"when hearts were young and gay"
"a poet could not but be gay, in such a jocund company"
"the jolly crowd at the reunion"
"jolly old Saint Nick"
"a jovial old gentleman"
"have a merry Christmas"
"peals of merry laughter"
"a mirthful laugh"

"a festive (or festal) occasion"
"gay and exciting night life"
"a merry evening"

"a brisk walk in the park"
"a lively gait"
"a merry chase"
"traveling at a rattling rate"
"a snappy pace"
"a spanking breeze"