English Reference
Idiom idiom

Christmas come early


Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Finding this extra money in my coat feels like Christmas come early.

Finding a front-row parking spot in this rain is like Christmas come early.

The store offers a huge discount today; it is like Christmas come early.

CONTEXTUAL

When the boss announced an unexpected bonus for everyone, it felt like Christmas come early for the whole office.

The band announced a surprise concert in our small town, which felt like Christmas come early for all the local fans.

My favorite author released her new book two weeks ahead of schedule, so it feels like Christmas come early for me.

When the airline upgraded our seats to first class for free, it truly felt like Christmas come early for our long flight.

COMPLEX

Receiving the acceptance letter from the university months ahead of the schedule felt like Christmas come early, transforming her entire outlook on the future.


Referring to the imaginary situation of Christmas occurring before the usual date, and thus one enjoying the festivities and receiving Christmas presents early.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  2. 02

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    be a hundred years too early

    To be so immature and unprepared as to have no hope of achieving an accomplishment.

  4. 04

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  5. 05

    bright and early

    (Very) early in the morning.

  6. 06

    burn that bridge when one comes to it

    To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.

  7. 07

    call it an early night

    To go to bed or cease one's activities earlier in the evening than usual.

  8. 08

    cancel someone's Christmas

    To kill or destroy someone.

Last updated August 10, 2026