It is common to use a special greeting used just for that occasion on special days, holidays and other special occasions. Here are some of the most common:
Birthdays
Happy birthday!
Best wishes / Good luck on your thirtieth (age - use an ordinal number) birthday!
Many happy returns!
Wedding / Anniversary
Congratulations!
Best wishes / good luck on your tenth (number - use an ordinal number) anniversary!
Here's to many more happy years together (used when making a toast)
Special Holidays
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah / Ramadan etc.
All the best for a happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah / Ramadan etc.
When making special greetings to children on their birthday and at Christmas, it is also common to ask them what they received:
Merry Christmas! What did you get from Santa Claus?
Happy Birthday! What did your Daddy get for you?
Special Occasions
Congratulations on your promotion!
All the best for your ...
I'm so proud of you!
More Social Language Key Phrases
Introductions
Greetings
Special Days
Speaking to Strangers
Traveling phrases
