Merry Christmas…and a Happy New Year! Those are phrases that you will likely hear many times during the holiday season. But have you ever paused to THINK about why those are the words you hear?

Why don’t people wish you a Festive Christmas? And a Merry New Year? In fact, why is Christmas merry when no other occasion seems to be? After all, you probably don’t wish people a Merry Birthday very often. You probably also don’t hear many Merry Hanukkahs or Merry Ramadans either! What’s the deal?

Historians and linguists cannot definitively explain why we tend to use Merry Christmas. The greeting dates back to at least 1534 in London, when it was written in a letter sent to Henry VIII’s chief minister Thomas Cromwell from bishop John Fisher. Scholars also note the phrase was used in the 16th century English carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Merry Christmas certainly gained popularity in 1843 with the publication of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. That same year the phrase also appeared on the first commercially-sold Christmas card.

Despite its prevalence in the United States and its historical origins, Merry Christmas never gained universal support. For example, Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas ends with the words, “A Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.” Each year, Queen Elizabeth also wishes British citizens a Happy Christmas in her annual broadcast.

In fact, Happy Christmas tends to be the preferred phrase for a significant minority of Great Britain. Why might this be? It could be the queen’s influence. A rumor has circulated that Queen Elizabeth prefers happy to merry, because the word merry, to her, carries with it a sense of boisterousness and even intoxication.

A linguistic comparison of happy and merry supports this theory. Early church leaders in Great Britain may have encouraged Christian followers to be happy rather than engage in merrymaking! In this sense, Happy Christmas is a bit more conservative and reserved than Merry Christmas, which conveys a more emotional, unrestrained celebration.

No one knows for certain why Merry Christmas became the more popular greeting in the United States. Some Christians believe it is a more appropriate greeting, given the unrestrained and emotional response followers should have to a celebration of the birth of their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Give It a Try

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at Wonderopolis! Celebrate with friends and family members by checking out the following activities:

Exploring Holiday Sayings and Customs

While many people say Merry Christmas during this time of year, have you ever wondered about other holiday sayings and customs that are special to your family? With a cup of hot cocoa in hand, gather around with your friends and family members to discuss the unique holiday traditions and sayings that make this time of year so special for your family. Take pleasure in sharing cherished memories and anticipate the creation of new ones!

Are you someone who enjoys playing with language? Sit down with a friend or family member and brainstorm some alternative variations of popular sayings. Feel free to let your creativity and sense of humor shine through. You can even try out your new sayings on unsuspecting friends. Have a friend with an upcoming birthday? Imagine their reaction when you wish them a Merry Birthday! Have a blast experimenting with language in fresh and amusing ways!

Feeling up for a challenge? Why not learn how to say Merry Christmas in various foreign languages? Want to greet someone in Afrikaans this Christmas? Go for it! Or how about Vietnamese, Swedish, Portuguese, or Thai? Simply go online and explore the extensive list of ways to say Merry Christmas in numerous languages. Choose a few, master the phrases, and share them with your loved ones. If you happen to know someone who speaks any of these foreign languages, don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance in proper pronunciation! You can apply the same approach to other holidays, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Useful Sources

• http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2011/12/what-makes-christmas-merry/
• https://www.bustle.com/articles/130629-why-do-we-say-merry-christmas-because-were-sentimental-rowdy-americans-linguist-arika-okrent-explains-video

FAQ

1. Why do we say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas”?

We say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas” because the phrase “Merry Christmas” has been used for centuries and has become the traditional greeting during the Christmas season. The word “merry” originally meant “pleasant” or “delightful” and was commonly used in greetings and expressions of good wishes. Over time, it became associated specifically with Christmas, and “Merry Christmas” became the standard greeting. While “Happy Christmas” is also used in some English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, “Merry Christmas” remains the more widely recognized and commonly used phrase.

2. Is there a historical reason behind saying “Merry Christmas”?

There is no specific historical reason behind saying “Merry Christmas” as opposed to “Happy Christmas.” The phrase “Merry Christmas” has been used in English-speaking countries for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. In medieval times, “merry” was used to convey a sense of joy and mirth, and it was often used in Christmas greetings and celebrations. Over time, “Merry Christmas” became ingrained in the cultural traditions and customs associated with the holiday. While the exact reasons for the preference of “Merry Christmas” over “Happy Christmas” are unclear, it has become the more commonly used phrase in modern times.

3. Can we use “Merry Christmas” in non-Christian contexts?

While “Merry Christmas” is traditionally associated with the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it has also become a widely recognized and used greeting in non-Christian contexts. In many English-speaking countries, “Merry Christmas” is used as a general holiday greeting during the festive season, regardless of religious affiliation. It is considered a friendly and inclusive way to wish someone well during the holiday period. However, it is always important to be mindful of the cultural and religious backgrounds of others and to use appropriate greetings when interacting with individuals who may not celebrate Christmas.

4. Are there any alternatives to saying “Merry Christmas”?

Yes, there are alternative greetings that can be used during the Christmas season. Some common alternatives include “Happy Holidays,” which is a more inclusive greeting that acknowledges the various holidays celebrated during this time of year, and “Season’s Greetings,” which is a general phrase used to convey good wishes for the entire holiday season. Additionally, you can personalize your greetings by saying “Wishing you a joyful Christmas” or “May your Christmas be filled with happiness and peace.” The choice of greeting ultimately depends on personal preference and the cultural context in which it is being used.