Inside: As we celebrate Christmas Eve, it only makes sense to say “Merry Christmas.” The greeting has been around for centuries, and it still works today.
In a letter dated December 22, 1534, John Fisher wrote Thomas Cromwell, “And this our Lord God send you a mery Christmas and a comfortable, to your heart’s desire.” (Misspellings intact.) This is the first account of the greeting, and it’s been in use ever since.
When I was growing up, everyone said, “Merry Christmas,” and there was no stigma attached to the words. If I’m being honest, the phrase “Happy Holidays” is a boring, vague, and overused salutation this time of year. It’s used because people don’t want to offend anyone, but, frankly, the phrase offends those of us who long to hear those two special words–“Merry Christmas.”
Might I propose an idea? Let’s be specific. “Merry Christmas” tells you what holiday (which, by the way comes from “holy day”) we’re celebrating. Try out the greeting on someone you love today!
Merry Christmas!
Any special Christmas Eve plans? Tell us about it in the comments.
Tomorrow, The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 12: Reflections
Related posts:
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 1: A Simple Song
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 2: Spiced Nuts
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 3: Our Prim Christmas Tree Forest
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 4: A Truly Southern Christmas
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 5: Seasonal Symbols and Traditions
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 6: My Top Ten Christmas Movie Picks
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 7: Cutest. Sleigh. Ever.
The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 8: Spending Christmas with Charlie