I was young when Jose Feliciano wrote and recorded his song, “Feliz Navidad” in 1970. Although my siblings and I sang it when it came on the radio, we had no idea of its meaning. We figured it had something to do with Christmas since the word is found in the repetitive lyrics, but it was some time before my young brain understood that “Feliz Navidad" is a Spanish greeting akin to “Merry Christmas.”
Over the years, as my daughter learned Spanish in high school, I had a greater appreciation for how these two words mean more than a Spanish “Merry Christmas.”
“Feliz” actually means “happy” and “Navidad” means “nativity.” “Nativity,” in turn, means “birth of Jesus Christ,” so wishing someone “Feliz Navidad” is to wish them a “Happy Birth of Jesus Christ” celebration.
Though “Christ” is found in the word “Christmas,” and I’ve said Merry Christmas every year, I really like the thought of wishing people a Feliz Navidad because of its meaning. I think it causes us to focus more on the fact that this is not just a holiday for exchanging gifts; this is a time to be happy that Jesus Christ was born.
Where Does "Feliz Navidad" Originate?
The origin of saying “Feliz Navidad” may be confusing since there are many Spanish-speaking countries, but the tradition began in Spain itself. Tradition tells us that the Apostle James and later the Apostle Paul introduced Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain. But over the centuries, other religions (like Islam) took over the country before the reconquest by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492.
Ferdinand and Isabella were Catholic and were successful in purging the country of other non-Christian faiths. They were connected to the Roman Catholic church through the pope, to whom they appealed for help on various occasions. There is debate as to when the worldwide Catholic church began to celebrate Christmas, some claiming the second century A.D. and others in the fourth century. Regardless, the Spanish church would have been “grandfathered in” to such celebrations when it was established in the 15th century. And wishes of “Feliz Navidad” would soon follow.
How Does "Feliz Navidad" Reflect the Spirit of Christmas?
There are so many ways to wish someone a joyous holiday season. We hear “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” but I truly believe that the meaning of “Feliz Navidad” lends a more reverent and yet joyful tone to the greeting.
With its focus on the nativity, or birth of Jesus, I think “Feliz Navidad” brings more attention to the true reason we celebrate. According to Britannica.com, the original meaning of the word “Christmas,” the word we most often associate with the holiday, is “mass on Christ’s day.” Therefore, it points people towards an event that happens every year, whereas “navidad” directs us to the child in the manger on the holy night that changed everything.
By wishing someone “Feliz Navidad” you are sending the message that you want them to look and see what God did over 2,000 years ago, and revel in it anew; to be in awe like the shepherds were when they heard the angels announcing the Messiah’s birth. To be humbled like the Three Kings who paid homage to the King of Kings. And to sing “Glory to God in the highest” like the heavenly host of angels.
Why Do People Use "Feliz Navidad" to Spread Christmas Cheer?
As the old song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” There is excitement in the air, whether because people can’t wait to honor Jesus, or because there are parties, presents, and special foods to share. Regardless, we are quick to wish a joyous holiday to both friends and strangers.
“Feliz Navidad” reminds us of the fulfillment we feel when we consider Jesus’ first and second coming, and how we want to share that hope with others. Now that we have explored the history of “Feliz Navidad,” we can see that wishing someone “Happy Birth of Christ” is a much more direct way of saying that we know exactly who and what we are glorifying. It actually can be a form of witnessing to extend such a greeting, hopefully used by the Holy Spirit to turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).
What Can Christians Reflect on When Saying "Feliz Navidad"?
Wishing someone “Feliz Navidad” is also a reminder to check where our hearts are this Christmastime. Are we ready to welcome the “Happy Birth of Christ,” or are we struggling with anything driving a wedge between us and God? Do we want more people to know about Him? Are we honoring Him with our lives? “Feliz Navidad” can be a mental prompt to confess sins to God and preach the gospel to ourselves anew.
We can also think of those less fortunate than ourselves whom Jesus came to live and die for as well. Is the Holy Spirit prompting us to set aside some of our own desires to meet the needs of the poor? Or is there someone who just needs someone to acknowledge them and their loneliness at this most festive time of year?
“Feliz Navidad” also reminds us that people around the world love Jesus. Ours is not an America-only faith. People around the world honor the triune God with their passion for Jesus at Christmas. We have brothers and sisters who we won’t meet until heaven, many of whom do not share our language, so it’s wonderful to be able to greet someone with “Feliz Navidad” to acknowledge their Spanish-speaking faith.
Why "Feliz Navidad" is More Than Just a Greeting
“Feliz Navidad” will never be just a greeting. It will never be just a song written over 50 years ago by a man who was homesick for his country’s Christmas festivities. It will never be just what we say to people we know who speak Spanish as a nod to their culture.
“Feliz Navidad” will always be a way to wish someone the hope, love, faith, and joy that Jesus came to earth to give us. It will always be a reminder to us that He chose us to live in a time of waiting for Him to come again. And it will always be a greeting that demonstrates our love for the One who gave it all so that we would have eternal life with Him.
Perhaps this year, if your family doesn’t already wish people “Feliz Navidad,” you could incorporate it into your Christmas celebrations. Have a family discussion about the meaning of “Feliz Navidad,” where it originated, how it reflects the spirit of Christmas, and what each family member can reflect on when they say it. Maybe challenge yourselves to teach others when you greet them that “Feliz Navidad really means ‘Happy Birth of Christ’--so may you find joy in celebrating Him this year.” You can also add “próspero año y felicidad” to wish people a happy and prosperous new year. It may take you and your kids out of your comfort zone, but it will make for great conversations during this holiday season.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/kevron2001
Mary Oelerich-Meyer is a Chicago-area freelance writer and copy editor who prayed for years for a way to write about and for the Lord. She spent 20 years writing for area healthcare organizations, interviewing doctors and clinical professionals and writing more than 1,500 articles in addition to marketing collateral materials. Important work, but not what she felt called to do. She is grateful for any opportunity to share the Lord in her writing and editing, believing that life is too short to write about anything else. Previously she served as Marketing Communications Director for a large healthcare system. She holds a B.A. in International Business and Marketing from Cornell College (the original Cornell!) When not researching or writing, she loves to spend time with her writer daughter, granddaughter, rescue doggie and husband (not always in that order).
