Why do Italians say 'Merry Christmas'?

Answer 1

Some Italians say 'Buon Natale' ['Merry Christmas'], because they're Catholic. They seek to share the joyful time of the Nativity, and do so through this friendly greeting. Other Italians aren't Catholic, but are Christians of Protestantdenominations, such as in northwestern Italy. They too wish to share the season's joy by way of kindly holiday greetings. Still other Italians aren't Christian. They may practice another faith, or no faith at all. But they respect the holidays of other religions, and show this by helping to spread the holiday cheer to humankind. And yet other Italians give no particular religious or spiritual significance to the season. But they too take advantage of the opportunity to be of good cheer to the world.