“Merry Christmas”
December 20, 2018
ERIC writes:
Do you know if, in a Catholic society, we would be saying “Merry Christmas” before Christmas Day? Would we say “Happy Advent” even if it’s a penitential season? Would we say “Merry Christmas” until February 2?
Laura writes:
People now say “Merry Christmas” in the week or ten days before Christmas, but often they say it to those who they are not going to see on Christmas. So the idea is, “Have a Merry Christmas.” That seems okay when we’re getting close. I know the expression is also used in more inappropriate ways before Christmas too.
“Happy Advent” doesn’t make sense.
In a Catholic society, a festive atmosphere would prevail for the 40 days after Christmas. People would put their outdoor lights and decorations up on Christmas Eve or just before, rather than right after Thanksgiving. And then many of the lights and decorations would stay up until Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation, on February 2. And there would be lots of concerts and Christmas music after Christmas Day instead of before.
Saying something like “Happy Christmastide” would make sense.
But in America we follow the commercial season of Christmas, rather than the liturgical year. By New Year’s Day the mood becomes penitential, with resolutions and diets instead of a continued season of light and gaiety.
The truth is, a society with Advent would have more fun, not less. Repentance is liberating.
— End of Initial Entry —
Laura writes:
In related news, there is the well-documented shame of saying “Merry Christmas” at all.
