Although Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” is something Canadians typically do throughout the month of December. Seen as more of a festive greeting, “Merry Christmas” can be used right up until December 25th.
Is it OK to say Merry Christmas?
In general, “Happy Holidays” is accepted as the broadest and most inclusive greeting at this time of year. If you know someone celebrates Christmas you can go with “Merry Christmas,” but ’tis the season for interacting with strangers (selling to them, buying from them, bumping into them on your way out of Target).
How do French Canadians say Merry Christmas?
Joyeux Noël – Merry Christmas
Joyeux Noël is the most common way to say “Merry Christmas” in French.
Why do we not say Merry Christmas?
This is believed to be because “happy” took on a higher class connotation than “merry,” which was associated with the rowdiness of the lower classes. The royal family adopted “Happy Christmas” as their preferred greeting, and others took note.
What’s the difference between Happy Christmas and Merry Christmas?
However, “Merry Christmas” is a traditional saying that has been around for centuries, to convey a more emotional and unrestrained celebration while “Happy Christmas” is conservative and reserved as per linguistic comparison.
What do Canadians say on Christmas?
According to a survey which was done this year by Ipsos Reid for Postmedia News and Global Television, 72 per cent of Canadians – no matter their culture, ethnic background or religion – prefer to say “Merry Christmas.” And that’s not just this year.
What is a typical Canadian greeting?
A handshake is the common greeting between strangers. Shaking with a firm hand and eye contact reflects confidence. Canadians may laugh lightly over handshakes to diffuse the formality. French Canadians may also greet each other by lightly kissing both cheeks once, starting on the left.
What do Canadian call Santa?
American-English: Kris Kringle
In the US and Canada, some people call him Kris Kringle, which originates from the German word Christkind (Christ child). Here, it’s custom to leave milk and cookies to keep him going.
Is it rude to say Xmas?
— Christmas is also known on paper as XMAS. But some people just don’t agree with the spelling of the holiday. They believe it takes the Christ out of Christmas, saying it’s a modern and disrespectful abbreviation that focuses on the commercialization of this Christian holiday.
Who says happy Christmas instead of Merry Christmas?
The phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ is mostly used in the United States while ‘Happy Christmas’ is more popular in the United Kingdom as both the phrases have changed and evolved with time.
What can I say instead of Merry Christmas?
Alternatives to “Merry Christmas”
- Celebrate Christmas.
- Christmas greetings.
- Christmas blessings.
- Christmas joy.
- Happy Christmas.
- Happy yule.
- Holiday blessings.
- Joyous noel.
Is Happy Christmas a British thing?
A: You can find “merry Christmas” and “happy Christmas” in both the US and the UK, though Christmas is more often “merry” in American English and “happy” in British English.
Why do people say Merry Christmas?
“Merry Christmas” was the phrase of choice in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a work that would have a major influence on the modern English-speaking world’s perception of Christmas. It was gaining popularity in carols as well.
How do you say hello in Canadian?
How do Canadians say hello? Most Canadians will simply say “hello,” with French Canadians sticking to the usual greeting of “Bonjour”.
What are 3 Christmas traditions in Canada?
Canadians like to decorate their houses with Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations. There’s often Christmas stockings hung by the fireplace, ready for Santa! The main Christmas meal is often roast turkey with vegetables and ‘all the trimmings’ like mashed potatoes and vegetables.
How do you show respect in Canada?
In general, Canadians are more reserved and polite than Americans, and take matters of etiquette a little more seriously. Shake hands and introduce yourself when meeting Canadians for the first time. Always shake hands firmly when meeting or departing. Eye contact is important.
What are Canadian slangs?
Here are a few of the staple Canadian slang words used daily.
- Eh. This is our most popular Canadian saying that we receive the most flack about from the rest of the world.
- Loonie.
- Tuque.
- Washroom.
- Double Double.
- Two-Four.
- Molson Muscle.
- Hydro.
Is Christmas a big deal in Canada?
Christmas in Canadian Cities. Christmas parades are popular holiday celebrations in Canada, and most major cities across the country hold a Santa Claus Parade in November, with some spilling over into December. Festivals of lights are popular events, too, and set many Canadian cities aglow.
What is Santa’s wife first name?
This has been the common belief over the last few decades, and many people outside of the North Pole will call her Jessica Claus around the Christmas holiday. Regardless of what her true first name is, everyone at the North Pole continues to refer to her as Mrs. Claus, even Santa!
What do Canadians eat on Christmas Day?
The traditional Canadian Christmas dinner is known as ‘Reveillon’ and includes a delicious dish of roasted turkey with vegetables and sauces. A popular Christmas dish is “Boulettes” (small meatballs). The dessert is often a rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.
Why is Xmas disrespectful?
Christians should use Christ’s name as much as possible, but “Xmas” is not inherently a blasphemous term. Because of the use of “Xmas”, some Christians get bent out of shape when people take Jesus’ name out of the holiday. Evangelist Franklin Graham even called the term “a war against the name of Jesus Christ.”