Why do Americans say Happy Holidays instead of Happy Christmas?
Why do Americans say Happy Holidays instead of Happy Christmas?
The United States is filled with a diverse range of people. This means that cultural holidays and other religion traditions also happen during the December holiday period as well. Because of this many Americans choose to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas so it doesn't leave anyone out.
Why say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas?
Saying “Happy Holidays” means you are being inclusive and respecting the celebrations of others who may not celebrate Christmas, but might be celebrating another holiday at the same time. Happy holidays is not intended to take away from Christmas. It's meant to include even those who do not celebrate it.
Why do British say Happy Christmas?
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. The royal family adopted "Happy Christmas" as their preferred greeting, and others took note.
Do Americans say Xmas?
We Americans do often say Merry Christmas, but it's situational. … (Granted, “Happy holidays” doesn't cover all possible holidays, but there are several that fall in December: Christmas, of course, and also Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and Yule.
How do the British say Merry Christmas?
A: You can find “merry Christmas” and “happy Christmas” in both the US and the UK, though Christmas is more often “merry” in American English and “happy” in British English.
When did people start saying Happy Holidays?
The phrase can be traced at least as far back as 1863, and by the 1930s and 1940s was commonly – and uncontroversially – being used in advertising campaigns. But in recent decades what was intended as a neutral or inclusive choice of words has become increasingly political.
Do Brits say Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas?
A: You can find “merry Christmas” and “happy Christmas” in both the US and the UK, though Christmas is more often “merry” in American English and “happy” in British English.
What do Americans call holiday?
Vacation comes from the French vacances (in French the word is always plural) whereas British English uses a word that derives from Holy Day. Americans use “holiday” to mean an officially recognized day of significance, whether religious or not: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day (!!), etc.
Is it OK to say Happy Christmas?
We do say both, but Happy Christmas tends to predominate. Merry is a word which is not particularly commonly-used. It's reserved here mainly for a state of happy mild intoxication. Therefore the greeting 'Happy Christmas' actually makes more sense.