Why “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Xmas” are Christian phrases

Last updated on: December 26, 2023 at 6:08 am by Rob Dalrymple

Why “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Xmas” are Christian phrases 2023-12-26T06:08:34-08:00 Rob Dalrymple

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An Icon of Jesus. the “IC” on the left of Jesus represents “Iesous”–the “C” is a ‘final sigma or “S” when it is the last letter in a word–(Jesus) and the XC on the right represents “Christos” (Christ) [courtesy Alamy]

As Christians around the world celebrate the birth of our King, many struggle with what are thought to be compromised expressions, “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Xmas.” I can still hear my mom (God rest her soul) mumbling, “They are taking ‘Christ’ out of Christmas.” No, mom, they are not!

As text messages to family, friends, and colleagues are sent on this Christmas day, I want to asure you that “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Xmas” is not only acceptable but very Christian.

In fact, I would contend that “Happy Holidays” might be the best way for Christians to greet others–especially if the person is not a Christian. Why is this so?

Very simple. If they are not a Christian, then the expression “Merry Christmas” might be offensive to them. Perhaps they are not celebrating Christmas but another holiday. If this is the case, then the expression Happy Holidays” becomes one of the best ways to carry out the command to “love our neighbor as ourselves” because you are not imposing your holiday on them, but are instead are greeting them in a manner that respects their beliefs.

Now, if the other person is a Christian, it is quite acceptable to use “Merry Xmas.” This is not “taking the Christ out of Christmas.” On the contrary, it is simply an alternative way of writing “Christmas.” After all, “X” (or Chi; “pronounced like “kai” or “chee”) is the first letter in the Greek name for Christ. In fact, as the icon at the top of this post illustrates, “Jesus Christ” was often written with just the first and last letters of the word: hence, “Jesus” becomes “IC” (the “C” is what the Greek letter “S” when it is the final letter of a word)–see the letters to the left of Christ–and “Christ” becomes “XC”–see the letters to the right of Christ.

So “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas!”

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About Rob Dalrymple

Rob Dalrymple is married to his wife Toni and is the father of four fabulous children, and two grandchildren. He has been teaching and pastoring for over 34 years at colleges, seminaries, and the local church. He has a PhD in biblical interpretation. He is the author of four books (including Follow the Lamb: A Guide to Reading, Understanding, and Applying the Book of Revelation & Understanding the New Testament and the End Times: Why it Matters) as well as numerous articles and other publications. He is currently completing a commentary on the book of Revelation titled, “Revelation: a Love Story” (Cascade Books, pending 2025). You can read more about the author here.

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