Happy = Merry

Since we are still within the 12 days of Christmas, here is another post about the holiday.

So many of my Cambodian friends like to wish people "Happy, Merry Christmas!" A double wish does not add more happiness to the season. What do I mean? "Happy" and "merry" have exactly the same meaning. Traditionally, we wish friends and acquaintances "Merry Christmas". Once in a while, we may say, "Happy Christmas!" Whichever one you choose to use is correct, just not the two words together.

Having said all that, no one ever says, "Merry Birthday!"