A Swedish steel company, SSAB, has sparked a cultural debate after its inclusion and diversity committee advised employees to swap the traditional “Merry Christmas” for the more neutral “Happy Holidays.”
The company’s internal message noted the season’s multicultural celebrations and suggested the change to encompass diverse traditions.
This recommendation quickly drew criticism, particularly from the Sweden Democrats, a major party in the center-right coalition government. On social media, the party firmly stated, “In Sweden, we say ‘Merry Christmas.’ Period.” They accused SSAB of betraying Swedish culture and called for respect for local traditions, arguing that newcomers should adapt to Swedish customs rather than the other way around.
Commentator György Pilhál didn’t hold back either, calling the move an example of “liberal stupidity.” Pilhál highlighted the irony of policies aimed at forced inclusion, pointing out that many migrants resist embracing liberal ideologies such as gender equality or LGBTQ+ rights. Citing studies from Swedish schools with high migrant populations, Pilhál noted democratic issues, including resistance to homosexuality and strict gender roles, particularly among students of Muslim origin.
The broader context includes Sweden’s struggles with the consequences of mass migration, such as increased gang violence, bombings, and murders. In a striking example, an Iraqi migrant recently returned to his home country, claiming he felt safer there after experiencing threats and extortion by organized gangs in Stockholm.
This controversy underscores a growing tension in Sweden between preserving traditional cultural practices and adapting to the country’s evolving multicultural landscape. Critics argue that gestures like banning “Merry Christmas” alienate both native Swedes and the very migrants they aim to include.
