Christmas 2023- Why do we say “Merry Christmas” not “Happy Christmas”?

The year's end celebratory mood is focused on Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. It is one of the most important religious holidays, celebrated with numerous get-togethers, cooking, decorating Christmas trees, and attending parties. The festivities begin on December 24, evening, often known as Christmas Eve. But on this day, individuals greet each other with the greeting “Merry Christmas” and not “Happy Christmas”.

Some argue that the word 'merry' is connected with the rudeness of the deprived classes, but 'happy' is associated with a higher-class sense, particularly because it is associated with the royal family greeting “Happy Christmas”. Every year, Queen Elizabeth II of England addresses the citizens of the United Kingdom on Christmas day with 'Happy Christmas'.

Rumour has it that she prefers the word “happy” to “merry” because the latter conveys rudeness and intoxication.

Moreover, historians think that previous church leaders in the United Kingdom encouraged Christian followers to be 'happy' rather than 'merry'.

The answer is based on what the language represents: “happy” is a feeling, whereas “merry” is a behaviour. Furthermore, the bishop John Fisher wished “Merry Christmas" in a letter to Henry VIII's top minister Thomas Cromwell. The date of the letter is 1534, and it was written in London.

Literary and cultural motives of the phrase “We Wish You a Merry Christmas'” was first used in the 16th century and was featured in Charles Dickens' novel “A Christmas Carol” in 1843, which was a major cause for its continued popularity. The phrase “merry” has grown so famous and organically tied with Christmas that simply hearing it transports us to the holiday season!

The word “Merry Christmas” is usually used in the United States while “Happy Christmas” is more prevalent in the United Kingdom since both the expressions have altered and developed with time.

FAQ

1-When is Boxing Day Celebrated?
Boxing Day is observed on December 26th and is only observed in a few nations.

2-Is December 31 a holiday?
December 31 is not a government holiday, however it does fall towards the end of the year during the Christmas season.