Start by signing "HAPPY" to represent "MERRY": place both flat hands on your chest, palms facing in, and brush them upward twice in a light, circular motion. Next, sign "CHRISTMAS": raise your dominant arm with your elbow bent and form a "C" handshape. Move the "C" handshape in a smooth, sweeping arc from the center of your body outward to the side.
Point to yourself, sign 'WISH', point to the person you are talking to, and then sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' using the chest brushes followed by the 'C' arc.
Sign 'READY' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, then sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' with a joyful expression.
Sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS', point to the person to indicate 'YOUR', and then sign 'FAMILY' by bringing two 'F' handshapes together in a circle.
Point to yourself, sign 'WISH', point to the person you are talking to, and then sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' using the chest brushes followed by the 'C' arc.
Sign 'READY' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, then sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' with a joyful expression.
Sign 'MERRY CHRISTMAS', point to the person to indicate 'YOUR', and then sign 'FAMILY' by bringing two 'F' handshapes together in a circle.
Yes! In ASL, the sign for 'HAPPY' is used to mean 'MERRY' in the context of 'Merry Christmas'. The upward brushing motion on the chest conveys the exact same joyful feeling.
In the variation shown here, the 'CHRISTMAS' part is signed using only your dominant hand making the 'C' arc. However, it is also completely correct and very common to use your non-dominant hand as a base for your dominant elbow.
You can mouth 'Merry Christmas' naturally while signing it, but your facial expression—especially a warm, happy smile—is the most important part of conveying the holiday greeting.
