It\u2019s that most wonderful time of the year again \u2013 chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sleigh bells ringing, children hoping they make the nice (not naughty) list again. Oh, and we can\u2019t forget about Santa Claus getting ready for his annual present-palooza. Talk about a hectic schedule…next time you think you\u2019ve had a tough day, try delivering presents to billions of people around the globe, all in a single evening!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We at Pimsleur wish you multilingual tidings of good cheer this holiday season. And in typical Pimsleur fashion, we thought it would be a good idea to expand & enlighten your celebratory mood by learning how to say Merry Christmas in other languages<\/a> together! Keep scrolling to the end because we\u2019ve also included some fun Christmas facts and trivia to share at your next holiday gathering to boot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many, Christmas is the centerpiece of the holiday season in the United States, but did you know that more than 2 billion people celebrate Christmas worldwide? The holiday is celebrated in more than 150 countries on every continent\u2014yes, even Antarctica, which has dozens of scientific personnel at any given time! While different cultures have celebrated the birth of Jesus for centuries, Germany was the first country to bring Christmas into the mainstream in the 1500s. Germany also pioneered Christmas carols, especially with O du fr\u00f6hliche<\/a><\/em>. Before that, pagan and Roman cultures celebrated the holiday with different celebrations for their agriculture and sun gods, which corresponded to the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year!). In the end, Christmas is clearly a big deal around the world. While most people associate the holiday with English-speaking countries, it\u2019s a tradition for plenty of cultures outside the Anglosphere. Saying “Merry Christmas” in different languages happens all the time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So there you have it \u2013 a comprehensive list of different ways to say Merry Christmas in different languages. Now, if you ever find yourself celebrating Christmas in those far corners of the globe, at least you\u2019ll be able to enjoy the festivities with the locals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern-day Santa owes his existence in large measure to the Vikings. In Norse mythology, Odin, the long-bearded father of the gods, presided over the midwinter Yule festival. Soaring above the rooftops astride his 8-legged white horse, Sleipnir, Odin led the flying Wild Hunt where he would slip down chimneys and deliver toys and candy into children\u2019s boots left warming by the fireplace. Another fun fact: the word jolly is derived from the Old Norse j\u014dl<\/em>, meaning yule.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally made from real silver, the shiny strands were meant to enhance the candlelight on a Christmas tree representing the starry sky over the Nativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sparked by KFC\u2019s 1970s ad campaign for \u201cKentucky Christmas\u201d or \u201cKurisumasu ni wa kentakkii,<\/em>\u201d the fast-food chain has become synonymous with the holiday. People reserve their meals months in advance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome Background on Christmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
10 Fun Christmas Facts & Trivia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Santa was a Viking. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Tinsel comes from the Old French word \u2018estincele\u2019,<\/em><\/strong> which means \u201csparkle.\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Fried Chicken is the meal of choice for Christmas dinner in Japan.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n