[lopinslow]

Has anyone brought up the idea that the guy that signed it was named Ray and he was writing a kinda poem. His name rhymed with “say”

[skr]

Nice catch. Makes one wonder what her then-boyfriend’s name was.

[rolling_stone]

yes and it makes more sense than what was written and not a poem...stilted language

[Songcraft]

That is an interesting take on it.  (It might sound a little rough -- like many yearbook messages -- but it does rhyme.)

To a sweeter, more beautiful girl I could not say
"Merry Christmas" Christmas 1977, Love, Ray.

(It might have sounded better rhythmically like this.)

To a sweeter, more beautiful girl I could not say
"Merry Christmas", '77, Love, Ray.