اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ Can we say "Happy New Year" just for the sake of replying to someone wishing. I live in Germany and everyone says it. The Intention is just for the sake of replying.

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan
No, you can just smile or so to avoid awkwardness if u r put in an awkward situation.