![]() Moore's The Night Before Christmas ends with the words, “A Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night." Each year, Queen Elizabeth also wishes British citizens a Happy Christmas in her annual broadcast. That same year the phrase also appeared on the first commercially-sold Christmas card.ĭespite its prevalence in the United States and its historical underpinnings, Merry Christmas never gained universal support. Merry Christmas certainly picked up steam in 1843 with the publication of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. ![]() Scholars also note the phrase was used in the 16th century English carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The greeting dates back to at least 1534 in London, when it was written in a letter sent to Henry VIII's chief minister Thomas Cromwell from bishop John Fisher. Historians and linguists can't pinpoint for sure exactly why we tend to use Merry Christmas. You probably also don't hear many Merry Hanukkahs or Merry Ramadans either! What's the deal? Why don't people wish you a Festive Christmas? And a Merry New Year? In fact, why is Christmas merry when no other occasion seems to be? After all, you probably don't wish people a Merry Birthday very often. But have you ever stopped to WONDER why those are the words you hear? Merry Christmas…and a Happy New Year! Those are words that you will likely hear many times during the holiday season. ![]()
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