Why was Merry Christmas changed to Happy holidays?

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.

Why do Americans say Happy holidays not 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 do the British say Happy Christmas instead of Merry?

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.

What is the difference between saying Merry Christmas and Happy holidays?

Merry Christmas refers, specifically, to the Christmas holiday, celebrated December 25th. It is a traditionally Christian sentiment. Happy Holidays is more general. It encompasses all holidays, religious in nature or not, that are celebrated during the winter holiday season.

Where did happy holiday come from?

“Happy Holiday” was introduced by Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds (dubbed by Martha Mears) in the 1942 film Holiday Inn in a scene when the Inn opens for the first time.

Why is Christmas called the holidays?

Much like “Merry Christmas,” it turns out that “Happy Holidays” also has religious roots. Both are derived from Old English: Christmas comes from “Cristes Maesse,” or the Mass of Christ, the first usage of which (in 1038) described the mass held to commemorate Christ’s birth.

What do the British call holidays?

They will generally be called “public holidays” or “bank holidays”. Whilst the used of the word “vacation” might be used for a private holiday in the UK, it’s relatively rare. In general, the noun “vacation” would be used to describe a period when something, like a role or post had been “vacated”.

What do you say instead of Merry Christmas?

Something tells me that you’re fed up with the antiquated “Merry Christmas” greeting. It’s a classic holiday expression, sure, but we don’t have to be basic all the time, do we?…Short Christmas Greetings and Wishes.

Be Merry	Happy Christmas	Let’s Celebrate
Christmas Greetings	Happy Yule	Season’s Greetings

Do the English say Happy Christmas or 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.

Is it wrong to say Merry Christmas?

“It’s considered politically correct to say Happy Holidays, so it’s just considered insensitive to say Merry Christmas to other people who aren’t from this country that don’t celebrate it,“ said senior Miguel Montano, Div. 022. “Merry Christmas” is a traditional saying that’s been around for centuries.