Doctor Bombarded With Abuse for Saying 'Merry Christmas' Instead of 'Happy Holidays'

I know, a simple "Merry Christmas" seems innocent enough, doesn't it?

Well, this doctor learned the hard way that, these days, it isn't the correct term you should be using over the festive period... Apparently.

Dr. Vincent Candrawinata, from Sydney, Australia, uploaded a video to his Facebook page...

via: Facebook

Something that was initially intended as a thank you to customers for supporting his Renovatio business throughout the coronavirus pandemic and to spread joy after a difficult year.

In his message, he acknowledged the hardships Australia had faced this year...

via: Instagram

Such as the devastating bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

He then reminded everyone to continue supporting their communities...

via: Instagram

Before wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Well, this didn't sit too well with some of his followers...

And, subsequently, he was flooded with endless abuse from people who claimed they had been offended by the term.

Of course, plenty of people have jumped to his defense...

via: Facebook

via: Facebook

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via: Facebook

But the other comments weren't so supportive.

One person pointed out that "more than twenty-eight religions celebrate a festival in December," while another claimed that "saying Happy Holidays is one little inclusive gesture to throw out into this muddled world."

A different user even accused Dr. Vincent of excluding non-Christians, saying:

"I'm not Christian so I'm excluded from your best wishes. That's discrimination at its worst."

The dietician also found himself at the receiving end of racist abuse, too.

Dr. Vincent, who was born in Indonesia and arrived in Australia in 2008, was told he "should conform or learn more about Australian culture" and he should "try to be more Aussie."

Well, Dr. Vincent has now addressed the incident.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, he said: "(They) mentioned some statistics that Australia is not all Christian (and that) if you're saying Merry Christmas it is inherently discriminatory to other people who are not Christian and do not celebrate Christmas."

He admitted that he didn't think the 2 words would be problematic and that he "didn't think there was anything wrong with wishing people a Merry Christmas."

"I feel that Christmas is no longer just the religious holiday or religious celebration, it has a lot more meaning to it," he explained.

He has now refilmed his video...

And signed off with "Happy Holidays" instead. For more festive mayhem, keep scrolling to find out why one woman was offended by her neighbor's Christmas lights...