Merr Chrismas

The "Merr Chrismas" phenomenon began as a deliberate misspelling that captured the internet's imagination. This playful twist on "Merry Christmas" found its way into various holiday illustrations, most memorably featuring dinosaurs radiating pure festive joy.

In December 2014, Tumblr artist Bekkie created what would become an iconic piece of internet history: a raptor dinosaur sporting a Santa hat, accompanied by the now-famous text "It Chrismas / Merr Chrismas." The simple sketch struck a chord with the online community, spreading rapidly across the platform and beyond.

The illustration's popularity came with unexpected consequences. By August 2015, the original post was removed from Tumblr at Bekkie's request. The artist cited numerous copyright complications, including widespread unauthorized reproductions, missing attribution as parodies and reposts circulated without credit, physical prints appearing in various locations, and the removal of watermarks from the artwork.

Despite its removal from the original platform, the "Merr Chrismas" image had already cemented itself in internet culture. The charming combination of intentional misspelling and the enthusiastic dinosaur character created a meme that resonated with people seeking a more lighthearted, less polished approach to holiday greetings.

The legacy of "Merr Chrismas" serves as a reminder of how quickly online content can spread and transform into something larger than its creator initially intended. What started as a simple Tumblr post became a cultural touchstone, representing the internet's ability to find joy in imperfection and celebrate creativity in unexpected ways.