Another way to differentiate between them, according to what the Gra (Vilna Gaon) wrote (Esther 8:16) in a straightforward interpretation, and this is his language: "In this time, we follow happiness to achieve it, which is happiness initially. But 'sasson' is the desire to achieve, end quote." In other words, happiness comes from the current situation, and 'sasson' (joy) comes from the hoped-for future. And the prayer text supports this, as it is said: "They are happy when they go out and joyful when they come back," meaning, first they go out, and then they are happy. Afterwards, when they return, they are joyful.

It seems to explain that happiness envelops a person due to the memory of the good experiences they had during the holiday, and 'sasson' comes to a person when they envision the good expected in the future. This is what we said at the beginning, that we should reflect on the enlightenments and elevations we experienced during the holiday to derive good for the future, and they will be for us for joy ('sasson') and happiness.