#Microblog Monday 469: Merry Christmas
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Happy Christmas or Merry Christmas? I grew up hearing Merry Christmas, but Josh thinks that Happy Christmas sounds softer, like merry is a command (be merry) and happy is a hope (hope it’s a happy day). That may not be linguistically true, though it goes hand-in-hand with things like happy birthday, which is more about hoping the person is having a good day rather than commanding them to feel a certain way. (As in, I hope you had a happy birthday.) Happy or merry?
And how are you spending today?
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2 comments
Merry to me sounds more collaborative, while happy sounds individualized. Merry calls to mind gatherings and celebrations with others. Happy seems like it applies specifically to the one person you’re speaking to. So, I guess it depends on what you know of your audience? I’m a Merry Christmas kind of person. (How is it “be merry” but not “be happy” though? They’re both either wishes or commands in that respect.)
I alternate between the two. I’ve used the words Be Merry on Christmas cards (in the past) to try to make them less overtly Christmassy and more seasonal, then thought about the command aspect and felt uncomfortable! Thank you for the wishes, especially as you don’t celebrate it yourself. Ours is a very cultural not religious event, and was lovely, spent with my sister and her wee family, my niece, and great nephew who was a delight.