“Merry Christmas” greeters have the firmest grip on tradition in Canada, according to a new poll.

For most Canadians (62 per cent), Merry Christmas is the preferred way to greet others during the festive season. Just under one-in-four (24 per cent) go with the more secular “Happy Holidays,” while 14 per cent don’t care much either way, says Mario Canseco, president of B.C.-based Research Co.