Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? It's a question that's been swirling around Rhode Island for a year, since Gov. Lincoln Chafee uphelp state tradition by calling the Statehouse evergreen a "Holiday Tree" instead of a "Christmas Tree," in an attempt to be inclusive of all faiths.

Those unaware that previous governors have routinely referred to it as a "Holiday Tree" protested, going so far as to picket the tree lighting last year. No such protest took place this year — perhaps because of Chafee's last-minute lighting ceremony. But the tree again sparked the question of which holiday greeting is best.

When it comes to season’s greetings, a new poll shows the majority of Americans prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.”

According to a survey from Rasmussen Reports, 68 percent of people polled prefer the traditional “Merry Christmas” while just 23 percent like "Happy Holidays," which can cover a variety of occasions.

When it comes to holiday signs, a whopping 70 percent of shoppers polled said they prefer to be greeted with “Merry Christmas” in stores rather than the more neutral "Happy Holidays," according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

The so-called “War on Christmas” has been a hot topic for years, with some saying “Merry Christmas” excludes non-Christians. Others believe the religious connotation behind the greeting does not belong in government or schools.

We want to know what you think. Take our poll and tell us if you prefer “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Let us know the reason behind your preference in the in the comment section below.