>>So... what's proper?
>
>
>It's hard for me to describe my reaction but it usually depends upon context.
>
>Most of the time it's an innocuous greeting with no religious significance. Even in the secular world it's a happy time --- lots of lights, music (I'm not Christian but I LOVE Christmas music, even the religious type),

While there may be some nice music in that genre, I've heard it rendered in so many versions, and so watered down to kitsch, that I'm generally trying to stay away from it.

> invigorating weather (cold, but not brutally so), etc.

Cold? C'mon, you're just 100 miles more north than I am. Can't possibly be cold. Slightly chilly, I'd agree, or just chilly if there's wind.

> There's no reason to take offense because there's no offense intended. I simply smile, say "Thank you" and frequently add "To you too."

OK, this solves it for me (thanks to Tamar and others who responded). I'll wish them a happy new year, which is conveniently close in the calendar.

>If it's some individual or group going from door-to-door, then I tend to react a little more. My usual response is either
>
>1. Thank you but I don't celebrate Christmas or,
>2. Thank you. I hope you have/had a Happy Chanukah
>
>followed by immediate door closing.

At least you know the guy who tries to sell you vacuum cleaners is just doing that for a living.