Merry Christmas, Ya Heathen Savage!
There's a big debate this year over whether you should say "Happy Holidays" to everyone, out of respect and tolerance for other people's beliefs, or if good old "Merry Christmas" is kosher.
Personally, I think they're both awfully friendly greetings, and I wouldn't take offense to either one.
What I'd rather talk about is this: what's with "Happy Christmas?" Is it possible that the wily British saw this dispute coming, and prepared a bizarre Yuletide amalgam in advance? Why would we in the U.S. say "Merry," when across the pond (and perhaps in Canada too) they say "Happy"?
"Merry" sounds way more British, if you ask me.
And that just scratches the surface of all the dubious Americanizations:
Don't you think "Harley Davidson" sounds like it could be an English butler? And what's with hamburgers and hot dogs (Frankfurters) being named after cities in Germany? And... "Chevrolet"? Totally French!
"As American as Apple Pie" could be legit, but who knows where the original recipe for apple pie came from.
I can appreciate it if John Lennon and Bob Geldof and everybody else have their own quaint traditions and phrasings; I just wish I understood the origins.
Any input (or additional dubious Americanizations) would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, have a splendid Boxing Day.
4 comments:
It't to separate the sheep from the goats. "The sheep hear My voice and follow Me" Jesus...he's the only one that showed proof of rising from the dead.
FYI: It's Merry in Canada too, and I totally agre it does sound more british. Those Brits are wacky.
xo Wee
Being a citizen in the US, my fore fathers fought & won the freedom of speech for me along with my freedom of religion. So I send to you greeting for a Very Merry Christmas, Blessing for a Happy New Year. Live long and prosper.
Today, on my walk with the wold, I noticed somebody had spelled out "Happy Christmas" in the snow with a stick. Further up the path, there were some Christmas bells and mistletoe too. I thought to myself, "oh they must be British." Then I smiled and thought of you and this post! xoxo Wee
Post a Comment