Here's one I was pondering. Memorial Day is a perfect example. It is traditionally a day of remembrance, a rather somber day originally for decorating the graves of soldiers fallen in war. We still decorate the graves of loved ones, as part of Memorial Day traditions.

So it feels weird to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day - as it's a day with sad origins. But many folks now seem to regard it as simply a picnic stay, and the start of "summer" ... I have taken to saying "have a good Memorial Day," hoping that covers both sides of it for people. What do you say?

There are plenty of holidays that I am fine with wishing a happy or merry day for folks. Others, it seems awkward. And for the Jewish holidays on my calendar, I know "Happy" is fine for Hannukah, but what about Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Passover - is "happy" appropriate then? Would not want to be glib if it is a solemn day!