Words in the word merry christmas

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.

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 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.

Christmas Words | Image

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Last Updated on June 22, 2022

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in English? EnglishClass101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of English Christmas phrases!

Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native English speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, EnglishClass101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in English!

Table of Contents

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in an English speaking country
2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes
3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
4. Twelve Days of Christmas
5. Top 10 Christmas Characters
6. How EnglishClass101 Can Help You

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in an English speaking country

It’s five o’clock Christmas morning. I am six years old, and my brother is three. We are whispering back and forth to each other about what might be waiting out in the family room for us, and we are trying desperately to stay in bed for at least another hour.

We have already been to our parents’ room once.

“Go back to sleep,” my mother whispered.

“Listen to your mother,” my father said.

My brother is sure that he heard Santa’s reindeer land on the roof. In my memory, this is Christmas. The anticipation of children waiting to be set free from their beds by sleepy parents so they can see what Santa brought them. My brother sneaking in and out of our bedroom, getting closer and closer to his goal each time.

“He ate the cookies!” he reports.

Making cookies for Santa was part of the build up, and every year there was a question as to whether or not he had actually been down our chimney. It wasn’t the extra presents that sealed the deal. It was the cookie crumbs left on the plate by the fireplace and the empty glass of milk. Once we had determined that the cookies were gone, there was no turning back.

There is a soft knock at the door. My brother flings it open and flies past my mother who is standing in the hallway in her blue terrycloth robe. I hug my mom and follow him. The tree lights glow red, green, and blue.

The angel made from my mother’s wedding dress material looks down on us from her perch on the top of the tree.I can smell coffee brewing as I separate the presents.My brother plays with a plastic robot.

It is Christmas morning.

What is your family’s special tradition?

2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season

1- Merry Christmas!

Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in English? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!

2- Happy Kwanzaa!

Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!

3- Have a happy New Year!

In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.

4- Happy Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.

5- Have a great winter vacation!

This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.

6- See you next year!

Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.

7- Warm wishes!

An informal, friendly phrase to write in English Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.

8- Happy holidays!

If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in English, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.

9- Enjoy the holidays!

After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in English, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.

10- Best wishes for the New Year!

This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.

3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in English! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At EnglishClass101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!

1- Christmas

This is the English word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in English will include this word!

2- Snow

In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.

3- Snowflake

Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.

4- Snowman

As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.

5- Turkey

Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?

6- Wreath

Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.

7- Reindeer

Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?

8- Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!

9- Elf

An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!

10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!

11- North Pole

The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!

12- Sled

A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.

13- Present

Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.

14- Bell

On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.

15- Chimney

The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!

16- Fireplace

In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!

17- Christmas Day

This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.

18- Decoration

Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.

19- Stocking

According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.

20- Holly

Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.

21- Gingerbread house

According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.

22- Candy cane

According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!

23- Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!

4. Twelve Days of Christmas

Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in English, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!

The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?

5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture

This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in English! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.

6. EnglishClass101 Is One Of The Best Online Language Schools Available!

We don’t just say this – we can prove it! Geared to your personal needs and goals, we have several learning paths from which to choose. From English for Absolute Beginners to Advanced English, lessons are designed to meet you where you are, and increase your language abilities in fun, easy and interactive lessons! Mastering a new language has never been this easy or enjoyable.

We have over a decade of experience and research behind us, and it shows! With thousands of audio and video lessons, detailed PDF lessons and notes, as well as friendly, knowledgeable hosts, EnglishClass101 is simply unbeatable when it comes to learning correct English. Plenty of tools and resources are available when you study with us. New lessons are added every week so material remains fresh and relevant. You also have the option to upgrade and enjoy even more personalised guidance and services. This is a sure way to fast-track your learning!

So, this Christmas, why don’t you give yourself a present and enroll in EnglishClass101? Or give an enrollment as a present to a loved one. It will be a gift with benefits for a whole lifetime, not just over Christmas!

Отвлекитесь от списка новогодних дел и посмотрите на этот грандиозный список новогодних английских слов — с его помощью вы сможете поздравить с зимними праздниками не только свою семью, но и друзей из других стран. Или легко поймете, что говорят и пишут носители языка в своих рождественских видео и постах.

[ˈædvent]

[ˈblitzən]

Имя одного из оленей Санта-Клауса. У этого слова немецкое происхождение, буквально оно означает «молния» или «вспышка».

What happens to Blitzen after Christmas? — Что будет с Блитценом после Рождества?

[ˈbeθlɪəm]

Древний город на западном берегу реки Иордан имеет прямое отношение к Рождеству, ведь именно там появился на свет Иисус. Конечно, в обычных светских разговорах это название встречается редко, но в различных праздничных песнях название можно услышать, например, в рождественской песне «Mary’s Boy Child»:

[ˈkændi]

[ˈsiːdə®]

Кедровые шишки — еще один атрибут праздника, вне зависимости от страны, в которой он отмечается.

An old cedar smells like Christmas. — Старый кедр пахнет Рождеством.

[ˈtʃɪmni]

Дед Мороз приходит через форточку, а Санта-Клаус пролезает в дымоход. Поэтому камин украшают праздничными чулками, чтобы волшебнику не нужно было далеко ходить.

How did Santa climb down our chimney? — Как Санта пролез в наш дымоход?

[kraʊdz]

В последнюю неделю перед Рождеством и Новым годом толпы людей в торговых центрах — обычно явление. Полезно знать, как вся эта суета называется по-английски.

Crowds of people in shops are a common thing now. — Толпы людей в магазинах — это обычное дело сейчас.

[ˌdekəˈreɪʃnz]

Гирлянды для елки, большие чулки для подарков, красивые салфетки для стола — в общем, все милое и праздничное.

We do have Christmas decorations, so let’s put them up. — У нас ведь есть рождественские украшения, давайте их повесим.

[ˈdres ʌp]

[ˈeɡnɒɡ]

Это сладкий рождественский напиток на основе сырых куриных яиц, молока и алкоголя, чаще всего вина. Похож на наш гоголь-моголь. Состав, конечно, на любителя, но многим нравится.

Rum and eggnog anyone? — Кто будет ром или эггног?

[elvz]

Верные друзья Санты, которые помогают ему делать и паковать подарки. Встречаются практически во всех тематических сказках и фильмах.

Santa’s elves are absolutely lazy this year. — Эльфы Санты совсем обленились в этом году.

[ˈfæməli ˌriːˈjuːniən]

Новый год и Рождество — приятный повод провести время с семьей, собрать всех за одним праздничным столом. В английском для этого есть специальное словосочетание.

A family reunion is the most enjoyable part of Christmas. — Сбор всей семьи — это самая приятная часть Рождества.

[fɜːr]

Один из вариантов новогоднего дерева — пихта.

This fir is very beautiful. — Очень красивая пихта.

[ɡɪft bɒksɪz]

Яркие, праздничные подарочные коробки — в Рождество они повсюду. Gift — это подарки, boxes — коробки.

It’s time to open the gift boxes!  — Самое время раскрывать подарки!

[ˈɡriːtɪŋs]

К подаркам обычно прилагаются поздравления и пожелания всех благ. У слова greetings много значений: «приветствую», «мое почтение», «поздравляю». Используйте в зависимости от контекста.

My husband sends his greetings to you all. — Мой муж передает всем привет и поздравления.

[ˈhɒli]

Остролист часто встречается в рождественских венках и в других праздничных украшениях. Это один из главных атрибутов праздника.

This is not holly, this is cedar. — Это не остролист, а кедр.

[ˈhəʊli]

Holy — очень созвучное предыдущему слову, разница всего в одной букве и произношении. Главное, не перепутать, чтобы не получилось бессмыслицы.

[ˈaɪsɪklz]

Сосульки — слово, которое с нами всю зиму, а не только на Рождество.

Icicles, get ’em before they melt! — Берите сосульки, пока не растаяли!

[ˈdʒɒli]

Еще одно слово, с помощью которого вы можете сказать, как вам весело и хорошо отдыхается.

And yet he’s very jolly. He’s extremely jolly. — Все-таки он очень веселый. Исключительно веселый.

[laɪts]

Огни на елке, в окнах и в глазах ваших близких, когда они раскрывают подарки. Незаменимое слово для праздника.

My mom would always keep the lights on on the Christmas tree over night. — Моя мама всегда оставляла гореть всю ночь огни на рождественской елке.

[lɪsts]

Без списков не обходится ни одно большое дело — от похода в магазин за горошком до изучения английских слов.

Put it on your Christmas list. — Запиши это в свой рождественский список.

[ˈmeri]

Иногда кажется, что слово merry не употребляется без Christmas. Их и правда редко встретишь по отдельности.

Wish your friends a Merry Christmas for me. — Пожелай своим друзьям счастливого Рождества от меня.

[ˈmɪrəkl]

Что мы ждем в Новый год больше всего? Конечно же, чуда.

I witnessed a real-life Christmas miracle.  — Я стал свидетелем настоящего рождественского чуда.

[ˌnjuː ˈjɪə®]

Название этого праздника в представлениях не нуждается. Новый год близко!

I spent Christmas and New Year in bed.  — Я пролежал в кровати все Рождество и весь Новый год.

[ˈpɑːti]

Новогодние вечеринки скоро захватят мир. Отдельный их вид — pageant, то есть «маскарад».

There are some new pictures from the New Year party in the photo album. — Фотографии с новогодней вечеринки появились в альбоме.

[paɪn]

Not all gifts come tied in ribbons or at the special time of year. — Не все подарки мы получаем перевязанными ленточками или в какое-то особое время года.

[ʹru: dɒlf]

Самый знаменитый олень Санты. Своим красным светящимся носом указывает путь всей упряжке волшебных северных оленей (reindeer).

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose. — У Рудольфа, оленя с красным носом, был очень яркий нос*.

[ˈsnəʊfleɪks]

Старая добрая традиция, которую мы любим еще со школы, — вырезать бумажные снежинки на окна. Если в вашем городе зима не радует снегом, snowflakes — отличный способ создать вокруг себя нужную атмосферу.

Snowflakes stay on my nose and eyelashes. — Снежинки остаются на моем носу и ресницах.

[sled]

Слово для тех, у кого зима все-таки снежная, можно вспомнить детство и покататься на санках. А если украсить их колокольчиками, то получатся sleighbells — сани с колокольчиками, как у Санты.

Now we can try out my dad’s sled, guys. — Теперь можно попробовать прокатиться на санках моего папы, ребята.

Remind me to buy stocking stuffers for my nephews.  — Напомни мне купить подарки, чтобы положить в чулки племянникам.

[ˈtɪnsl]

Любимая игрушка вашего кота под Новый год. Только не разрешайте есть ее!

That tinsel is so pretty! — Эта мишура просто прекрасна!

[veɪˈkeɪʃn]

Если мы чего-то и ждем сильнее, чем Нового года, так это каникул, которые за ним последуют.

When I was in college, we’d go dancing during Christmas vacation.  — В колледже на рождественских каникулах мы ходили на танцы.

[ˈræpɪŋ peɪpə®]

Как по-английски будет «ленточка» и «подарочная коробка» вы уже знаете. Теперь запомните wrapping paper, и подарок будет готов.

He still uses the same wrapping paper. — Он всегда использует одну и ту же оберточную бумагу.

I mean, order a wreath, of course. — Я думаю, венок надо заказать.

[juːl]

Праздник середины зимы, который остался еще с языческих времен. Во время Йоля обычно проходит yuletide — Святки.

Samhain became Halloween, Yule became Christmas. — Самайн превратился в Хеллоуин, Йоль стал Рождеством.

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Полный список праздничных терминов можно посмотреть здесь. Там есть целых 100 слов, которые точно улучшат ваше настроение.

* Строчка из песни «Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer»