Have you ever stopped to wonder why we wish one another Merry Christmas? Why do we say merry only at Christmas? After all, we don’t say Merry Birthday or Merry New Year. How did the tradition of Merry Christmas start? 

The origin of Merry Christmas is not exactly clear. Most people believe it started around 1534 when a bishop wrote a letter to the then England’s Chief minister, Thomas Cromwell. In his letter, Bishop John Fisher hoped God would bless the chief minister with a Merry Christmas. Fast forward to 1843, when the term Merry Christmas became more popular with the publication of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Soon after that, Merry Christmas started appearing on Christmas cards. Since then, Merry Christmas has become the go-to greeting during Christmas in many countries around the world. So, what’s merry about Christmas? And why do we focus on being merry at Christmas? Most importantly, what does it have to do with our health and well-being?

What is merry about Christmas?

As you hear Merry Christmas this season, think about these five things that make Christmas merry:

Miracle

The Christmas story is indeed a miracle. The Virgin Mary conceived a child, the savior of the world. During Christmas, Christians worldwide marvel at what God has done in thanksgiving, appreciating God coming down as man to save humankind. A medical colleague once asked me to explain how this is possible logically. I said, exactly! It is no longer a miracle if I can logically explain how it happened.

I love medicine and our attempt to explain everything logically. Take us women as an example. A tiny gland in our brains known as the pituitary gland suddenly decides to produce more of two specific hormones around puberty. These hormones then silently tell our ovaries to start producing sex hormones. And voila, our bodies change, and we start our monthly cycle. Then, around age 50, this same gland decides enough is enough and moves on. Again, our bodies change, albeit not how we want, and our monthly cycle gradually becomes a thing of the past. Isn’t that amazing? Yes, medicine can explain the how but not necessarily the why.

Even doctors believe in miracles. In one study, 74 percent of doctors surveyed believed that miracles have occurred in the past, and 73 percent believed they can occur today.

Therefore, this Christmas, marvel at our great God who gives life to all beings. Take a minute now and marvel at this one miracle that is your body and how everything is working on autopilot. And if you are experiencing any illness or sickness in any part of your body or mind, I pray that God will give you the healing you need this Christmas.

Expect

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, is rumored to be when people have the most expectations and hope. Looking forward to family gatherings, gifts, work bonuses, and all the festivities ignites our hope. In addition, we start to look forward to the new year with renewed hope and vigor. Ultimately, how hopeful we are will impact our health. The more hopeful we are, the healthier we become. For more on how hope impacts our health, check out “Keep Hope Alive.”

Rejoice

To rejoice is the act of showing enjoyment. It is an active verb, a deep feeling you cannot contain. Rejoicing manifests itself outwardly, draws people near, and produces a feeling of comfort and cheer around you. It is noticeable and contagious.

Did you know that Christmas Day is one of the happiest days of the year? In fact, in one study, it was the happiest day of the year, with the highest percentage of people experiencing a lot of happiness and enjoyment without a lot of stress or worry.

Yes, there is undoubtedly a lot of rejoicing and cheerfulness during Christmas. However, Christmas time is not the only time to rejoice. We should rejoice and celebrate each day we have been given here on earth. For more on why we should celebrate more often, check out “Why should you Celebrate Birthdays?” and “Celebrate Good Times – My Sister’s 50th.”

Reconnect

Christmas time is a time to reconnect with friends, family, and your social network. Now is the time to reconnect with your inner child who believes in Santa and the undeniable goodness God has deposited in people. Take advantage of this time of cheer, hopefulness, and festivities to reconnect with your purpose and goals. And although we may not want to hear this, it’s time to reconnect with your doctor. You must reconnect with your body, soul, and spirit for optimum health. Remember, as we get older, we must be more intentional about our health by making choices that promote our health and well-being.

Yummy

Here comes the big one! What makes Christmas merry is that we can eat, drink and be happy. Of course, with moderation. Now is the time to be adventurous. Try cuisines you have never tried and share your dishes with others. Finally, Christmas and the Holiday season is the best time to take this Bible verse to heart:

So, I recommend having fun because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way, they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun (Ecclesiastes 8:15, NIV).

Final thoughts

Something else that makes Christmas merry is the exchange of gifts. What gifts did you receive this Christmas? More importantly, what gifts did you give? Did you know that giving gifts activates certain areas in your brain to produce certain chemicals? Eventually, gift-giving helps you create stronger social ties, makes you happier, and improves your health and well-being. No wonder Christmas Day is the happiest day of the year for many people! For more on how giving affects your health, check out “Giving and Your Health.”

Lastly, another year is coming to an end. I hope you made the most of the year. If not, 2024 is a year to reset and recharge. Miracles exist, but God has also given us the wisdom and knowledge to make some miracles happen. So, amidst all the festivities this Christmas, be determined to do your part in making next year your healthiest year yet, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

Finally, remember Proverbs 17:22 – A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. So, being merry is one of the best medicines you can take. Therefore, enjoy all the festivities of the season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please feel free to leave your comments below and feel free to share this article.

Yours in health and fitness.

Doctor Abi