If you’re learning a new language, the holiday season is the perfect time to pick up festive phrases and impress native speakers with a little seasonal spirit. In this post, we’re giving you two things: fun Christmas trivia and a guide to how “Merry Christmas” is said around the world.
1. Quick Christmas Trivia to Impress at Your Next Party
Where did Christmas trees come from?
Germany, where decorating trees for Christmas first began in the 16th century and then spread throughout Europe and North America.
What’s the most recorded Christmas song?
“Silent Night.” It’s been covered by everyone from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey in dozens of languages.
Who invented the first Christmas card?
Sir Henry Cole in 1843 in England. He wanted a quick way to send holiday greetings to friends and family.
Which country is credited with the first artificial Christmas tree?
Germany again — this time in the 19th century, with artificial trees made from dyed goose feathers.
In which country is it traditional to eat KFC on Christmas Day?
Japan, where a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s made KFC a Christmas staple.
2. How to Say “Merry Christmas” in 20 Different Languages
Whether you’re traveling or just chatting online with international friends, here’s how to spread holiday cheer in their language:
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | ¡Feliz Navidad! | feh-LEEZ nah-vee-DAHD |
| French | Joyeux Noël | zhwa-YUH noh-ELL |
| German | Frohe Weihnachten | FROH-uh VINE-akh-ten |
| Italian | Buon Natale | BWOHN nah-TAH-leh |
| Portuguese | Feliz Natal | feh-LEEZ nah-TAL |
| Dutch | Vrolijk Kerstfeest | VROH-lik KERST-feyst |
| Russian | С Рождеством! (S Rozhdestvom!) | S rohzh-DEHS-tvohm |
| Polish | Wesołych Świąt | veh-SOH-wikh shvyont |
| Swedish | God Jul | goo yool |
| Norwegian | God Jul | goo yool |
| Danish | Glædelig Jul | GLEH-the-lee yool |
| Finnish | Hyvää joulua | HOO-va YOH-loo-a |
| Greek | Καλά Χριστούγεννα | kah-LAH hree-STOO-yen-nah |
| Japanese | メリークリスマス (Merī Kurisumasu) | meh-REE koo-ree-soo-MAH-soo |
| Korean | 메리 크리스마스 (Meri Keuriseumaseu) | meh-ree keu-ree-suh-mah-suh |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 圣诞快乐 (Shèngdàn kuàilè) | shuhng-dahn kwhy-luh |
| Arabic | عيد ميلاد مجيد | eed mee-LAHD mah-JEED |
| Hebrew | חג מולד שמח | khag moh-LAHD sah-MAY-akh |
| Hindi | मेरी क्रिसमस (Meri Christmas) | meh-ree kris-mahs |
| Tagalog | Maligayang Pasko | mah-lee-GAH-yahng PAHS-koh |
3. A Final Holiday Tip
Holidays are a great opportunity to connect across cultures—whether you’re learning new languages or simply reaching out to friends around the world. Sharing festive greetings can brighten someone’s day and show that you care.
Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, we hope you have a warm, joyful, and meaningful holiday season.
