How to say Merry Christmas

HOW TO SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS! in some Native languages, from American Indian Library Association Listserv, December 2009

ALUET: Kamgan Ukudigaa
APALACHICOLA CREEK: Nettv-Cako-Rakko
ALUTIIQ ALASKA: Spraasnikam! [Happy Holidays]
WESTERN APACHE: Gozhqq Keshmish
AYMARA: Sooma Nawira-ra
BLACKFOOT: I'Taamomohkatoyiiksistsikomi
CENTRAL AHTNA: C'ehwggelnen Dzaen
CHEROKEE: Danistayohihv &Aliheli'sdi Itse Udetiyvasadisv
CHEYENNE: Hoesenestotse & Aa'eEmona'e
CHOCTAW: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
CREE: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
CREEK: Afvcke Nettvcakorakko
DINE/NAVAJO: Ya'at'eeh Keshmish
GITKSAN: Hisgusgitxwsim Ha'niisgats Christ ganhl Ama Sii K'uuhl!
GUARAYU: Imboeteipri tasecoi Tupa i vave!
GWICH'IN: Drin tsal zhit shoh ohlii & Drin Choo zhit zhoh ohli
HAWAIIAN: Mele Kalikimaka & Hauoli Makahiki Hou
INUPIAQ: annaurri Aniruq & Paglaun Ukiutchiaq
INUPIATUN: Quvianaq Agaayuniqpak
INUPIK: Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
IROQUOIS: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson Homungradon Nagwutut & Ojenyunyat Osrasay
KAQCHIKEL: Dios Tik'ujie' Avik'in
KOYUKON: Denaahto' Hoolaanh Dedzaanh Sodeelts'eeyh
KUTCHIN: Drin Tsal Neenjit Goozu'
LAKOTA: Wanikiya Tonpi Wowiyuskin & Omaka Teca Oiyokipi
LUISENO (California): Héngchish Chamná' Pochóx'ivo
MAYA/YUCATECO: Utzul Mank'inal
METIS/MICHIF Gayayr Nwel
OJIBWE (CHIPPEWA) - Niibaa' Anami'egiizhigad & Aabita Biboo
ONEIDA: Wanto'wan Amp; Hoyan
NASKAPI: Miywaaitaakun Mikusaanor
Q'ANJOB'AL: Chi Woche Swatx'ilal Hak'ul Yet Jun Yalji Komami'
QUECHUA: Sumaj Kausay Kachun Navidad Ch'sisipi & Mosoi Watapi Sumaj Kausay Kachun
RETVARA: Mamaka Wejejer??ka
SALCHA Dzeen Chox Teedle 'Aay Nayilkaa
SENECA: A:O'-E:Sad Yos-Ha:-Se:'
TANAINA: Natukda Nuuphaa
TEWA: Hihchandi N??uphaa
TLINGIT: - Xristos Khuwdziti Kax Sh Kaxtoolxetl
TUTCHONE/NORTHERN: T'ohudinch'i Hulin Dzenu & Eyum Nan Ek'an Nenatth'at Danji Te Yesohuthin Ch'e Hadaatle
YUPIK ESKIMO, ALASKA: Alussistuaqegtaarmek Piamceci!
YUPIK/SIBERIAN: Quyanalghii Kuusma & Quyangalleq Nutaghamun Aymiqulleq

Christmas books in the Children's Library

Winter is a time of giving and sharing, and a time for telling stories. Here are some children’s books about Christmas celebrations among Native people. The books include personal memories of making baseball bats from Christmas trees to learning that sharing and being together are more important than presents.


Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Kusugak. Annick Press, 1990

Christmas at Wapos Bay by Jordan Wheeler. Coteau Books, 2005

Circle of Wonder: A Native American Christmas Story by N. Scott Momaday. Univ. of New Mexico, 1999

Coyote Christmas: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson. Abrams, 2007

A Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King. Groundwood, 2009

The Crying Christmas Tree by Allan Crow. Pemmican Publications, 1989

Red Parka Mary by Peter Eyvindson. Pemmican Publications, 1996