Merry Christmas, Camp Folks!
Snow blanketed the town as the afternoon turned to evening with a tranquil stillness broken only by the occasional muffled footsteps and warm calls of ‘Merry Christmas’ from one passerby to another. Have you ever wondered why we say this phrase instead of ‘Happy Christmas’? It's a little bit like asking why we put up Christmas trees or why Santa comes down the chimney. It's all part of the magic of Christmas! Let's explore this together.
What’s MERRY Mean?
A long, long time ago, people used the word ‘merry’ a lot more than we do today. ‘Merry’ means to be joyful and full of cheer. Think about how you feel when you see lots of twinkling lights, hear your favorite Christmas songs, or open presents – that's merry! People loved to use ‘merry’ to describe things that made them warm and festive.
The Dickens’ Influence
One of the reasons we say ‘Merry Christmas’ is because of a very famous book written by Charles Dickens called ‘A Christmas Carol.’ This book, which came out a long time ago in 1843, tells the story of a grumpy old man named Ebenezer Scrooge who learns to be kind and generous at Christmas. The book is filled with Christmas cheer and joy, and it helped make ‘Merry Christmas’ a popular greeting.
The More the Merrier
But there's more to the story! Back in the Middle Ages, a really long time ago, people used ‘merry’ a lot. They liked to describe things that were fun and glad as ‘merry.’ When Christmas came around, it was one of the merriest times of the year, with lots of singing, dancing, and feasting. So, saying ‘Merry Christmas’ felt just right because Christmas is such a joyful and festive time.
It’s Merry Necessary
Now, you might be wondering why we don't say ‘merry’ for other holidays. Well, each holiday has its own special feeling. For example, we say ‘Happy New Year’ because we're excited about starting a fresh, new year. We say ‘Happy Birthday’ because we're celebrating someone's special day. But Christmas, with all its lights, songs, and delicious treats, feels extra happy…so happy, it’s MERRY!
In some places, like the United Kingdom, people do say ‘Happy Christmas’ sometimes. But in many other parts of the world, especially in North America, ‘Merry Christmas’ is the most common way to greet each other during the holiday season.
So, when you say ‘Merry Christmas,’ you're sharing a little piece of history and a lot of joy. It's a way of spreading cheer and making the season bright. The word ‘merry’ fits perfectly with the fun, happy, and joyful spirit of Christmas. Next time you say ‘Merry Christmas,’ remember that you're part of a tradition that's been around for hundreds of years, and you're helping to make the season a little bit merrier for everyone!
As always, thanks for reading and, of course, have a Merry Christmas!
- John