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‘Merry Christmas’ Vs. ‘Happy Holidays’ Illustrated On U.S. Map

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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 Whether a person says “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” could determine what part of the country one likely hails from.

The Public Religion Research Institute asked 1,056 people across the country during the Christmas season of 2013 as to which phrase they favor and found that various sections of the country overwhelmingly support one of the two.

For example, in the Bible-Belt South, 54 percent favors “Happy Holidays” as opposed to 44 percent of the Midwest, which shares that preference.

Fivethirtyeight.com notes the sampling in the South in this case included 20 percent African Americans, who strongly support saying “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas.” Additionally, fivethirtyeight reports that its analysis found that preference depends upon the “level of tension with the culture where you live.”

Map shows areas of the U.S. where different holiday and Christmas greetings are preferred (Source: Public Religion Resource Inst.)

Map shows areas of the U.S. where different holiday and Christmas greetings are preferred (Source: Public Religion Research Inst.)

Not surprisingly, 63 percent of the Northeast likes to say “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas” and 49 percent of the West prefers to use the phrase “Merry Christmas” during the holiday season.

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump covered both “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” with the card he tweeted out.

“Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays. We are, together, going to Make America Great Again! I love you all, Donald J. Trump,” it reads.

 

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