re: Is it patronizing to say "Merry Christmas" if you don't believe in God/Jesus?

quote:

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pa·tron·ize
'patr??niz,'patr??niz/
verb
gerund or present participle: patronizing

1.
treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.
"“She's a good-hearted girl,” he said in a patronizing voice"
synonyms: treat condescendingly, condescend to, look down on, talk down to, put down, treat like a child, treat with disdain

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No.

I think you are using the word incorrectly. What I think you mean is if it makes you fake or dishonest. I'll answer the question to this. No. It doesn't. Christmas is more than a religious holiday as much as some people would like to pretend that it is. It is a cultural event that is close to obligatory to observe in some fashion as a member of society in the US. It is a time to be happy and be with friends and family. Recognizing this is fine. Moreover even if you decide not recognize the holiday at all wishing others well in observing the holiday as a religious event is perfectly fine as well.