On Our Merry Way

Of all the days we celebrate, just one’s described as “merry.”
The rest are always “happy,” or at least that’s what we say.
For some idea of why, it helps to check a dictionary:
The first word’s more intensified, like “rapturous” or “gay.”

It’s true that lots of folk consider Christmas most exciting.
However, evidently that is not the only reason.
Before the 19th century, across surviving writing,
We find that both the adjectives described the Christmas season.

Of course, in other contexts, use of “merry” has declined.
It’s said A Christmas Carol gave the two-word phrase a boost
In common conversation. Something else to keep in mind:
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” was sooner introduced

With “happy,” not with “merry” as it’s sometimes been revised.
The English still say “Happy Christmas” frequently today.
Supposedly, their upper class thought “merry” vulgarized.
Americans back then set out to shun the British way,

Asserting independence in their cultural tradition
And not just in their government, which at the time was new.
Australians also take the “Merry Christmas”-based position.
Whichever way you like it, I’ll be wishing one to you.