Nollaig Chridheil
standard
In Scottish Gaelic "Merry Christmas" is Nollaig Chridheil. Nollaig is Christmas and cridheil means cheerful or hearty. It is also called Nollaig Mhath and Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| Nollaig Chridheil | standard |
| Nollaig Mhath | happy Christmas |
| Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh | to several people or formal |
You can add dhut to wish it to one person, as in Nollaig Chridheil dhut, or dhuibh for several people or someone you address formally. Nollaig Mhath is "good Christmas" and is also heard.
When do people say it?
Many people pair it with the new year greeting: Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr, "Merry Christmas and a happy new year".
Did you know?
- For a long time Hogmanay was the bigger winter celebration in Scotland, which is why the new year greeting is so often added to Christmas wishes.
Examples in context
- Nollaig Chridheil dhut!Merry Christmas to you!
- Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh uile!Merry Christmas to you all!
- Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Example conversation
Màiri and Calum wish each other well on Christmas Eve outside the church.
- MàiriNollaig Chridheil, a Chaluim!Merry Christmas, Calum!
- CalumNollaig Chridheil dhut fhèin, a Mhàiri.Merry Christmas to you too, Màiri.
- MàiriTapadh leat.Thank you.
