Why do we say Merry Christmas - and not Happy Birthday?
Why do we say "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Birthday"? The green guide clarifies the linguistic and historical curiosities of Christmas.
In large parts of Europe, Christmas is clearly linked to the birth of Jesus. In Italy they say Buon Natale, in Spain Feliz Navidad – both of which effectively mean "happy birthday".
In the Nordic countries, we do something different. We say Merry Christmas. The word jul is older than Christianity and is associated with midwinter, darkness and the turning point when the light slowly returns. Christmas was originally a seasonal festival, not a birthday. When Christianity came here, the message was adapted to an already beloved holiday. The result was a mixture of pagan, folk and Christian – and a word that refuses to let go of its past.
Santa – red, green, white… and very old
Our Santa Claus is not a uniform figure. He is rather a patchwork of traditions. When all this meets – plus a little American advertising during the 20th century – we get the Santa we know today. Not ancient in its current form, but built from very old ideas.
- St. Nicholas, bishop in present-day Turkey in the 4th century, was known for his generosity – especially towards children.
- The farm gnome in Nordic folklore, on the other hand, was not a gift-giver. He protected the farm, the animals and the work – and became furious if he did not get his porridge.
- During the Roman Empire, Saturnalia was celebrated, a midwinter festival where roles were reversed, gifts were given and colorful clothes were worn in red and green.
When did we start decorating the tree?
The Christmas tree is not as Swedish as we like to think. It came to Sweden via Germany during the 17th century, in connection with war, trade and cultural exchange.
At first it stood in noble homes, later outdoors at wealthy farmers. It was only during the 19th century's urbanization and even more clearly during the 20th century's record years that the tree became everyone's property. Then it moved into the living room – and became the center for Christmas presents, lights and family life.
Mulled wine, saffron buns and Lucia – imported and reinterpreted
Mulled wine has roots in the spiced wine hypocras, known in Europe as early as the Middle Ages. In the Nordic countries, it became the winter drink that warmed – first for the rich, later for everyone.
Saffron buns are younger than many think. Saffron was expensive and exclusive, and pastries with saffron were long a sign of status.
Lucia is perhaps the clearest mixture of everything:
A Sicilian saint, a Nordic light celebration, student traditions, white-clad processions – and a very Swedish need to create light in the darkest time of the year.
The Christmas present – a joke with a long history
The word julklapp (Christmas present) sounds cute, but started as a prank. You knocked on the door, threw in a simple gift – sometimes a piece of wood or a carved figure – and ran away. The "klapp" (knock) referred to the sound, not the present.
The fact that the gifts are also often accompanied by rhymes and small digs is no coincidence. Christmas has always contained both warmth and playfulness.
How old are gingerbread cookies really?
Surprisingly old. Spiced cakes with honey and spices were baked in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago. They were used both as medicine and durable travel food. In Europe, they became monastery baking, and in Sweden eventually Christmas cookies – thin, spicy and full of symbolism.
Christmas Eve – why we celebrate the evening before
In the Nordic countries, we celebrate eves, not days. This is related to how the day was counted in the farming community: the day began in the evening. When the work was finished, the house cleaned, and the tools rested – then the celebration began. That's why Christmas Eve still carries the weight of the celebration.
A Christmas built of layers
What I try to convey on the Santa walks is precisely this:
Christmas is not a tradition. It is many, stacked on top of each other. Pagan, Christian, folk, bourgeois, commercial – and personal.
And perhaps that's why it continues to feel meaningful.
Not because everything is old.
But because we have repeatedly chosen to carry it forward.
✨ And what about Santa?
The Santa walks will return in December 2026, starting at 6:00 PM – and with a sneak preview as early as November 29. Perhaps something for the family, colleagues, or just for yourself who wants to step right into the Christmas stories, in lantern light and winter darkness.
Keep an eye on the website and in social media – where the dates will appear as it gets closer.
And until then: everyday storytelling continues. History, as you know, never takes a break. 💚