The Tradition of Saying Merry Christmas
When I was growing up in the 1970s and 80s, everyone I knew said Merry Christmas to each other every December.
Saying Merry Christmas was automatic. Family said it to family, friends said it to friends, and strangers said it to strangers.
We did not even think twice about it.
It was a nice feeling. It was the one time of year when everyone wished each other well, even strangers.
You buy something in the store and say, “Merry Christmas.” The sales clerk replies, “Merry Christmas to you too.”
You cash your paycheck at the bank and say, “Merry Christmas.” They respond the same way.
It was the one time of year when people were warmer toward each other.
The Shift in the 1990s
Then in the early 1990s, society was told that we should not say Merry Christmas anymore because it might be offensive.
So we stopped.
Ten years later, I noticed something.
Society did not say, “Thank you for not saying Merry Christmas.”
There were no reports or polls indicating that not saying Merry Christmas was healthy for society.
So I started saying Merry Christmas again.
Reactions to Saying It Again
I was surprised at the reactions.
Many people did not wish it back to me. Some did not reply at all. A few did not even look at me.
Were they so conditioned not to say it that they would not say it back? I will never know.
But as the years have gone by, I have continued saying Merry Christmas during the month of December.
And you know what?
More and more people are wishing it back.
Most importantly, I have never had one person tell me they were offended by my sentiment.
A Conversation About Inclusive Language
Last week, I had this exact conversation with a friend.
She said she prefers saying Happy Holidays because it includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Then she asked me why I would not use inclusive language.
I told her that inclusive language goes both ways.
She is free to say Happy Holidays since she prefers that. I am free to say Merry Christmas since I prefer that.
She nodded and said, “That is true.”
We both smiled. Neither of us needed to win. We just understood each other.
That conversation stuck with me because it captures exactly how this should work.
I say what feels natural to me, and I want others to feel free to do the same.
No one needs to change. No one needs to be wrong.
What Merry Christmas Really Means
If you have ever wondered what someone really means when they say Merry Christmas, here is my take.
I am 99 percent sure that anyone wishing you Merry Christmas is not saying you must believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved.
When someone says Merry Christmas, they are simply wishing you a happy Christmas Day and a joyful season leading up to it.
They are saying we are now in the coldest, darkest month of the year, and I wish you happiness.
I wish you good times with your loved ones, your family, your friends, and your neighbors.
I hope you have a wonderful time on Christmas Day because it is good to slow down once in a while and appreciate what really matters.
It is good to take a break from the hustle of the rest of the year.
Is it offensive to wish each other good tidings and happiness? I do not think so.
Conclusion: Wishing Well in Different Ways
In the perfect society, people say what feels right to them, and nobody needs to be offended by goodwill.
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Season’s Greetings.
They all mean the same thing.
I wish you well.
Everybody is happy. Everybody wins.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
And Merry Christmas. ????
About the Author
A native of the United States, I am a passionate advocate for personal responsibility and community-led solutions. Born and raised in Ohio, I’ve traveled extensively across the country, constantly seeking out innovative approaches to societal problems. My background in entrepreneurship has taught me that real change comes from thinking outside the box and taking action, not from waiting for someone else to grant permission. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my son.
