# Christmas

/ˈkɹɪsməs/ (US) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/christmas
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a Christian holiday on December 25th that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Most people celebrate by giving gifts, eating special meals, and spending time with family.

For teachers: an annual Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th. In secular contexts, it serves as a cultural holiday characterized by gift-giving and familial gatherings.

## Examples

- We always decorate the tree before Christmas.
- Many businesses close for several days during Christmas to allow their employees to travel home and visit relatives.
- While the religious significance remains central for many, Christmas has evolved into a global commercial phenomenon that significantly impacts retail sectors and international travel patterns during the winter season.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will see you in Christmas" but "I will see you at Christmas" — Use the preposition 'at' for the holiday period; use 'on' only if referring specifically to Christmas Day.

## Usage notes

- Usually uncountable when referring to the holiday period; countable when referring to a specific year's celebration ('a Christmas to remember').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.