Verified answer

I'd be thrilled and wish you a "Merry Christmas" in return!

Really, Santa isn't the symbol for a Christian holiday, he is a symbol for a pagan holiday that Christians assigned religious meaning to. Since Hanukkah is at the same time, I would not be offended, but a lot of Jews now do Christmas, too, just keeping Jesus out, so there's still Santa.

If people get offended over a Santa Claus wishing them "Happy Hanukkah," they don't have much holiday spirit anyways.

If you're dressed as Santa I would recommend to not wish people Happy Hanukkah how Santa is a symbol of Christmas. And please do not say Happy Holidays either, I wont get offended if people wish me Merry Christmas I will smile and say Thank You.

No, Santa is not a symbol for a Christian holiday. He has nothing to do with Jesus, as do neither a tree, lights, or reindeer. But that's another question. If I heard Santa say "Happy Hanukkah," I would think he was being funny.

It is best to keep Christmas OUT OF HANUKKAH; however, you may say, "Happy Holidays!" In short, you should NOT give particular mention of Hanukkah attired as Santa.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah they all good it's a beautiful season for all.

How about just "Happy Holidays"? Covers everything. It's the all-encompassing, politically correct greeting for the season in the US. Works for us.

I, personally, would be very upset if my child were greeted by Santa with "Happy Hanukah!" It IS kinda insulting, and rather confusing. Whereas, My child understands the concept, and that the guy in the costume at the store/mall is an actor...He'd accept the greeting of "Happy Holidays" gracefully, as would I, but save the Happy Hanukah for people you know are Jewish, and when you are out of costume.

Don't worry about the misery of centuries past...not really the issue with this time of year.

i wouldn't necessarily be insulted but i wouldn't want to be hearing happy hanukkah from a character that has caused so much hype over christmas.i understand you just want to be nice and bring others joy but you should stick with happy holidays.

I feel neither insulted or complimented. Santa is a Christmas character and is seems nonsensical.

All the best.

I'm not Jewish - but if somebody's INTENT is good - I don't get offended by much of anything they say.

How do you know they are Jewish? Are they wearing a Yarmulke or something?

I think it would be lovely for you to say what you did here... "Peace on Earth and good will to all" - that applies to everyone - and it couldn't possibly offend.

Namaste!