—| B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) |—

In Canada, “happy holidays!” is a common expression that is used to say goodbye to someone in November and December if you are uncertain as to whether you will see them again before January. For example, it is November 19th and you are about to leave a dinner party with a diverse group of friends. You know that the following weeks leading up to New Year’s Day (January 1st) are already going to be full with Christmas decorating, baking, gift shopping and wrapping, Christmas parties, festivals, concerts, family time, work, etc., so you are not sure that you will be able to see them again this year. As you leave, you say goodbye using the expression “happy holidays!”

This expression is particularly common in Canada because there are so many holidays and observances that take place in the country. Though Christmas is the most popular–among the religious, non-religious and areligious, alike–there are so many other special days that are either celebrated and/or observed alongside Christmas or instead of Christmas. The reason for this lies in the great diversity of the Canadian people.

Canada is not simply made up of European-descent Christians, but rather Indigenous, Latino, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other European populations that have their own distinct creeds, spiritual beliefs, cultures, traditions and customs. Many of these communities celebrate or observe special days in the months of November and December in the Gregorian calendar, so it only makes sense to say goodbye to someone during this time by using a general expression that acknowledges all holidays and observances. As it is also Canadian custom to be considerate of others (people’s needs, preferences, life experiences, challenges and difficulties, triumphs, etc.), saying “happy holidays” makes even more sense.

Some examples of holidays that take place during this time are*:

• All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1, 2022)

• Day of the Dead (Nov. 1-2, 2022)

• All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2, 2022)

• American Thanksgiving (Nov. 24, 2022)

• Black Friday (Nov. 25, 2022)

• Advent (Nov. 27-Dec. 25, 2022)

• Cyber Monday (Nov. 28, 2022)

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8, 2022)

• St. Lucia Day (Dec. 13, 2022)

• Hanukkah (Dec. 19-26, 2022)

• December Solstice (Dec. 21, 2022)

• Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, 2022)

• Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2022)

• Boxing Day (Dec. 26, 2022)

• Kwaanza (Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023)

• New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, 2022)

*This is not an exhaustive list.

What holidays do you celebrate in November and December? Let me know in the comments below.

To learn about more Canadian holidays, including vocabulary related to these holidays, check out the Holidays link in the Tags section of our blog.

ASSOCIATED WORDS:

Some synonyms of “happy holidays” include:

• Season’s Greetings! (formal; old-fashioned)

• Have a great holiday season! (standard)