It’s no secret some people get upset when they hear the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” claiming it's a "war on Christmas."
But now, it seems some people are also taking issue with acknowledging holidays that happen in entirely different months.
Last week marked the start of Ramadan, a sacred month for Muslims worldwide. In honor of the occasion, Elmo from Sesame Street posted a tweet on Twitter wishing "Ramadan Mubarak" (Happy Ramadan) to "all of Elmo's friends."
You can see Elmo's tweet below.
This simple message was intended to make children who celebrate Ramadan feel seen and included.
However, some people were quick to criticize Elmo.
They argued acknowledging Ramadan or any non-Christian holiday somehow takes away from Christians and accused Elmo of "pandering."
Others were moved by Elmo's message though and expressed their appreciation.
While it’s true Christian holidays get a lot of attention in the United States, it's important to remember not everyone celebrates them.
Sesame Street has long been known for their inclusive messages featuring diverse characters and recognizing a range of holidays and cultural traditions.
Fortunately, the overwhelming response to Elmo's tweet was positive, with many people expressing gratitude for the show's inclusive message. However, the fact some people are taking offense to such a harmless message is indicative of a larger problem.
In a world where so many serious issues are facing us, it seems ridiculous to expend energy on picking fights with a fictional character on Twitter.
Thanks Elmo!
Many people appreciate you and your message.