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# happy holidays

phrase (greeting: Happy holidays!; also «Season's greetings»)

«happy holidays» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (polite greeting) a friendly wish for the winter holiday season, used instead of «Merry Christmas» to include people of all religions and holidays.
2. (literal, UK) have a happy holiday (vacation).

### In the lessons

A polite, inclusive greeting in the US and Canada around the end of the year, covering Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year; in shops, cards and adverts. Some people like it as welcoming; some feel it avoids naming Christmas.

### Examples

- The cashier smiled and said, "Happy holidays!"
- Our class card said "Happy holidays" so everyone could feel included.
- Happy holidays from all of us at the library!
- Some people say "Merry Christmas" and others say "Happy holidays".
- The shop window has a big "Happy holidays" sign.
- "Happy holidays, Mr Lee!" called the children at the end of term.
- In the UK, "happy holidays" can just mean "enjoy your summer break".
- The company sent happy holidays emails to all customers.

### Note

Trap: in the US «holidays» means the winter festive season; in the UK «holiday» usually means a vacation. It is a polite, inclusive greeting. Plain meaning: «enjoy the festive season».