The scandalous reason Americans say 'Merry Christmas' while Brits say 'Happy Christmas'

The word "merry" has had different definitions over the centuries.

By Heather Wake

The term “Merry Christmas” is one of the most wholesome phrases known to man. But did you know it was once condemned as sacrilegious? And while we’re at it, why do we only say “Merry Christmas” and not “Merry Easter,” or “Merry Birthday,” and so on? And why do the Brits use “Happy Christmas” instead of “Merry Christmas”? Are the two synonymous?

All these questions shall be answered below.

First off, it’s important to note that "merry" and "happy" do not have the same etymology, nor do they share the exact same connotations. Merry came about first via the Germanic language around the 12th century, meaning “joyful,” “cheerful,” “pleasant” etc. Happy, on the other hand, didn’t come into the scene until the 14th century, and meant "luck," "chance," or "fortunate."

Historians explain why men in old-timey portraits always had one hand in their vest or coat

It goes all the way back to the days of ancient Greece.

By Evan Porter

One of the most famous portraits of Napoleon, completed in 1812, features him striking a rather odd pose. He's slouching in a formal uniform while standing in his study, but it's the placement of his right hand that strikes some viewers as unique.

His hand is tucked into his uniform. Not in a pocket, per se, but right through the buttons, which have been opened to accommodate all five fingers. It looks a little like he's getting ready to pull out a pocket watch or a pistol. It's not a pose you would see commonly these days, that's for sure.

The more you look at it, the stranger it becomes. What's especially interesting is that this wasn't the first or only time Emperor Napoleon posed like this; it was something of his signature look.

This is love.

Here are five joyful things that are brightening up our internet this week

Joy shows up in all kinds of unexpected places. Sometimes it’s simply the sound of someone’s laugh. Other times, something on the internet makes you feel joy, like these two high school kids who go out of their way to include their friend on the sidelines.

We all need tiny reminders of what it looks like when people feel joy and spread joy around to other people without hesitation — which is why we’re working with our friends at Shriners Children’s™ to highlight the five best examples of pure joy we’ve seen on the internet this week. Big and small, here are five truly joyful moments you’ll be glad not to have missed.

People are rebelling against Pantone's 2026 'Color of the Year' by choosing their own color instead

"The Comic Sans of colours."

By Cecily Knobler

Every year since 1999, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its "Color of the Year," and it often gets people talking. Whether people agree or disagree, love it or hate it, it's an interesting way to look at trends and, more excitingly, to predict what's coming next. From Mocha Mousse (2025) to Peach Fuzz (2024) to Ultra Violet (2018), the choices often send interior designers and their clients into fun frenzies that shake up the design conversation and make many of us see color differently.

Well, it's that time again. Pantone has chosen its next "Color of the Year" for 2026, and it's (drumroll, please)… "Cloud Dancer." What's that you say? According to the Pantone team, PANTONE 11-4202 Cloud Dancer is "a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity."