Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland: "Xmas" is a common informal abbreviation for the holiday of Christmas. The "X" originates from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστός). It is used primarily in written English.

Usage

• "Xmas" is an informal, abbreviated written form of "Christmas." It is widely used in advertisements, greeting cards, headlines, and informal notes to save space. In formal writing, "Christmas" is generally preferred.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We're going to my parents' house for Xmas.
  • The store is having a big Xmas sale.
  • "Merry Xmas!" was written on the card.

Advanced Usage

• Stylistic Note: While "Xmas" is very common, some people consider its use overly commercial or disrespectful, believing it removes "Christ" from "Christmas." However, its origin is historically and linguistically Christian.
• Capitalization: It is typically capitalized as "Xmas."

Variants and Related Words

• Christmas (n): The full, standard term for the holiday.
• Xmassy (adj, informal): Having the qualities or atmosphere of Christmas.
  • The decorations made the room feel very Xmassy.

Synonyms

• Christmas: The full and formal name of the holiday.
• Yule (archaic/literary): An old term for the Christmas season.
• Noel: Another name for Christmas, often used in carols.

Related Phrases

• Merry Xmas!: A common informal written greeting equivalent to "Merry Christmas!"
• Xmas tree: An informal way to write "Christmas tree."
• Xmas Eve: An informal way to write "Christmas Eve."

Noun

1. a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ; a quarter day in England, Wales, and Ireland