any way.
Sorry for getting off topic in this but with the comments here it semed like the right place and time.