Holiday greetings are type of greetings that are often spoken with good intention to strangers (people passing by on the street, in stores when you are shopping, etc.), family and friends.  This time of year you will hear holiday greetings quite often.  This is a way to wish others well and share your own enthusiasm for the various holidays that are celebrated.  Holidays in the United States that have their own special greetings include: Christmas, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah.  On these days, as well as days and weeks prior to the actual holiday, you may hear people sharing holiday greetings with you instead of simply saying ‘hello’ or good-bye.’  Around the holidays, holiday greetings often take the place of other casual greetings.

Typically a holiday greeting consists of the word “happy” followed by the holiday, such as “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Thanksgiving”.  “Happy New Year” is often said with great enthusiasm, especially at midnight of New Year’s Eve.  The holiday of Christmas is a notable exception to the rule of adding the word ‘happy’ to the front of the name of the holiday to create a holiday greeting.  The most common greeting for Christmas is: “Merry Christmas.”  During the winter holiday season, you may also hear the general holiday greeting of “Happy Holidays”.  The greeting “Happy Holidays,” is a collective and inclusive way to wish someone well, especially if you don’t know what religious holidays the person celebrates.

Another greeting you may also hear this time of year is “Season’s Greetings.”  You are more likely to see this greeting in writing because it is most commonly used as a motto on winter greeting cards and in commercial advertisements.

During the winter holiday season in the United States most people tend to get excited about all the holiday merriment and festivities, feeling compelled to share their happiness and good feelings with others in the form of holiday greetings.  This is the time of year to try out these greetings and wish others well while you enjoy the holidays yourself.

Seasons Greetings to you all!