The Meaning Behind Saying Merry Christmas

Origins and Historical Background of Merry Christmas

Nowadays, it's a widespread tradition to wish “Merry Christmas” to each other around December 25th, the day of Christmas. The beginnings of this custom are somewhat unclear. Nonetheless, it's thought that an English admiral first coined the term Merry Christmas in an informal letter as far back as 1699. During the same period, the phrase appeared in a non-religious Christmas song, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,' which remains popular today.

In 1843, Charles Dickens featured the phrase in “A Christmas Carol.” That same year, the first Christmas Card available for purchase included this saying! This created a perfect wave of popularity, making “Merry Christmas” a global hit for Christmas Greetings!

Historical Perspective on the Phrase Merry Christmas

Above is the very first commercially produced Christmas Card, a tradition that remains highly popular. Modern cards feature various holiday sentiments.

Interpreting Merry Christmas

What Does It Signify?

The word Merry is chosen over Happy to highlight the revelry associated with the holiday, much like in the traditional Christmas carol ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'. Merry Christmas conveys messages of love, joy, and well wishes, regardless of personal beliefs. It's a greeting that fosters instant connection even among strangers.

Defining a Merry Christmas

It's a phrase that softens animosity, clears misunderstandings between loved ones, and opens doors to new relationships. Remarkably, these two simple words, “Merry Christmas,” can evoke such profound emotions.

Comparing Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Despite its uncertain origins, “Merry Christmas” has become a universal phrase to express joy and goodwill. In recent times, “Happy Holidays” has also gained popularity to be more inclusive of various cultural celebrations in December. Although “Happy Holidays” has long been linked to Christmas and Seasons Greetings, “Merry Christmas” does not carry any inherently religious connotations and is used by people of all backgrounds during the Christmas season.

Happy Christmas?

In certain regions, people opt for a minor variation of the phrase “Merry Christmas.” In Ireland and Great Britain, some prefer saying “Happy Christmas” instead. However, the power and meaning of the greeting remain unchanged, as the intent of love and goodwill is consistent, regardless of the exact wording used.

Happy Christmas

The term “Happy Christmas” is often used by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and continues to gain traction in that area. Interestingly, Clement Moore used “Happy Christmas” in the final lines of his renowned poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

Various holiday greetings are used worldwide, but “Merry Christmas” remains highly popular in countries with significant Christian populations, such as the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. Other greetings for this time of the year include “Happy Holidays,” “Seasons Greetings,” and “Happy Christmas.”

Ultimately, the term you choose is less important than the message you wish to convey. Words are simply audible vehicles for communication, and they hold meaning only as perceived by the listener. And when we use a phrase like “Merry Christmas,” is there any doubt about our intentions?

Learn How to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages

Do you prefer Happy Christmas, Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays?