Written by Danielle Bell in the Ottawa Sun.

Merry Christmas!

Like the majority of Canadians in a recent poll, Ottawa councillors are more likely to use that traditional greeting this season. Few city politicians who responded to an inquiry by the Sun about what’s written in their cards said they were opting for the more generic “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.”

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson’s cards wish people a Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings in both English and French.

Cumberland Coun. Stephen Blais’ cards are also bilingual, wishing people a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Bay Coun. Mark Taylor chooses a traditional and generic route.

“Our Christmas cards say Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings,” said Taylor.

West Carleton-March Coun. Eli El-Chantiry said he is the least politically correct — and doesn’t use the city to send a Christmas card.”I put ads in the local paper wishing people a Merry Christmas,” said Chantiry. “I keep the Christ in Christmas.”

Barrhaven Coun. Jan Harder also opts for ads wishing people a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Rideau-Goulbourn Coun. Scott Moffatt’s cards also bear the same greeting. Moffatt is sending a newsletter to 8,000 homes this season, wishing people a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Innes Coun. Rainer Bloess mirrors that trend, also wishing folks a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

The holiday cards of deputy mayor and Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches say Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings and all the best in 2012.

Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Peter Clark doesn’t use the word Christmas, but he includes a handwritten message with his Happy Holiday cards, since he knows the people he sends them to.

Orleans Coun. Bob Monette sends greetings wishing people a very Merry Christmas and all the best this holiday season.

A recent Abacus Data poll conducted for Sun News suggested 76% of Canadians are more likely to say Merry Christmas this season.