I'm dreaming of a grammatically correct holiday season.
If you are sending out cards this month, avoid the most common missteps: Xmas, Hanuka, Kwaanza, and New Years Day. Here's the problem with each.
Xmas (Dec. 25): While the X in Xmas is actually the Greek letter Chi, and has been used as a respectful abbreviation for Christ in the past, it is now perceived as inappropriate by many Christians. They wonder if you're trying to take the "Christ" out of "Christmas." Use Christmas.
Hanuka (Dec. 20-28): This is one of many misspellings of the Jewish Festival of Lights. Use Hanukkah or Chanukah, both of which are generally accepted.
Kwaanza (Dec. 26-Jan. 1): This is the most common misspelling of the African-American holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. The correct spelling is Kwanzaa.
New Years Day (Jan. 1): The day belongs to the New Year, so you need an apostrophe to make the phrase possessive. Thus, use New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. And don't say Happy New Years.
Here's hoping you enjoy the holidays!
Note: The winner in the Grammar Gourmet's Playing with Words challenge is Jacob Englesman, who offered the following made-up word and definition: Bourban - when your spouse won't let you drink whiskey any more. Jacob will receive a signed copy of my book, VoiceMale.
Neil Chethik, aka the Grammar Gourmet,
is executive director at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning (www.carnegieliteracy.org) and author of FatherLoss and VoiceMale. The Carnegie Center offers writing classes and seminars for businesses and individuals. Contact Neil at neil@carnegie literacy.org or (859)254-4175.