Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

"Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?

Have you ever heard the two phrases Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas and wondered what the difference is?  Well, they’re basically the same! Merry is an adjective that describes being full of joy and having a cheerful, joyful spirit. Happy is an adjective that can mean content, glad, or delighted.

Merry Christmas is the greeting that is most common in America, whereas Happy Christmas is the more popular greeting in the United Kingdom.  Feel free to use either phrase, all English speakers will understand you! 🎄

During the last week of classes in December, the 1st-6th grade classes and I had a very merry time learning about Christmas in the United States while practicing our English!

In 1st and 2nd grade, students learned the English lyrics to the popular song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." We did a little dance while singing to remember the meaning of the words, and of course to have fun!

In 2nd and 3rd grade, after practicing winter-related vocabulary, we created our own Santas with paper, sparkly foam board, and cotton balls. 

In 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, I gave a short presentation about the common tradition of children writing letters to Santa. In the letters, children say if they have been naughty or nice during the year, and they tell Santa what presents they hope to receive for Christmas.

We brainstormed relevant vocabulary as a group, and then students wrote their very own Dear Santa letters! I was very impressed with all of the students' eagnerness to read their letters out loud to the class, building their confidence while speaking in English.

(Below left) 4th Grade lining up to read their letters to Santa!

(Below right) Samples of letters from 5th Grade

Wishing you all a very merry holiday season and a happy New Year!

See you in 2024 😊