Why do the British not say Merry Christmas?

It stuck around, though, in phrases like “the more the merrier” and—you guessed it—the now increasingly popular “Merry Christmas.” But, because of the potentially rabble-rousing connotations of “Merry Christmas,” high-class Brits—including the royal family themselves—chose “Happy Christmas” as their default greeting.

Why do English people not say Merry Christmas?

Does anyone say "Happy Christmas"? Yes! For starters, it's important to note that "Happy Christmas" hasn't faded completely—it's still widely used in England. This is believed to be because "happy" took on a higher class connotation than "merry," which was associated with the rowdiness of the lower classes.

Is it OK to say Merry Christmas in the UK?

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.

Why do we not say Merry Christmas anymore?

if you're speaking to a group of people who you know don't all celebrate Christmas, or if you're doing communications for a business or some other large non-religious organization, saying Happy Holidays is more inclusive than just saying Merry Christmas bc you're including more than one December holiday.

Why do Americans say Merry Christmas and British 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.

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

Do Brits say Happy New Year?

In the UK we say “Happy new year!”

Which countries say Merry Christmas?

Is it acceptable to say Merry Christmas anymore?

“Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays” and “Happy Christmas” can still work to convey sincere good wishes, of course, if you know your audience.

Is it OK to say Merry Christmas now?

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.

Is Merry Christmas incorrect?

In general, “Happy Holidays” is accepted as the broadest and most inclusive greeting at this time of year. If you know someone celebrates Christmas you can go with “Merry Christmas,” but 'tis the season for interacting with strangers (selling to them, buying from them, bumping into them on your way out of Target).

What do they call Santa in England?

According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (19th edn, 2012), Father Christmas is considered to be "[a] British rather than a US name for Santa Claus, associating him specifically with Christmas.

What are 3 fun facts about Christmas in England?

How do you say Merry Christmas and not offend anyone?

Is it illegal to say Merry Christmas in Canada?

It's just fine to say 'Merry Christmas': Most Canadians prefer it to 'Happy Holidays,' poll finds.

Which country forbid Christmas?

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday.

Do Americans say Xmas?

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.

Do Australians say Merry Christmas?

Over four in five Australians (85%) prefer the traditional greeting of “Merry Christmas” compared to more neutral salutations like “Season's Greetings” (8%) and “Happy Holidays” (7%).

What do the British say instead of happy birthday?

It's probably no different from any other English speaking country, just plain “happy birthday” or “many happy returns” (the latter being quite old fashioned and falling out of use).

How did Spain say Merry Christmas?

Merry Christmas in Spanish = Feliz Navidad

If you are spending time with Spanish speakers this Christmas, this is the main phrase you will hear on and around Christmas day. “Feliz Navidad” literally translates to “happy Christmas”.

How did the Greeks say Merry Christmas?

Καλά Χριστούγεννα.

Kala Cristouyenna means Merry Christmas and comes from the words kalos (good) and Cristouyenna, a compound noun made of the words Christos (Christ) and yenna (birth).