Today's question

 Why Do We Say "Merry Christmas" Instead of "Happy Christmas"?

              

As December 25th approaches, we've found ourselves saying "Merry Christmas" to everyone. But have you ever stopped to wonder where the phrase "Merry Christmas" comes from? In a world where it's normal to say "Happy Easter" and "Happy Birthday," the "merry" in "Merry Christmas" is unique.                                                                                                                       The answer goes back to the connotation of the two words. "Happy" is an emotional condition, while "merry" is a behavior.

Furthermore, happy, which came from the word "hap," meaning luck or chance implies good-fortune. Meanwhile, "merry" implies a more active showing of happiness—which you might think of as merry-making.