Why do Americans say happy holidays instead of merry christmas?

Because some people understand and respect that there are others who believe differently than themselves.

For two reasons: 1. To include New Years 2. Because America is a melting pot, meaning that we have a mixture of cultures and beliefs. Not everyone believes in Christianity or celebrates Christmas so we say Happy Holidays to include all the other practices that are held around this time (i.e. Kwanzaa, etc.)

because we have to be "politically correct" and if you say merry christmas to someone who doesnt celebrate christmas they might get offended. its ridiculous, i disagree with it 100% so i say merry christmas

Because in winter there is a different holiday for everyone. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. People can celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa etc. etc. and just so you don't offend anyone that you don't know very well, you say Happy Holidays.

There are other holidays at this time of year and other religions that do not celebrate Christmas. It is fine to say either one. Merry Christmas

I say both, not EVERYONE celebrates Christmas. To people that I know celebrate christmas like myself and my family I say "Merry Christmas" but to people who I don't know, and don't know their religion i say "Happy Holidays" it's called respecting other people.

thats because some Americans do not believe in Jesus ( which is the main purpose of christmas).. they believe in another religion such as jewish, protestant, etc.

people celebrate other holidays because of there religion and because they include new years

Because America has lots of other religions who also celebrate holidays during the winter solstice and they are not Christians and do not celebrate Xmas. We have Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, etc. and we respect other people and their beliefs and do not force everyone into one pattern. That is why the US does not have people of different religions at each other's throats like so many other countries do.