Tonia Thomas: Thomas fired for “Happy Holidays” greeting (photo)
By Clarencia Cynrae on December 23rd, 2008Tonia Thomas claimed she was fired from her job at Counts Oakes Resort Properties in Panama City because she refused to say “Happy Holidays.” Thomas had offered to say “Merry Christmas” or a generic greeting instead of “Happy Holidays” but her boss disagreed.
Tonia Thomas said her religious beliefs did not permit her to say “Happy Holidays” because it meant grouping Christmas together with other religious holidays.
President Andy Phillips, of Counts Oakes Resort Properties in Panama City, denied Tonia Thomas’ claim. Phillips declined to elaborate on why Tonia Thomas was fired. Phillips said his company would not discuss employee situations.
Tonia Thomas is suing Counts Oakes for lost wages during her unemployment of one and a half weeks. Thomas wants compensation for the difference between her income at Counts Oaks and what she is making now.
Tonia Thomas photo.
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December 24th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Christmas is ONE day. Hanukah is observed for 8 days, and usually falls in around December.
Saying “Happy Holidays” during December makes more sense than saying “Merry Christmas”. The only day it makes sense to say “Merry Christmas” is on the 25th.
Tonia Thomas= Stupid.
December 24th, 2008 at 7:24 am
What utter nonsense! An employer can require you to say pretty much anything as their greeting including all the daily special prices. If you don’t like answering the phone that way – then quit. That’s not violating your free speech at all. IN fact, by quitting, you are protecting your freedom of speech by not allowing yourself to be forced to say it.
I was once required to answer the phone, “Thank you for calling Bank One where one get’s it done.”
Responses to that were less than charitable.
This has less to do with Christmas than Tonia Thomas’s desire to be on TV.
December 26th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Tonia Thomas’s insubordiantion is clear and her intolerance is unfortunate and dangerous. Indeed, refusing to recognize others’ holidays is the stuff wars and are made. She should have been fired.
December 27th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Poor little martyr.
I want to wish Tonia Thomas and the “Liberty” Counsel a very happy Kwanza.
December 27th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Actually, Christmas tide is celebrated from 25 december till the first Sunday after Epiphany (this year, this means 11 January). Paper = stupid.
And she has the right to wish whatever she wants. This “happy holidays” is non-sense. The only ones who actually are upset by “Merry Christmas” are intolerant atheists.
December 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Dear Frank,
Winter celebrations were happening long before the rise of Christianity. Where do you think the practice of putting up a tree comes from?: pagan celebrations. Those who celebrate something other than Christmas this time of year have every right. The only ones who actually are upset by the more inclusive “happy holidays” are intolerant Christians.
December 27th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
What an idiot. Does this woman celebrate Thanksgiving and New Years? That would be THREE holidays…hence “Happy Holidays”.
I’m a Christian myself…but some people need to just calm down.
When at work, you do as the employer asks or you quit.