Can you say Merry Christmas in the USA?

There are many in the US who do not celebrate Christmas, but only a few people will be very offended if you wish them a Merry Christmas. What is somewhat taboo is to assume that everyone in the US celebrates Christmas as a religious observance.

What do Americans say for Christmas?

I'm American and when December rolls around we invariably use the phrase “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Christmas”. Whereas every other holiday we would use the phrase “Happy __”, e.g. “Happy New Year” or “Happy Thanksgiving”. In Britain they also use the word happy instead of merry in regards to Christmas.

Why do Americans say Merry instead of Happy Christmas?

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.

Do they say Xmas in America?

In the United States, the fifth American edition of William Perry's Royal Standard English Dictionary, published in Boston in 1800, included in its list of "Explanations of Common Abbreviations, or Contraction of Words" the entry: "Xmas. Christmas." Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. used the term in a letter dated 1923.

Is Merry Christmas appropriate to say?

When Do I Say, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”? Here's the deal: if you or your peers celebrate Christmas, feel free to exchange “Merry Christmas” greetings with one another. The intention of saying “Happy Holidays” is to create space for others that do not celebrate Christmas for whatever reasons.

Should Americans say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? - BBC News

Is it okay to say Merry Christmas in December?

Traditionally from Advent Sunday — the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Only the religious would do this now. Conventionally in most countries, 13 days before Christmas Day — let's say two weeks before it. Merrying Christmas to others stops on Dec 28 or 29, and switches entirely to “Happy New Year” instead.

How do you say Merry Christmas inclusively?

Is Merry Christmas in the UK or US?

Merry Christmas – This is a very common and very friendly thing to say. It is simply saying “I hope you have a happy Christmas”. Merry is another word for happy. Happy Holidays – This is a very American term and really not used in the UK at all.

What countries say Merry Christmas?

How do you say Merry Christmas in American English?

"Merry" vs.

Happy is a state of being, while merry has a more raucous, active connotation behind it. Merry might have also gained popularity thanks to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which used Merry Christmas as its main form. Now, Merry Christmas is the form most common in the U.S.

Do Brits say Merry Christmas?

Brits say "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas."

You might remember a scene from the first "Harry Potter" movie in which Ron says, "Happy Christmas, Harry!" While this may sound strange to an American, saying "Happy Christmas" is commonplace in the UK, as opposed to "Merry Christmas."

Which country forbid Christmas?

Christmas has been banned in North Korea since 2016

In fact, almost nobody knows what Christmas even is. Officially, North Korea is an atheist state. That means religious holidays like Christmas or Easter aren't celebrated there.

What is the difference between Happy Christmas and Merry Christmas?

However, these words have nuanced distinctions. While "happy" denotes a general state of joy, "merry" implies a lively and exuberant celebration. Before the 18th century, both "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Christmas" were used interchangeably.

What do Americans do on Christmas Day?

Many Americans, especially Christians will go to Church to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Many churches have special Christmas Carol services and events where the story of Christmas is told.

What does England call Santa?

Father Christmas is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas. Although now known as a Christmas gift-bringer, and typically considered to be synonymous with Santa Claus, he was originally part of a much older and unrelated English folkloric tradition.

What is a non offensive Christmas greeting?

"Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." "Season's greetings and best wishes for the new year." "Sending you heartfelt thanks and well wishes for the holiday season." "May your holiday season be bright and festive." "Wishing you peace, joy, and happiness during this holiday season and in the new year."

How do you say Merry Christmas without offending anyone?

What is the most popular Christmas tradition in the US?

Can I say Merry Christmas after 25th December?

Christmas Day 2023 is in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean you have to stop saying “Merry Christmas.” In many Christian denominations, the Christmas season lasts until early January, meaning that members continue making merry for at least a week.

Can I wish Merry Christmas after 25 December?

I think so. Christmas is more than one day, it's a feeling of a season. It makes more sense to just say Merry Christmas even after without adding belated.

How do Welsh people say Merry Christmas?

Merry Christmas in Welsh is Nadolig Llawen. Literally, Nadolig means Christmas and Llawen means joyful. If you wanted to be more specific, you could add in the person's name to make your message more personal.

Why did Britain ban Christmas?

They saw Christmas as a wasteful festival that threatened Christian beliefs and encouraged immoral activities, to (in Stubbs' words) the 'great dishonour of God'. The discontent felt within the Puritan community towards festivals led to the enactment of forceful legislation even before Cromwell's protectorate.