Merry Christmas: Christmas is celebrated every year in December by thousands of people around the world. As we approach this special day on December 25, it is common for people to greet each other by saying “Merry Christmas.” This is done to wish you a safe and happy vacation.
Looking back at the history of Christmas goes back, just over 2,000 years, to the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas Day was initially to join others in remembering the birth of the Savior of the world.
The word “Christmas” literally means “Mass of Christ”. Although the birth of Jesus occurred more than two millennia ago, Christmas itself was not celebrated for many years. Historically, a 4th century saint, Saint Nicholas, earned a reputation as a secret gift. It is said that Saint Nicholas used to place coins in the shoes of those who left them.
Since the time of Saint Nicholas, Merry Christmas has continued to flourish and become popular with people of different faiths. Although beginning with Christians, Christmas is now celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Although the ways in which people celebrate Christmas may differ, depending on their faith, it is true that Christmas is a time of goodwill, kindness and wishing “Merry Christmas” to others, more than at any other time of the year. Gift-giving still continues, even as demonstrated by folklore and traditions that came from Saint Nicholas in the 4th century.
There are many who say that Christmas has become too commercialized and that it now focuses more on receiving than giving. Either way though, Christmas is here to stay and giving and receiving gifts and wishing “Merry Christmas” is a big part of it.
The Christmas greeting of ‘Merry Christmas’ was first used in 1565, written in the Hereford Municipal Manuscript. Since that date, it has continued to be used around the world in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day each year. The initial meaning of the word “merry”, as used in this festive greeting, meant “pleasant” or “pleasant”. These days, “happy”, as used in Merry Christmas, tends to mean “merry,” “merry,” or “happy” rather than “nice.” Today, many families give each other gifts on Christmas Eve and then have a big family celebration and have dinner together on Christmas Day.
Another Christmas tradition is to hang a Christmas stocking, over the fireplace, on the mantelpiece, for each member of the family. The gifts are then placed in each sock so that each member of the family receives something special. It is even possible to get special stockings. Many families buy individual and unique stockings, each with the name of a family member. Stockings are not only useful for small gifts, but they are also part of the Christmas decorations that are used to liven up the home with bright colors.
There are many other Christmas traditions, some widely celebrated by many people and then other family traditions that have developed over the years in certain homes. One thing remains certain and it is that Christmas is a time to remember family and those we love; a time to give and receive gifts; a moment to remember the less fortunate and a moment to wish us a very Merry Christmas.