Merry jingles float through the air, snow is gently wafting toward the ground and gift items are flying off shelves. It's the Christmas season and spirits are high.

However, amid this flurry of merrymaking lies a controversy that has been steadily brewing for years now. What words of well-wishing should be extended to a stranger or friend? The decision to say either "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" has never been more of a problem.

Let's begin with a Christmas icon. In 1985, the Wisconsin state legislature decided to change the name of the official Wisconsin Christmas Tree to the Wisconsin Holiday Tree. This year, Democratic representative Marlin Schnieder proposed a bill that would change the name of the tree back to Christmas tree. This bill was passed in the general assembly, 84-12. However, the state Senate stalled the bill and will not vote on it this Christmas season.

The original movement to change to the term "holiday" tree has never actually made sense. Christmas is the only seasonal holiday who uses a tree as a symbol. Hanukkah and Kwanzaa do not use special trees in their decorations.

Last year, many businesses used "Happy Holidays" exclusively. Target was reported to have removed the word "Christmas" from its repertoire. That backfired last year, as many boycotted shopping the store due to this decision. This year, I walked into Target and immediately in the front, there was a large banner displaying the words "Merry Christmas." Obviously, Target decided that last year's decision wasn't the best.

It's even getting harder and harder to find Christmas cards that actually say "Christmas" in them. All the delectable treats are becoming "holiday cookies" instead of the good old-fashioned "Christmas cookies." Christmas just sounds better, too. What would you rather get: A holiday gift? Or a Christmas present?

The songs of the season also represent Christmas. "Have a Holly, Jolly Holiday" and "We Wish You a Merry Holiday," don't sound quite right coming out of your radio, do they?

Ads targeted to the public from different businesses claim special "holiday" sales, and special "holiday" gifts. However, with around 85 percent of the United States claiming to be Christian, most of the country celebrates one holiday, which is Christmas. So why aren't businesses trying to influence the majority instead of trying to not offend the minority?

I do not celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. However, during this season, if someone was to wish me a "Happy Hanukkah" or a "Merry Kwanzaa," I would take no offense at all. I would wish them the same, and add in a "Have a Merry Christmas, too!"

We have become so focused and scared into being politically correct and not offending anyone at all, that we have lost all focus on standing up for things and holidays that are most important to us.