It always used to be Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If people say Happy Christmas, Merry New Year just doesnt sound right.
2006-11-02 20:49:40 · 25 answers · asked by Spacysam 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I agree with you, I've often thought that too. I think it must be that 'Merry Christmas' sounds a bit old-fashioned. It brings to mind today's more usual meaning of 'merry', some red-faced old bloke staggering around with a glass of beer in his hand, singing out of tune, and we don't want to think like that of Father Christmas, do we?
It's just another example of things in common use being the easiest to say, but let me be the first this year to say to you, "I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2007, to you and your family!"
And now I'm going back under the duvet until 24th December.
2006-11-02 21:13:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all in what we are used to. We are used to Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, but the differences between Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas are subtle.
I would say a merry Christmas would be one with a lot of celebration. A happy Christmas could be one filled with contentment. A merry New Year might be fun but not necessarily good or productive.
It's all in what you like and are happy with. Just enjoy it. It's a pretty nice season, all things considered.
2006-11-02 21:11:03 · answer #2 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely because the person saying "Happy Christmas" was not raised in North America, and probably hails from the UK. But really... think about it: Happy. Merry. They are interchanagble with each other. There is no law that says you must extend the switch to incorporate "Merry New Year".
But then again, on New Year's Eve people make merry... they don't make happy. Say whatever sounds pleasing to your ear. Joyeaux Noel, et Bonne Annee!
2006-11-02 20:59:06 · answer #3 · answered by Mikisew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was always told that Happy Christmas is a Greeting but
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year is a Wish you grant to others.
2006-11-06 10:18:01 · answer #4 · answered by WavyD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never heard anyone say that. It's Merry Christmas.
2006-11-02 20:51:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's English and since Madonna went to elocution lessons, it is catching on here. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Feliz Navidad, y'all
2006-11-04 09:54:12 · answer #6 · answered by Carol H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm British...and we say merry Christmas
2006-11-02 20:56:17 · answer #7 · answered by michael b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and as with any baby born it is a reason to be joyful and happy so we say "Happy Christmas".
2006-11-02 21:08:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mags 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happy Christmas is actually British and not American. Perhaps they have Brit parents or relatives or are just putting on airs?
Either way, I think Happy Christmas is just fine as you say Happy Birthday and after all, it is a Birthday right?
2006-11-02 20:52:52 · answer #9 · answered by Star 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because i hate the word merry.
2006-11-02 20:53:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋