PhrasesHub

Merry Christmas

    Definitions

      • to wish someone a happy and joyous holiday season
        Used as a greeting during the Christmas season to convey well wishes and goodwill towards others

      • to express festive and joyful spirit
        Used to signify the festive and celebratory atmosphere of the Christmas season

    Examples of Merry Christmas

    • Merry Christmas, everyone!

      This is a traditional greeting during the holiday season in English-speaking countries. It expresses happiness, good wishes, and the spirit of the Christmas season.

    • They're really driving me nuts these days. I feel like pulling my hair out. Christmas is coming and I have so much to do!

      This idiom is a way of expressing extreme frustration and exaggerated stress. The speaker is using it metaphorically, implying that they're so bothered and overwhelmed that they want to pull their hair out. In this example, the speaker is saying that they have a lot of tasks to complete before Christmas, adding to their already existing stress.

    • I've missed the bus again! This is like the third time this week. Christmas markets are really popular these days, and I just missed my chance to hit mine.

      This idiom is used to describe a series of unfortunate events that are seemingly related and lead to a disagreeable consequence. The speaker is saying that missing the bus has happened to them multiple times this week, with the added disappointment of missing their chance to go to a popular Christmas market, which is probably very crowded during the festive season.

    • You're the most wonderful person I know. You really are like the sunshine on a cloudy day. Christmas gave me a new perspective on life, and I'm so grateful for everything you've ever done for me.

      This is another traditional expression of appreciation used around Christmas, with a metaphorical twist. The speaker is comparing the other person's positivity and radiance to that of the sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day. Also, the expression "Christmas gave me a new perspective on life" is often used to describe how the holiday season, which is filled with generous acts of kindness, gift-giving, and goodwill, can act as a catalyst for a new sense of hope, happiness, and contentment.

    • Merry Christmas, everyone!

      This is a traditional greeting for the holiday season. "Merry Christmas" is an idiomatic expression that wishes others a joyful and happy Christmas celebration. It is often followed by "everyone" or "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" as a way to wish good tidings for the holiday season and into the new year.

    • May your Christmas be as merry as your heart desires.

      This is a creative way to wish someone a very happy Christmas celebration. The idiom "as merry as" is used to convey the idea that the Christmas celebration will be as joyful and delightful as the person's heart wishes. This idiom is commonly used in Christmas poems, cards, and wishes to express a sincere and heartfelt wish for the recipient's Christmas celebration.

    • Christmas is coming, and the goose is getting fat.

      This is a well-known Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The idiom "Christmas is coming" is used to indicate that the holiday season is approaching. The idiom "the goose is getting fat" is a metaphorical expression that signifies an increase in size or abundance ahead of Christmas. This idiom has its roots in the traditional British Christmas feast, where a goose is usually served as part of the holiday meal.

    • Christmas is a time for giving, not receiving.

      This is a modern idiomatic expression that reflects the true spirit of Christmas. The phrase "Christmas is a time for giving" highlights the importance of generosity, kindness, and selflessness during the holiday season. The second part of the expression, "not receiving," is a contrasting idea that encourages people to put others' needs before their own. This idiom can be used to inspire people to spread kindness and love during Christmas and throughout the year.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Merry Christmas" is commonly used as a greeting to wish others a happy and joyous holiday season during Christmas. It is also used to express the festive and joyful spirit of the season.

    Origin of "Merry Christmas"

    The phrase "Merry Christmas" dates back to at least the 16th century, where the word "merry" was used to mean pleasant, delightful, or joyous. It was commonly used in expressions such as "merry-making" or "merry company" to convey a sense of happiness and enjoyment. The combination of "merry" with "Christmas" became popular in the 19th century, and it has since become a traditional greeting during the holiday season.

    The origin of "Merry Christmas" can be traced back to the Christian tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, with the word "merry" reflecting the joy and happiness associated with this religious holiday. Over time, the phrase has become widely used in secular contexts as well, symbolizing the spirit of goodwill, generosity, and celebration that is characteristic of the Christmas season. Today, "Merry Christmas" is a widely recognized and cherished expression of holiday cheer.