happy holiday!?!

have you ever wondered why so many people are saying happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas? i mean what holiday are they talking about? the only one's around are Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Day. which one are they referring to? it's confusing me. i just wish people would say what they mean. if they're wishing me a Merry Christmas, then say so. if Hanukkah or New Years, then say so. are people embarrassed? are they timid? are they confused? do they have no identity with one of these days? do they not respect people if they believe in something? or even worse - are they too afraid to stand up for something that counts?