Christmas Words! In this lesson, you will find typical words and expressions that people use when talking about Christmas in English with useful ESL infographic.
Learn more about Halloween vocabulary in English.
Christmas vocabulary word list:
- Christmas tree
- Star
- Lights
- Ornament
- Santa Claus
- Mrs. Claus
- Sleigh
- Reindeer
- Rudolph
- North Pole
- Elf
- Toys
- Present
- Wreath
- Holly
- Candle
- Singing
- Christmas stocking
- Gingerbread
- Peppermint
- Cookie
- Candy cane
- Bells
- Christmas hat
- Card
- Poinsettia
- Chimney
- Family
- Snowman
- Christmas pudding
- Turkey
- Snowglobe
- Christmas cracker
- Wrapping paper
- Fireplace
- Christmas carol
- Christmas Eve
- Christmastide
- Chestnuts
- Tinsel
BASIC TERMS
Embrace the wintry spirit with this Christmas vocabulary word list.
Christmas tree
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas, originating in Northern Europe. The tree was traditionally decorated with “roses made of colored paper, apples, wafers, tinsel and sweetmeats”.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick is a legendary character originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve (24 December) or during the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December).
Ornament
“Ornament” is another word for “decoration,” and in the context of Christmas, it is specifically a decoration used to adorn a Christmas tree.
Christmas stocking
A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on Christmas Eve so that Saint Nicholas can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers.
Holly/Mistletoe
This species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The common European holly is used in Christmas decorations and cards.
Snowman
A snowman is an anthropomorphic snow sculpture often built in regions with sufficient snowfall. Common accessories include branches for arms and a rudimentary smiley face, with a carrot used for a nose. Clothing, such as a hat or scarf, may be included.
Christmas Words | Infographic
Christmas Vocabulary Words in Picture
Christmas Words!!! This useful page provides some of the most common English vocabulary words used to talk about Christmas. You’ll find many different words and phrases with example sentences to help show context for each word provided in this vocabulary overview.
Contents
Christmas Words
Christmas Words A-Z
The words below are the most common words used when talking about Christmas.
- Santa Claus
- Advent
- Parades
- Angels
- Noel
- North Pole
- Announcement
- Bells
- Bethlehem
- Poinsettia
- Prancer
- Blitzen
- Candles
- Frosty
- Candy
- Decorations
- Candy canes
- Scrooge
- Season
- Chimney
- Christmas cookies
- Reindeer
- Ribbon
- Dancer
- December
- Tradition
- TrafficDolls
- Dressing
- Eggnog
- Family reunion
- Festival
- Sacred
- Sales
- Fir
- Worship
- Wrapping paper
- Fruitcake
- Gift boxes
- Elves
- Goodwill
- Christmas tree
- Cold
- Greetings
- Ham
- Holly
- Icicles
- Jolly
- Lights
- Cedar
- Celebrate
- Merry
- Stocking stuffers
- Sweet potato
- Miracle
- Trips
- Turkey
- Mistletoe
- New Year
- Pageant
- Comet
- Cranberry sauce
- Party
- Plum pudding
- Happy
- Holiday
- Presents
- Sled
- Spirit
- Pumpkin pie
- Punch
- Rudolph
- Sauce
- Gifts
- Star
- Stickers
- Tidings
- Tinsel
- Vacation
- Vixen
- Winter
- Toys
- Wreath
- Yule
- Snowman
- Yuletide
- Cards
- Ceremonies
- Pie
- Pine
- Sleighbells
- Snowflakes
- Togetherness
- Hat
- Gingerbread
- Tree ornaments
- Red
- Green
- Fireplace
- Snowglobe
- Gingerbread house
Examples of Words Related to Christmas
- He believes Santa Claus comes in through the chimney.
- The advent of a national curriculum in this country may change this situation.
- Parades and marches were the very stuff of politics in the region.
- Thanks for mailing those letters, you’re an angel.
- The Arctic is a polar region. It’surrounds the North Pole.
- He made the announcement in a speech on television.
- The chimes of the huge bell rang in the New Year.
- He is present now as he was then in Bethlehem.
- The traditional Christmas flower is the Poinsettia.
- She could just see by the light of the candle.
- It’s sunny, but the air is frosty.
- This candy is so hard that no one can chew it.
- It’s time we put up the Christmas decorations in the living room.
- Wishing you all the blessings of a beautiful Christmas season.
- A spiral of smoke rose from the chimney.
- Father Christmas travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
- Her hair was tied up with a yellow ribbon.
- She didn’t have the physique to be a dancer.
- His latest book will appear in December.
- There was a fire burning in the fireplace.
List of Christmas Words | Infographic
Useful List of Christmas Words in English
Last Updated on February 17, 2021
Christmas and Winter Holiday Vocabulary 100 Word List
Use these words to design puzzles, worksheets, and activities
Illustration by Emily Roberts. ThoughtCo.
Updated on November 16, 2019
This comprehensive Christmas and winter holiday vocabulary word list can be used in the classroom in so many ways. Use it to inspire word walls, word searches, puzzles, Hangman and Bingo games, crafts, worksheets, story starters, creative writing word banks, and a variety of elementary lesson plans in almost any subject.
Customize the vocabulary you choose based on the policies of your school. Some public and private schools may only allow secular references to winter holidays, while some faith-based schools may prefer not to include secular or popular mythological references to Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, or other secular holiday characters.
Types of Word List Activities
There are many ways to use this list of Christmas and winter vocabulary in your classroom, including:
Word walls: Build vocabulary by designating one wall or part of a wall to post large print words that all students can read from their desks.
Word search puzzles: Create your own word search puzzles using one of several online puzzle generators. This allows you to customize them as appropriate for your class and school policies. For example, some schools may only allow secular references to the winter holidays.
Sight word flashcards: Make flashcards to improve vocabulary for early elementary students and for those with learning disabilities. Building holiday vocabulary will help your students with seasonal reading. Holiday words may also be more fun for them to learn and spark interest.
Hangman: This is an easy way to use Christmas words, and playing this game in the classroom can be a fun, interactive break between lessons.
Poem or story written-word exercise: Have students draw three or more of the words to incorporate into a poem or story. You can assign these to be turned in or shared with the class. Poems may be rhyming or not or in the form of a limerick or haiku. You can ask for a minimum word count for written story assignments.
Impromptu speech exercise: Have students draw one to five words to incorporate into an impromptu speech to give to the class. Have them draw words and immediately begin a speech, or give them a few minutes to prepare.
Christmas and Winter Holiday 100 Word List
This list is alphabetized to make it easier for you to find the words you want to use for your activities.
- Advent
- Angels
- Announcement
- Bells
- Bethlehem
- Blitzen
- Candles
- Candy
- Candy canes
- Cards
- Cedar
- Celebrate
- Ceremonies
- Chimney
- Christmas cookies
- Christmas tree
- Cold
- Comet
- Cranberry sauce
- Crowds
- Cupid
- Dancer
- Dasher
- December
- Decorations
- Dolls
- Donner
- Dressing
- Eggnog
- Elves
- Family reunion
- Festival
- Fir
- Frosty
- Fruitcake
- Gift boxes
- Gifts
- Goodwill
- Greetings
- Ham
- Happy
- Holiday
- Holly
- Holy
- Icicles
- Jolly
- Lights
- Lists
- Merry
- Miracle
- Mistletoe
- New Year
- Noel
- North Pole
- Pageant
- Parades
- Party
- Pie
- Pine
- Plum pudding
- Poinsettia
- Prancer
- Presents
- Pumpkin pie
- Punch
- Red/green
- Reindeer
- Ribbon
- Rudolph
- Sacred
- Sales
- Sauce
- Scrooge
- Season
- Sled
- Sleighbells
- Snowflakes
- Spirit
- St. Nick
- Stand
- Star
- Stickers
- Stocking stuffers
- Sweet potato
- Tidings
- Tinsel
- Togetherness
- Toys
- Tradition
- Traffic
- Trips
- Turkey
- Vacation
- Vixen
- Winter
- Worship
- Wrapping paper
- Wreath
- Yule
- Yuletide
Below, we have the big list of Christmas words — an a-to-z list of words that celebrate and relate to the holiday season.
Our list is categorized by letter; scroll past the list for a fun Christmas activity using the words listed here!
A
- Angels
- Advent
- Antlers
- Assemble:
gather together - Away in a Manger
- Announcement:
angels announced the birth of Jesus - Aroma
- Artificial:
type of Christmas tree - Angelic
- Advent calendar
- Abominable Snowman:
character from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” - Apple cider:
warm spiced apple beverage served at holiday parties - Andes mints:
chocolate candy found at holiday parties - Appreciate
- Aunt Clara:
character from “A Christmas Carol” - Attend:
attending church and Christmas parties - Acknowledge
- All Is Calm, All Is Bright
- Aspen:
popular holiday destination in Colorado - Anticipation
B
- Bethlehem
- Believe
- Bring:
gifts, or good tidings of great joy - Bells
- Boots:
worn in snowy weather - Blessings
- Boxing Day:
the day after Christmas; celebrated as a public holiday in some countries (including the U.K. and Canada) and some U.S. states - Blitzen:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Bows
- Boxes:
used for wrapping gifts - Belief
- Baking
- Bing Crosby:
singer of many classic holiday songs, including “White Christmas” - Birth
- Buche de Noel:
French Christmas cake - Boughs
- Balsam:
type of Christmas tree - Beauty
- Blizzard:
heavy snow storm that brings a white Christmas - Born
- Baubles:
ball-shaped glass or plastic Christmas tree ornaments - Blessed
- Best
- Benjamin:
the ghost of the future in “A Christmas Carol” - Beaming:
Christmas happiness - Buying
- Buddy:
name of the main character in the movie “Elf”
C
- Christ
- Cherubs
- Calling birds:
fourth gift in The Twelve Days of Christmas - Cookies
- Candy
- Cake
- Candles
- Candy canes
- Cards
- Candlelit
- Charles Dickens:
author of “A Christmas Carol” - Cozy
- Cheer
- Chimney:
where Santa Claus enters the house - Chestnuts
- Creche:
Church display featuring the stable where Jesus was born - Carve:
what you do to the turkey - Clark Griswold:
central character of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” - Cranberry sauce
- Carols
- Clarence:
guardian angel character in the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” - Caroling
- Carolers
- Cousin Eddie:
character in the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
See more in our full list of Christmas words that start with C.
D
- December
- Drinks:
served at Christmas parties - Drummer boy
- Dressing
- Deer
- Dasher:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Dancer:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Donner:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Douglas Fir:
type of tree used as a Christmas tree - Decorations
- Dashing:
moving through the snow - Decorated
- Drosselmeyer:
toy-maker character in “The Nutcracker” - Dickens:
author of “A Christmas Carol” - Dressing
- Deliver
- Deck:
decorating the halls
See more in our full list of Christmas words that start with D.
E
- Epiphany:
Three Kings Day; commemorates the kings visiting baby Jesus - Emmanuel:
“God is with us;” the name given to Christ - Eggnog
- Evergreen:
type of tree - Ebeneezer Scrooge:
character in “A Christmas Carol” - Elves
- Entertain:
hosting parties - Expectations
- Elf:
Santa’s helpers - Exchange:
trading gifts - Eat
- Ebullient:
meaning “excitement”; describes the joy of the Christmas season - Excited
- Elm:
type of tree sometimes used as a Christmas tree - Eve:
the day before Christmas - Events
F
- Faith
- Four:
number of calling birds gifted in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Fruitcake
- Family
- Frosty:
from “Frosty the Snowman” - Friends
- Father Christmas
- Feast
- Fireplace
- Festive
- Freezing
- Festival
- Fir:
type of tree - Frankincense
- French hens:
third gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Flock:
decorating with imitation snow - Fun
- Fellowship
- Figgy pudding:
spiced pudding mentioned in “We Wish You a merry Christmas” - Figurines
- Forgiveness
- Fireside
- Folklore
- Feelings
G
- God
- Gabriel:
angel that tells Mary she will have a son, Jesus - Grace
- Gifts
- Greetings
- Green
- Goodies
- Garland
- Grinch
- Guests
- Gather
- Gingerbread
- Gratitude
- Gold:
color of the fifth gift, rings, in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Goose:
traditional Christmas dinner - Gourmet
- Grace
- Greenery
- Gravy
- Gift-wrapped
- Gracious
- Giving
- Goodwill
- Glad tidings
- Gift exchange
- Gloria
- Give
- Go:
go to church, parties, and to visit Santa - Glory
- Games
- Glitter
- Gloves
- Glow:
Christmas lights, fireplaces, and children’s faces - Geese a-laying:
the sixth gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
H
- Holy
- Hymns
- Holiday
- Hustle and bustle
- Ham
- Holly
- Home
- Hugs
- Humility
- Heavenly
- Happy
- Hark
- Honor
- Host
- Hang
- Ho Ho Ho:
what Santa says before “Merry Christmas!” - Heritage
- Harmony
- Hot chocolate
- Holiday
- Hot cider
- Holly jolly:
as in “have a holly jolly Christmas” - Home cooking
- Herald
- Hospitality
- Helping
- Hope
I
- Invitations
- Ivy
- In a pear tree:
where the partridge is in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Icicles
- Innocence
- Ice
- Inn:
no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph - Infant
- Incarnate
- Illumination
- Indulgence
- Ice castle
- Ice skates
J
- Jesus
- Jerusalem
- Joy
- Jingle bells
- Joseph:
husband of Mary - Jack Frost
- Journey:
Mary and Joseph took one to Bethlehem - Jolly
- Joy to the World
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Jubilation
- Jessica:
Mrs. Claus’ first name in the Christmas TV special “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”
K
- Kris Kringle:
Santa Claus in “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” - Kids
- Kin
- King
- Kindness
- Kiss:
what you do under the mistletoe - Kevin McAllister:
main character in “Home Alone”
L
- Lamb of God
- Love
- Lights
- Little Drummer Boy
- Lords a-leaping:
10th gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Laughter
- Lavish
- Letter to Santa
- Lists:
Santa’s record of “naughty” and “nice” - Lump:
coal left in a stocking - Leave:
setting out milk and cookies for Santa - Let It Snow
- Ladies dancing:
the ninth gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Libation:
holiday drinks - Logs
- Loved ones
- Luminosity:
Christmas lights
M
- Manger
- Mary
- Magi:
wise men; three kings - Maids a-milking:
eighth gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Myrrh
- Music
- Mrs. Claus
- Mittens
- Merry and bright
- Mistletoe
- Miracles
- Minister
- Midnight:
time of Christmas mass at many churches - Mincemeat
- Majesty
- Magical
- Mom
- Meaningful
- Merry
- Miraculous
- Mirthful
- Make a toast
- Making spirits bright
- Max:
dog in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” - Meal
- Memories
- Meaning
- Mercy
- Milk:
left out with cookies for Santa - Mood
N
- Nativity
- Newborn
- Noel
- North Pole
- Nutcracker
- Nutmeg
- Nostalgia
- Night Before Christmas
- Newly fallen snow
- Nap
- Nuts
- Naughty
- Night
- Neighborly
- Nice
O
- Ornaments
- O Holy Night
- Oven
- Observance:
celebrating the holiday - O Come, All Ye Faithful
- Occasion
- Open:
what you do with gifts - O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Olive:
the “other reindeer” - Ox
- Objects
See more in our full list of Christmas words that start with O.
P
- Peace
- Praise
- Popcorn string
- Packages
- Partridge:
the first gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Poinsettia
- Pie
- Prayer
- Prancer:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Peppermint
- Parade
- Plum pudding
- Post Office:
where you mail letters and gifts to family and friends - Pageant
- Proclaim
- Punch:
drink served at Christmas parties - Peace dove
- Pine
- Prophecy
- Presents
- Pumpkin pie
- Purity
- Philanthropy
- Pickles:
traditional Christmas ornament - Potatoes
- Preparation
- Pinecone:
used for decoration - Polar Express
- Pipers piping:
11th gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Plenty
- Pear Tree
- Phone calls
Q
- Quail
- Quality
- Quaint:
charmingly old-fashioned - Quince pie:
traditional Christmas dessert - Quantity:
lots of food and presents at Christmas
R
- Rudolph:
Santa’s red-nosed reindeer - Ribbon
- Red
- Reconciliation
- Reflection
- Reverence
- Reindeer
- Religious
- Rooftop
- Rejoice
- Reflect
- Roasted nuts
- Relationships
- Reunions
- Rituals
- Reception
- Reciprocity
- Relish
- Respect
- Regalia:
traditional garb worn by the Pope during Christmas Mass; distinctive clothes and ornaments - Ralphie:
main character in “A Christmas Story”
S
- Stuffing
- Sleigh
- Sacred
- Scrooge
- Sales
- Season
- Spirit
- St. Nick:
Santa Claus - Snowball
- Snowbound
- Star
- Serve
- Share
- Santa Claus
- Shop
- Shortbread:
type of cookie - Sing
- Snooze
- Snow
- Surprise
- Symbols
- Sugarplums
- Sweets
- Silver bells
- Snacks
- Snowflake
- Snowfall
- Snow angel
- Sleigh bells
- Snowman
- Star
- Stockings
- Stocking stuffer
- Sack
- Scents
- Spices
- Stable
- Stress
- Seconds:
another serving at Christmas dinner - Swans a-swimming:
seventh gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Sleep
- Skate
- Santa
- Santa’s helpers
- Santa’s Workshop
- Secret Santa:
anonymous gift swap - Snow globe
- Sparkle
- Songs
- Snug:
cozy in bed - Shepherd
- Shine
- Sentiment
T
- Three kings
- Tinsel
- Tradition
- Turkey
- Triumphant
- Toys
- Tree
- Tree skirt
- Tree stand
- Trimmings
- Trumpets
- Thanks
- Trim the tree
- ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Trips:
visiting family - Togetherness
- Traffic
- Tiny Tim:
character in “A Christmas Carol” - Toboggan
- Tranquility
- Twinkling
- TV:
where you watch Christmas specials and movies - Turtle doves:
second gift in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” - Trinkets
- Toyland
- Tin soldier
- Thoughtfulness
- Tannenbaum:
fir Christmas tree - Tolerance
U
- Unity
- Understanding
- Unique
- Unwrap
- Ugly sweater
- Unbox
- Up on the Rooftop
- Under the mistletoe
- Unselfish
- Universality
V
- Vixen:
one of Santa’s reindeer - Vacation
- Vanilla
- Values
- Virgin:
Mary, mother of Jesus - Virtue
- Vocalists
- Volunteers
- Visions:
of sugarplums - Visits
W
- Wreath
- Worship
- Wrapping paper
- Winter
- Wine
- Walnuts
- Waiting
- White
- Warm
- Wintry
- Wondrous
- Wise men
- Wrapping
- Wreath
- Wenceslas:
character in the traditional carol “Good King Wenceslas” - Whimsy
- Wassail:
hot mulled cider - Whoville:
town in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” - Welcome
X
- Xmas
Y
- Yule
- Youth
- Yuletide
- Yule log
Z
- Zest:
citrus shavings added to Christmas recipes - Zealous:
enthusiastic for Christmastime
Activity: Christmas Mad Lib
For a fun and interactive way to use our list of Christmas words, we’ve created a Mad Lib story below!
With a group of friends or family, choose words from our list or off the top of your heads to add to the blank spaces.
You can choose the words at random or by looking for certain word types, like nouns.
One person should write the words into the blank spaces without showing the story to those choosing the words.
Once you’ve filled in every blank space, read the sentimental (but nonsensical) story out loud!
Little Timmy’s _____ Christmas
Timmy lived on a _____ street in the countryside of _____. Though his parents shared his home, it was the _____ that really raised little Timmy.
As the Christmas holiday approached, he couldn’t wait to give (Timmy’s guardian) the gift he’d made by hand: a _______.
Timmy took the (gift) with him everywhere — on the bus, to school, and to the corner market where he always liked to buy ____ in the evening.
Two days before Christmas, little Timmy was walking the neighborhood with a friend when he was struck by a craving for (item he buys from corner market).
“Hey ____,” he exclaimed, using his friend’s nickname. “Let’s stop here for a moment!”
Inside the store, Timmy couldn’t help clearing the shelf of (item he buys from the corner market).
He couldn’t just get one for himself — he needed one for (friend’s name), one for each of his parents, three for ____, and he couldn’t forget (Timmy’s guardian).
As he placed the items on the counter, the cashier said, “That’ll be $50.”
Shocked, Timmy dug through his backpack, hoping to find a few spare bills. Alas, all he had was his handmade (gift).
“Did you make that? My wife would love it!,” the cashier said excitedly. “Are you willing to trade?”
Timmy shook his head and said, “I know Christmas isn’t about gifts, but this (gift) is for someone very special.”
The cashier understood, and in the Christmas spirit, gave Timmy the hoard of treats and let him keep his (gift).
Hey friends! If you’re a teacher putting together a lesson on Christmas vocabulary, a writer trying to come up with a cute title for your holiday novel or script that hasn’t already been taken, or a content writer, you might be able to use this list of Christmas words. You can also use them to make your own Christmas Pictionary cards, a crossword puzzle, or a seek and find.
I’m going to organize these A to Z (although actually, the Z words are a stretch.) I’ve included Christian words related to the birth of Jesus, but most of them are secular. If you need Christmas adjectives only, scroll down—I’ve pulled out a separate list of adjectives only at the end.
Pin or bookmark this if you think it might be useful for future reference! And every time you share this list on social media, an angel gets their wings. Okay, maybe not, but it certainly warms my heart when you do it. 🙂 Let’s get into the holiday word list!
Christmas Words That Start With A
adore
advent
advent calendar
angel
antlers
Christmas Words That Start With B
baking
balsam
bayberry
believe
bells
Bethlehem
birth
Black Friday
blessing
Blitzen
boots
bough
bow
bustle
Christmas Words That Start With C
candle
candy
candy cane
cards
carol
celebrating
census
cheer
chestnuts
chilly
chimney
church
Christkindlmarkt
Christmas Eve
Christmas morning
cinnamon
cocoa
cold
Comet
comfort
community
cookie
cranberries
crowds
Cupid (the reindeer, of course)
Christmas Words That Start With D
Dasher
Dancer
December
decorations
display
donkey
Donner
Christmas Words That Start With E
elf
eggnog
Emmanuel
evergreen
exchange
excitement
Christmas Words That Start With F
family
Father Christmas
feast
Feliz Navidad
festival
festive
figgy pudding
fir
fireplace
frankincense
French hens
frosty
frozen
fruitcake
Christmas Words That Start With G
garland
gift
gingerbread
giving
glitter
glowing
gloves
gold
goodwill
green
greetings
Grinch
Christmas Words That Start With H
hallelujah
Hallmark Channel, haha
ham
Heaven
hint
ho ho ho
holiday
holly
holy
hot chocolate
hymns
Christmas Words That Start With I
ice skating
icicle
inn
ivy
Christmas Words That Start With J
Jack Frost
Jerusalem
Jesus
jingle
jolly
Joseph
joy/joyful
Christmas Words That Start With K
king
Krampus
Kris Kringle
Christmas Words That Start With L
lighting ceremony
lights
list
Little Drummer Boy
luminarias
Christmas Words That Start With M
Magi
magic
manger
Mary
memories
merry
midwinter
mincemeat
mistletoe
mittens
music
Mrs. Claus
myrrh
Christmas Words That Start With N
Nativity
naughty
nice
night
Noel
North Pole
nutcracker
Christmas Words That Start With O
ornament
Christmas Words That Start With P
package
parade
partridge in a pear tree
party
peace
peppermint
peppermint bark
pageant
pie
pine
plum pudding
poinsettia
popcorn
Prancer
presents
Christmas Words That Start With Q
quilt? I guess
Christmas Words That Start With R
receiving
red
red suit
reindeer
rejoicing
ribbon
rooftop
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Christmas Words That Start With S
Saint Nick
Santa
Santa’s helper
savior
Scrooge
season
secret Santa
sheep
shepherds
shining
shopping
silver bells
sled
sleigh
sleigh bells
snow
snow angel
snow day
snow globe
snowball
snowflake
snowman
solstice
spirit
stable
star
stocking
sugarplum
Sugarplum Fairy
surprise
Christmas Words That Start With T
tamales
Tannenbaum
tidings
tinsel
tiny Tim
toboggan
toys
traditions
tree
tree skirt
tree stand
trimming
turkey
turtledoves
twenty-fifth
twinkling
Christmas Words That Start With U
ugly sweater
unwrapping
Christmas Words That Start With V
vacation
velvet dresses
visiting
Vixen
volunteering
Christmas Words That Start With W
wassail
white elephant exchange
winter/winter wonderland
Wise Men
wish list
workshop
wrapping paper
wreath
Christmas Words That Start With X
Xmas…that’s really the only one
Christmas Words That Start With Y
yams
Yule
Yule log
Yuletide
Christmas Words That Start With Z
uh…
zany
zest
Christmas Adjectives
angelic
blessed
bright
busy
chilly
cold
cozy
festive
frosty
frozen
holy
jolly
joyful
magical
merry
miraculous
naughty
nice
peaceful
shiny
secret
silent
snowy
warm
wintry
wonderful
I hope this holiday word list has been helpful for you. If you have comments or suggestions, please drop us a line below! Happy holidays!
Related Posts
Christmas is a time for families, friends, and celebrations. It’s also a time to say “Merry Christmas!” and up some cards with your favorite Christmas words. There are tons of Christmas cards, but only a handful are worth buying. Those you believe should speak the truth of how much you care about the person on the front page — the one you will keep in your wallet or even frame.
Some Facts about Christmas Words
Christmas is when words are spoken and written, and we always do this with a certain level of reverence. You want to ensure that we have the right words to say at the right time. Christmas is a time of magic, and the words we use can be magic too.
- First off, Christmas is a time of year when your words matter because it’s a holiday that involves giving and receiving. This means you want to use the best terms when speaking or to write about the holiday.
- Secondly, there are several different types of words that you can use when talking about Christmas. You can talk about the name of Jesus Christ, which is why there are so many different ways to say “Christmas” in English (like “Christmas Day”).
- Thirdly, if you want to make sure that your word choice is appropriate for your audience, you need to consider their age group and gender too! The rules for writing or speaking about these topics are slightly different for each case.
Here are facts about some of my favorite Christmas words.
The word Christmas
The word “Christmas” comes from an old Germanic pagan festival called Christmastide, which was celebrated to honor the birth of Christ. The Germanic people who lived in what is now Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark worshipped a god called Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas), who brought gifts to children at this time of year. This was later adapted into Christmas celebrations for Christians.
Christmas
Christmas comes from the Latin word “Christes maesse,” meaning the “mass” or solemnity of Christ’s birth. The Latin phrase maesse means both mass and sacrifice and refers to the Roman Catholic Church’s celebration of Jesus’ birth as part of their Lenten period when they fasted and gave alms to charity (see Lent & Easter).
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Feliz Navidad.
The first one is probably the one you are most familiar with. It’s a greeting that means “Merry Christmas.” It’s also used to wish someone a happy holiday season or to say goodnight on the phone before hanging up.
The second one is more commonly used in Spain and Latin America. It means “Happy Holidays,” similar to English but not quite the same.
The third one is something that Spanish speakers use to wish someone a happy New Year. It’s also used as a greeting among friends who aren’t close enough for them to exchange gifts or cards yet still want to wish each other well for the new year.
List of Christmas Words
Following is the list of 200+ christmas vocabulary in the English language. This list is an excellent starting point for building up vocabulary to converse fluently in English.
- Advent calendar
- Angel
- Appreciative
- Baking
- Bauble
- Beautiful
- Belief
- Bell
- Bells
- Bethlehem
- Birth
- Blessing
- Blitzen
- Boots
- Bow
- Box
- Boxing Day
- Buche de Noel
- Candle
- Candlelight
- Candy
- Candy cane
- Card
- Caring
- Carolers
- Caroling
- Carols
- Celebrate
- Ceremonious
- Ceremony
- Charity
- Cheer
- Cheerful
- Chestnuts
- Chilly
- Chimney
- Chocolate
- Christmas Day
- Christmas Eve
- Tree stand
- Christmastide
- Church
- Cider
- Coal
- Cold
- Comet
- Cookies
- Cranberries
- Dancer
- December
- Decorations
- Display
- Donner
- Eggnog
- Elf
- Elves
- Emmanuel
- Epiphany
- Evergreen
- Exchange
- Faith
- Family
- Father Christmas
- Feast
- Feliz Navidad
- Festive
- Figgy pudding
- Fir
- Fireplace
- Frankincense
- Frosty
- Fruitcake
- Garland
- Generosity
- Gift
- Gingerbread
- Gingerbread house
- Gingerbread man
- Glad tidings
- Gloria
- Gold
- Goodwill
- Goose
- Grace
- Green
- Greetings
- Grinch
- Holiday
- Holly
- Hot chocolate
- Hymn
- Ice skating
- Icicle
- Jack Frost
- Jerusalem
- Jesus
- Jingle bells
- Jolly
- Joy
- Joyeux Noel
- King Wenceslaus
- Kings
- Krampus
- Kris Kringle
- Lights
- List
- Little drummer boy
- Love
- Magic
- Manger
- Mary
- Menorah (Hanukkah)
- Merry
- Merry Christmas
- Miracle
- Mistletoe
- Mittens
- Music
- Myrrh
- Nativity
- Naughty
- Nice
- Noel
- North Pole
- Nutcracker
- Observance
- Opening presents
- Ornaments
- Package
- Pageantry
- Parade
- Partridge
- Party
- Peace
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Pinecone
- Plum pudding
- Poinsettia
- Popcorn
- Prancer
- Presents
- Proclaim
- Receive
- Red
- Reindeer
- Rejoice
- Reverence
- Ribbon
- Rudolph
- Sacred
- Saint Nicholas
- Santa Claus
- Santa’s hat
- Santa’s helpers
- Santa’s sack
- Santa’s workshop
- Savior
- Scrooge
- Season’s greetings
- Secret Santa
- Shepherd
- Silver bells
- Sled
- Sledge
- Sleigh
- Sleigh bells
- Snow
- Snow angel
- Snow globe
- Snowball
- Snowflake
- Snowman
- Special
- Spirit
- Nicks
- Star
- Stocking
- Sugarplum
- Surprise
- Sweater
- Symbol
- Tannenbaum
- Three Kings Day
- Tidings
- Tinsel
- Tiny Tim
- Togetherness
- Toys
- Tradition
- Tree
- Trimming
- Turkey
- Unwrap
- Vacation
- Vixen
- Wassail
- White
- Winter
- Winter Wonderland
- Wise men
- Wish
- Workshop
- Worship
- Wrapping paper
- Wreath
- Xmas
- Yule log
- Yuletide
Christmas Words with Meanings
Christmas is a time for family and friends to come together, eat delicious food and give each other presents. But that’s not the only thing to celebrate! There are many Christmas words that you can use throughout the season. Here are some ideas for words to use in your Christmas cards and letters:
- Merry Christmas: This is used at the beginning of the greeting, but it can also be used at the end if you feel like being extra festive. It means “merry Christmas.”
- Christmas Eve: This refers to Christmas Eve (the day before Christmas) or on Christmas Eve itself. It means “Christmas Day.”
- Christmas Day: This is used at the beginning of the greeting, but it can also be used at the end if you feel like being extra festive. It means “Christmas Day.”
- Christmas package: This implied a present wrapped in paper or plastic and delivered on Christmas day or early in the morning after midnight on December 24th.
- Christmas tree: A tree decorated with lights, tinsel, and presents placed in your home during this time of year after December 25th has passed.
- Christmas: The holiday season in which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Winter Solstice: The day that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year; a time for prayer and reflection.
- Yuletide: A colloquial term for Christmas celebrations. It can also refer to any holiday season or festive occasion.
Wrapping Up
Many words have become associated with Christmas, but as this post shows, many other words were used before English became the global language. Unsurprisingly, these words remained in the vocabulary of nations where English has never been the primary language. Some words are too attached to Love and Peace for them ever to be replaced, making them forever part of the collective vocabulary.
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Last Updated on June 22, 2022
Если вы заглянули на эту страничку, то сейчас скорее всего вторая половина декабря. В эти темные дни в домах и квартирах начинают зажигаться гирлянды и появляться нарядные елки. Снежинки на окнах, фонарики, красивые фигурки новогодних персонажей, а также сочные красный и зеленый цвета поднимают нам настроение! Мы начинаем ждать перемен, которые придут с Новым годом, и готовимся к Рождеству.
Английские слова и выражения к празднику «Рождество» (полный список)
1. to look forward to the holiday – с нетерпением ждать праздника
2. Bethlehem – Вифлеем (город в Палестине, к югу от Иерусалима; место рождения Иисуса Христа)
3. The Star of Bethlehem – звезда Вифлеема
4. Jesus Christ – Иисус Христос
5. Christmas holidays – рождественские праздники
6. Christmas card – рождественская открытка
7. white Christmas – Рождество со снегом
8. Christmas Eve – канун Рождества
9. on Christmas Day – на Рождество
10. at Christmas – на Рождество
11. on Christmas morning – в Рождественское утро
12. a Christmas Tree – рождественская елка
13. Father Christmas – рождественский дед
14. Santa Claus – Санта Клаус (американский дед мороз)
15. Jack Frost – дед мороз
16. a red robe – красный кафтан
17. gloves – перчатки
18. long white beard – длинная белая борода
19. a reindeer – северный олень
20. a sleigh – сани
21. chestnuts – каштаны
22. the fireplace – камин
23. the chimney – дымоход
24. a carol – новогодняя песня религиозного содержания
25. coloured lights – фонарики
26. glistening glass balls – новогодние шары
27. a tinsel – гирлянда
28. a holly with red berries – остролист (его вечнозелёными веточками с красными ягодами по традиции украшают дом на Рождество)
29. Christmas wreath – рождественский венок (в Англии традиционное украшение дома на Рождество)
30. a stocking – чулок
31. to hang up – вешать
32. to be hung with – увешана
33. a candle – свеча
34. to light a candle – зажечь свечу
35. to decorate – украшать
36. special decorations – особенные украшения
37. to celebrate (all over the country) – отмечать (по всей стране)
38. to congratulate – поздравлять
39. to wish each other – желать друг другу
40. to toast – поднимать тост
41. a wish – желание
42. to make a wish – загадать желание
43. to come true – исполниться
44. to tell a fortune – гадать
45. to send greeting cards (Christmas cards) – отправлять рождественские открытки
46. Christmas meal – рождественская трапеза
47. a holiday meal – праздничный ужин
48. Christmas turkey – праздничная индейка
49. Christmas pudding – праздничный пудинг
50. a treat – угощение
51. to wrap up gifts – завертывать подарки
52. to leave the gifts under the tree – оставлять подарки под деревом
53. to sit down to dinner – сесть за стол
54. merry – веселый
55. midnight – полночь
56. a guest – гость
57. to invite – приглашать
58. to give presents – дарить подарки
59. to get (receive) a present – получить подарок
60. to be visiting – быть в гостях
61. to visit smb/ to go to see – идти в гости
62. popular – популярный
63. popular gifts – обычные подарки (a box of chocolate, books, records, a photo album, computer games, perfume)
64. hand-made gifts – самодельные подарки
65. to prepare for – готовиться к
66. to put up – ставить, устанавливать
67. to put up a tree – ставить елку
68. to represent – представлять, символизировать
69. to listen to the speech of the Queen – слушать речь королевы
70. a relative – родственник
71. to stay up late – засиживаться допоздна
Это основные слова из «Christmas Vocabulary» (уровня intermediate), остальные слова вы найдете в текстах на английском языке про Рождество.
Еще читайте или смотрите:
В преддверии наступающих праздников я решила составить список слов и выражений, которые часто используются, когда мы говорим о праздновании Рождества и Нового Года.
Традиции
Christmas tree = a real or artificial tree that people decorate inside their home (рождественская елка)
to decorate a Christmas tree — украшать елку
Для украшения рождественской ели используются гирлянда (fairy lights), елочные шары (baubles), мишура (tinsel). На верхушке может быть звезда (star) или ангел (angel).
cracker = a coloured paper tube with a small toy inside, that people pull open at Christmas in the UK
Разноцветная рождественская хлопушка, в которую вложен приз, обычно небольшая игрушка или шуточная записка. Чтобы открыть хлопушку, два человека тянут ее в разные стороны, и она разрывается с характерным хлопающим звуком. Такие хлопушки популярны в Великобритании.
to pull a cracker — тянуть (открывать) хлопушку
Выглядит это примерно так:
Christmas card = a decorated card that you send to someone at Christmas (рождественская поздравительная открытка)
carol = a song that people sing at Christmas (рождественский гимн)
Father Christmas/Santa Claus = a kind, fat, old man in red clothes who people say brings presents to children at Christmas (Санта-Клаус, Дед Мороз)
stocking = a large sock (чулок)
Традиционно чулки вешаются у камина, а Санта Клаус спускается по дымоходу (chimney) и кладет в них подарки. Санта Клаусу часто оставляют угощения: молоко и печенье (в Америке), или пирожки и бокал вина (в Великобритании).
reindeer = a deer with large horns (северный олень)
elf = a small person with pointed ears who has magic powers (эльф)
snowman = something that looks like a person and is made from snow (снеговик)
sack = a large bag (мешок)
bells = an object that makes a ringing sound (колокольчики)
sleigh = a large vehicle that is used for travelling on snow (сани)
mistletoe = a plant with white berries (омела, часто используется для украшения домов на Рождество)
holly = a green bush with sharp, pointed leaves and small, red fruit (остролист, часто используется для украшения домов на Рождество)
New Year’s resolutions = a promise to do an act of self-improvement
Обещания, которые человек дает себе под Новый год. Например, похудеть, бросить курить, выучить иностранный язык :).
Религия
Jesus = the name of Christ (Иисус Христос)
Mary = the mother of Jesus (Мария, Богородица)
Joseph = the husband of Mary (Иосиф, муж Марии)
the Magi = the three men who followed a star to visit Jesus Christ when he was a baby and give him presents, they are also called the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men (Волхвы)
manger = an open box from which cattle and horses feed (ясли)
Bethlehem = small town in the Middle East believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ (Вифлеем)
the star of Bethlehem = the star that announced the birth of Jesus and guided the wise men to find Him (Вифлеемская звезда)
gold = a yellow precious metal, one of the gifts that the three wise men gave to Jesus (золото, один из Даров волхвов)
frankincense = a gum used for incense, one of the gifts that the three wise men gave to Jesus (ладан, один из Даров волхвов)
myrrh = a sticky brown substance with a strong smell that is used in making perfume and incense, one of the gifts that the three wise men gave to Jesus (смирна, один из Даров волхвов)
the Nativity = (Рождество Христово; вертеп)
Advent = the religious period before Christmas (рождественский пост)
Midnight Mass = a Christmas Eve liturgy (всенощная)
Еда
roast turkey — жареная индейка, которая может подаваться с овощами, подливой (gravy), клюквенным соусом (cranberry sauce) или хлебным соусом (bread sauce)
Christmas cake = a cake containing a lot of dried fruit and nuts and covered with icing (Рождественский кекс. Готовится из густого теста с большим количеством орехов и сухофруктов, сверху покрывается белой глазурью.)
Christmas pudding = a sweet, dark food containing dried fruit (Рождественский пудинг, изготавливается их сухофруктов. Часто его готовят за несколько недель до праздника, и выдерживают длительное время в прохладном месте.)
brandy butter = a sweet food made of sugar, butter, and brandy, served on Christmas pudding and mince pies (сладкое блюдо из сахара, масла и бренди, подают к рождественскому пудингу и пирожкам)
candy cane = a piece of flavoured hard candy shaped like a cane (леденец в форме посоха)
mice pie = a small pastry filled with mincemeat that is eaten mainly at Christmas (пирожок со сладкой начинкой из орехов и сухофруктов, готовится главным образом на Рождество)
gingerbread man = a hard ginger biscuit shaped like a person (пряничный, или имбирный, человечек)
leftovers = food remaining after a meal (Остатки еды. На Рождество это часто остатки индейки, которые потом используют для приготовления бутербродов, омлетов или ризотто)
Полезные слова и выражения
Xmas = abbreviation or informal term for Christmas (сокращенный вариант написания слова Christmas)
white Christmas = a Christmas when it snows (Рождество со снегопадом)
Christmas Eve = the day before Christmas Day (канун Рождества, сочельник)
Christmas holidays = the holiday period for about a week before and after Christmas Day (рождественские каникулы)
New Year’s Day = 1 January (первое января, первый день Нового года)
New Year’s Eve = 31 December (канун Нового года, новогодняя ночь)
Полезные фразы
Желаем счастливого Рождества
Merry Christmas!/ Happy Christmas! — Счастливого Рождества!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! / Have a wonderful/ lovely/ great Christmas! — Желаем хорошего/счастливого Рождества!
Спрашиваем о планах на Рождество
Have you got any plans for Christmas? — У Вас есть планы на Рождество?
What are you up to over Christmas? — Что планируете делать на Рождество?
Are you getting a Christmas tree this year? — Ёлку в этом году ставить будете?
Have you decorated your tree yet? — Вы ёлку уже украсили?
Говорим о прошедших праздниках
Did you have a good Christmas holiday? — Вы хорошо провели рождественские каникулы?
What did you do over Christmas? — Что Вы делали на Рождество?
What did you get for Christmas? — Что тебе подарили на Рождество?
Did Father Christmas bring you what you wanted? — Дед Мороз подарил тебе то, что ты хотел?
Всех с наступающими праздниками!
С уважением,
Евзикова Олеся
Here is a list of Christmas words to help build a strong vocabulary.
Christmas tree | Star |
Lights | Ornament |
Santa Claus | Mrs. Claus |
Sleigh | Reindeer |
Rudolph | North Pole |
Elf | Toys |
Present | Wreath |
Holly | Candle |
Singing | Christmas stocking |
Gingerbread | Peppermint |
Cookie | Candy cane |
Christmas hat | Bells |
Card | Poinsettia |
Chimney | Family |
Snowman | Turkey |
Christmas pudding | Snowglobe |
Christmas cracker | Wrapping paper |
Fireplace | Christmas carol |
Christmas Eve | Christmastide |
Chestnuts | Tinsel |
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Check out our full list of 100 Christmas Words in English (and understand what they mean).
Christmas word | Meaning |
---|---|
25 December | Christmas Day |
Advent | The period of four weeks before Christmas |
Advent calendar | An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to mark the days leading up to Christmas |
Angel | A messenger from God, important around Christmas because an angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus |
Aglitter | Sparkling or glittering, especially with reflected light (like: the Christmas tree is aglitter with lights) |
Baubles | A ball-shaped Christmas decoration for hanging on a tree |
Birth | Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus in Christian religions |
Boughs | A large branch of a tree |
Boxing Day | The day after Christmas. Why is it called «Boxing» day? We’re not really sure |
Candy | Also called lollies or sweets in Australia or the UK. Children usually get candy for Christmas |
Candy canes | A type of Christmas candy/lollies |
Carolers | People who sing carols |
Carolling | Singing carols |
Carols | A happy or religious song, usually one sung at Christmas |
Celebrate | To observe an event, like Christmas, with ceremonies, traditions, and festivities |
Cheer | A shout of encouragement, praise, or joy. |
Chestnuts | A traditional ingredient for Christmas dishes, especially in America |
Chimney | Santa comes down the chimney to deliver gifts to good children |
Christmas | The annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth |
Christmas Crackers | A festive cardboard paper tube that make a snapping sound when pulled open, and often contain a small gift and a joke |
Christmas Eve | The day before Christmas |
Christmas tree | A real (or fake) evergreen tree that is decorated and kept in the home at Christmas |
Christmas tree stand | A Christmas tree stand is an object designed to support a cut, natural or an artificial Christmas tree |
Christmas Sweaters | A sweater (also called a jumper) is a garment themed with a Christmas or winter-style design, often worn during the festive season. |
Cranberry sauce | A traditional Christmas sauce, usually to accompany a turkey dish |
Deck | Another word for decorating (from the song Deck the Halls) |
Decorating | To add things to an object in order to make it more attractive. Like decorating the Christmas tree with baubles |
Eggnog | A traditional christmas a drink consisting of rum, brandy, or other alcohol mixed with beaten egg, milk, and sugar |
Elf | A supernatural creature of folk tales, typically represented as a small. Elves accompany Santa. |
Elves | Plural of Elf |
Eve | The day before (Christmas) |
Family | Parents, children, sibblings, etc. Usually the people you would celebrate Christmas with |
Father Christmas | Another name for Santa |
Feast | A large meal, typically a celebratory one (for example a Christmas feast) |
Festive | Cheerful and jovially celebratory, usually relating to Christmas |
Frankincense | A type of incense — producing a strong aromatic scent |
Frosty the Snowman | A popular Christmas song |
Fruitcake | A Christmas dessert |
Gift-wrapping | To wrap presents in decorative paper (so the person you give the gist to doesn’t know what they are getting) |
Gingerbread house | A novelty confectionery shaped like a building that is made of cookie dough, cut and baked into appropriate components like walls and roofing |
Goose | Before Turkey became a popular Christmas dish, people usually served geese (plural for goose) for Christmas dinner |
Grinch | A mean-spirited person who spoils the enjoyment of others (Christmas Grinch who spoils Christmas) |
Ho, ho, ho! | What Santa says before «Merry Christmas!» |
Holiday | A period of free time, also called vacation in the US |
Holly | A small evergreen tree with shiny, sharp leaves and small, round, red fruit. It’s used for Christmas decorations |
Holy | Related to religion or a god (Christmas is a holy day because it marks the birth of Jesus) |
Jack Frost | Jack Frost represents the coming of dark, cold days, like winter in the northern hemisphere |
Jesus | The son of God, also called Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity |
Jingle Bells | Famous Christmas song |
Jolly | Happy and cheerful |
Kris Kringle | A game of gift-giving around Christmas |
Merry | Another word for happy and cheerful |
Miracles | An unusual, mysterious, inexplicable event, usually for a good outcome |
Mistletoe | A plant with yellowish flowers and white berries, usually associated with Christmas |
Myrrh | An expensive spice, used for making perfume, incense, medicine (pronounced «mur»). It was given on Jesus’ birth. |
Nativity | When written with a lowercase ‘n’ it means the occasion of a person’s birth. When you see it with a capital ‘N’ it means the birth of Jesus Christ |
Naughty list | If you’re on Santa’s naughty list, you haven’t been good throughout the year and may not get Christmas gifts |
North Pole | The most northerly point on Earth, but also the place where Santa lives |
Nutcracker | Nutcracker dolls (or Christmas nutcrackers) are decorative figurines most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier |
Ornaments | A beautiful object, used as a decoration |
Peace | Freedom from violence, especially living/working together happily without disagreements (You’ll hear «Peace on Earth» a lot around Christmas) |
Pinecone | A hard, oval «fruit» from a pine tree. Around Christmas used as a decoration. |
Plum pudding | A traditional Christmas dessert (fun fact: in the UK dessert is usually called pudding) |
Presents | Gifts |
Quince pie | Traditional Christmas dessert |
Reindeer | The animals in front of Santa’s sleigh |
Rejoice | To be glad |
Rudolph | The name of Santa’s red-nosed reindeer (there are also Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen) |
Saint Nicholas | A Christian bishop who helped the needy. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children around the world |
Santa Claus | Anther word for Santa |
Santa’s helpers | Usually elves (but children are often given the honorary role as «Santa’s little helper») |
Santa’s workshop | The place where Santa prepares all the presents for kids around the world |
Scrooge | A person who is stingy with money, a selfish person who doesn’t like giving or spending |
Season’s greetings | Special well-wishes, or greetings, you give to another person |
Seconds | Having another serve at dinner |
Secret Santa | Anonymous gift swap |
Sledge | A sleigh |
Sleigh | A sled or a vehicle that’s drawn over snow or ice (but in Santa’s case, it flies and is drawn by reindeer) |
Sleigh bells | A tinkling bell attached to the harness of a sleigh horse |
Snow globe | A decoration made from glass or plastic, filled with a clear liquid and a substance that looks like snow (and the snow falls when shaken) |
Snowball | A ball made out of snow |
Snowman | A figure of a person made of packed snow |
Spirit | The mood, or attitude of a person, group, or period of time (like Christmas spirit) |
St. Nicks | While Santa is named after St Nicholas (colloquially called St Nick), the birthday of this saint is on December 6. |
Star | The Christmas star guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus |
Stocking | Usually womens garments, but around Christmas we usually mean a long sock worn by men hung up by children for Santa to fill with presents |
Stuffing | A mixture of food that’s used to fill something that is going to be eaten (like stuffing for the turkey) |
Tidings | News or information, as in: the bearer of glad tidings |
Tinsel | A decoration of threads, strips, or sheets of paper, or plastic used to produce a glittering and sparkling appearance |
Toy sack | Large sacks for used by Santa to put presents in |
Tradition | A custom or belief (like Christmas) handed down from one generation to another |
Trimmings | Other foods that are served with the main dish of a meal (like Turkey with all the trimmings) |
Unwrap | Process of opening (unwrapping) your Christmas presents |
Vacation | Also called holiday in British English |
Wishlist | A list where people write down all the things they’d like as Christmas gifts |
Wreath | Decorations made from evergreens to represent the everlasting life, they are usually round with no beginning or end |
Xmas | Another word for Christmas, usually seen in the US |
Yule | Another word for Christmas |
Yuletide | The Christmas season |