Many share holiday wishes using “Happy Holidays” for its inclusivity, but residents of a Catholic assisted living complex in Chehalis, Washington, are forbidden from saying “Merry Christmas” or displaying festive decorations. The facility, Providence Place, claims it aims to comply with federal law as it receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) asserts that residents were explicitly told they couldn’t celebrate Christmas. A letter from ADF to Providence Place states that residents were barred from saying “Merry Christmas” or displaying Christian-themed decorations during the season. Surprisingly, a Menorah was permitted as “cultural expression.” ADF seeks to restore residents’ religious rights, emphasizing that HUD rules don’t require suppressing religious expressions in federally funded senior living centers. One resident reported being told she couldn’t even say “Merry Christmas.” ADF attorney Matt Sharp argues,

“Americans don’t lose their constitutionally protected freedom to say ‘Merry Christmas’ just because they live in a federally funded facility.” A 2007 HUD press release also emphasizes respecting all religious symbols in HUD-assisted properties. Commenters express outrage, emphasizing residents’ right to celebrate freely.