Celebrating Christmas! That time of the year is always exciting. We are here to add to your Christmas vocabulary. Here’s an expanded list of 50 words related to Christmas, followed by their meanings and examples of usage. This should be useful for English learners, especially those for whom English is a second language.
Table of Contents
Christmas Vocabulary Word List:
- Christmas
- Santa Claus
- Reindeer
- Sleigh
- Stocking
- Ornament
- Mistletoe
- Carol
- Nativity
- Yule
- Eggnog
- Tinsel
- Wreath
- Chimney
- Snowman
- Candy Cane
- Gift
- Advent
- Noel
- Feast
- Elf
- Star
- Angel
- Gingerbread
- Bauble
- Ribbon
- Holly
- Scrooge
- Fireplace
- Midnight Mass
- Poinsettia
- Christmas Tree
- Candles
- Bells
- Snowflake
- Icicle
- Greetings
- Fruitcake
- Turkey
- North Pole
- Sled
- Blizzard
- Hot Chocolate
- Cookies
- Lights
- Nutcracker
- Jingle
- Frost
- Manger
- Wise Men
Christmas Vocabulary Meanings and Usage:
1. Christmas
Meaning: A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Example: We celebrate Christmas by exchanging gifts and having a special meal.
2. Santa Claus
Meaning: A mythical figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Example: Children write letters to Santa Claus to tell him what they want for Christmas.
3. Reindeer
Meaning: A type of deer associated with pulling Santa Claus’s sleigh.
Example: Rudolph is the most famous of Santa’s reindeer.
4. Sleigh
Meaning: A vehicle on runners, usually pulled by animals like reindeer.
Example: Santa Claus travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
5. Stocking
Meaning: A large sock hung up by children on Christmas Eve.
Example: I found candy and small toys in my Christmas stocking.
6. Ornament
Meaning: A decorative object, often hung on a Christmas tree.
Example: We decorated the Christmas tree with colorful ornaments.
7. Mistletoe
Meaning: A plant used in Christmas decorations, under which people traditionally kiss.
Example: They kissed under the mistletoe at the Christmas party.
8. Carol
Meaning: A festive song, traditionally sung at Christmas.
Example: We went caroling around the neighborhood to spread Christmas cheer.
9. Nativity
Meaning: The birth of Jesus, often represented in art or as a small model.
Example: The church displayed a nativity scene during the Christmas season.
10. Yule
Meaning: An old term for the Christmas season.
Example: Yule logs are traditionally burned in the fireplace during Christmas.
11. Eggnog
Meaning: A drink made from milk, eggs, and sugar, often spiked with alcohol.
Example: We enjoyed some eggnog at the Christmas party.
12. Tinsel
Meaning: Thin strips of shiny metal or plastic used for decoration.
Example: We added some tinsel to make the Christmas tree sparkle.
13. Wreath
Meaning: A circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other material.
Example: We hung a wreath on our front door for Christmas.
14. Chimney
Meaning: A vertical structure that provides a path for smoke from a fireplace.
Example: Children believe that Santa Claus comes down the chimney to leave presents.
15. Snowman
Meaning: A figure made of packed snow, often decorated with a hat, scarf, and buttons.
Example: We built a snowman in the yard during Christmas vacation.
16. Candy Cane
Meaning: A candy in the shape of a cane, usually peppermint-flavored.
Example: Candy canes are a popular treat during Christmas.
17. Gift
Meaning: Something given willingly to someone without payment; a present.
Example: I received many gifts from my family on Christmas morning.
18. Advent
Meaning: The period of four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Example: We count down the days to Christmas using an Advent calendar.
19. Noel
Meaning: Another word for Christmas, often used in carols and cards.
Example: “The First Noel” is a traditional Christmas carol.
20. Feast
Meaning: A large meal, often a celebratory one.
Example: We had a Christmas feast with turkey, stuffing, and lots of desserts.
21. Elf
Meaning: A mythical creature that helps Santa Claus make toys.
Example: In stories, elves work in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole.
22. Star
Meaning: A symbol often placed at the top of a Christmas tree, representing the Star of Bethlehem.
Example: We put a star on top of our Christmas tree.
23. Angel
Meaning: A spiritual being, often represented as a messenger of God.
Example: Some people put an angel at the top of their Christmas tree.
24. Gingerbread
Meaning: A type of cookie made from ginger, molasses, and other spices.
Example: We made gingerbread houses as a Christmas activity.
25. Bauble
Meaning: A small, shiny ball or trinket, often used to decorate a Christmas tree.
Example: The Christmas tree was adorned with baubles and lights.
26. Ribbon
Meaning: A narrow strip of fabric, often used for tying gifts or decorating.
Example: We used red ribbons to wrap the Christmas gifts.
27. Holly
Meaning: A plant with red berries and sharp leaves, often used in Christmas decorations.
Example: We decorated the mantle with holly and candles.
28. Scrooge
Meaning: A character from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” known for his miserly ways.
Example: Don’t be a Scrooge; it’s the season of giving!
29. Fireplace
Meaning: A structure for containing a fire, often used for heating a room.
Example: We hung our stockings by the fireplace.
30. Midnight Mass
Meaning: A religious service held at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Example: We attended Midnight Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
31. Poinsettia
Meaning: A plant with red or pink leaves, often used in Christmas decorations.
Example: We placed a poinsettia on the dining table for Christmas.
32. Christmas Tree
Meaning: An evergreen tree, real or artificial, decorated for Christmas.
Example: We put up our Christmas tree
in early December.
33. Candles
Meaning: A cylinder of wax with a wick in the middle, used for light or decoration.
Example: We lit some candles to create a cozy Christmas atmosphere.
34. Bells
Meaning: Hollow objects that make a ringing sound when struck, often used in Christmas decorations.
Example: We could hear the jingling of bells as the sleigh approached.
35. Snowflake
Meaning: A single ice crystal that falls from the sky when it’s cold.
Example: Each snowflake is unique, just like each Christmas.
36. Icicle
Meaning: A spike of ice formed when water drips and freezes.
Example: Icicles hung from the roof, adding to the winter scenery.
37. Greetings
Meaning: Words or actions used to welcome or say hello.
Example: We sent Christmas greetings to all our friends and family.
38. Fruitcake
Meaning: A cake made with chopped dried fruit, nuts, and spices.
Example: Grandma always makes a fruitcake for Christmas.
39. Turkey
Meaning: A large bird, often cooked and eaten at Christmas.
Example: We had turkey with all the trimmings for our Christmas dinner.
40. North Pole
Meaning: The northernmost point on Earth, often said to be Santa Claus’s home.
Example: According to legend, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole.
41. Sled
Meaning: A vehicle on runners for conveying goods or passengers over snow or ice.
Example: The kids had fun riding their sleds down the snowy hill.
42. Blizzard
Meaning: A severe snowstorm with strong winds.
Example: We had a white Christmas this year, complete with a blizzard.
43. Hot Chocolate
Meaning: A warm drink made from milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
Example: We sipped hot chocolate by the fireplace.
44. Cookies
Meaning: Small, flat, sweet baked goods.
Example: We baked cookies to leave out for Santa Claus.
45. Lights
Meaning: Small bulbs used to illuminate or decorate, often strung on a Christmas tree.
Example: We put up Christmas lights around the house.
46. Nutcracker
Meaning: A device for cracking nuts, often shaped like a soldier or king.
Example: The Nutcracker is also a famous ballet performed during the Christmas season.
47. Jingle
Meaning: A short, catchy tune or song, often associated with Christmas.
Example: The jingle of bells filled the air.
48. Frost
Meaning: A thin layer of ice formed on the ground or other surfaces when the temperature falls below freezing.
Example: Frost covered the windows, making it look even more like Christmas.
49. Manger
Meaning: A trough used to feed animals, often associated with the birthplace of Jesus.
Example: In the nativity scene, baby Jesus is often shown lying in a manger.
50. Wise Men
Meaning: In the Christian tradition, the magi who visited Jesus after his birth, bringing gifts.
Example: The Wise Men are often included in nativity scenes.
I hope this extensive list helps you understand words related to Christmas better. Each word is unique but they all relate to the theme of celebrating this special holiday.