chirstmas-box
Definition
- Noun:
- A Christmas gratuity: "Christmas-box" refers to a small gift or sum of money given at Christmas time, traditionally to service workers such as postmen, milkmen, or tradespeople as a token of appreciation for their services throughout the year.
Usage Examples
- (A monetary gift or small present given to a service worker at Christmas.)
- (A seasonal bonus or token of gratitude.)
Advanced Usage
"to give a Christmas-box": to offer a gratuity or gift during the Christmas season.
- She made sure to give a Christmas-box to the milkman before the holidays. (She presented a small monetary reward.)
"Christmas-box tradition": the custom of giving such gifts, often associated with Boxing Day (December 26) in some English-speaking countries.
- The Christmas-box tradition dates back to the Victorian era. (The practice of giving seasonal tips has historical roots.)
Variants and Related Words
- Boxing Day (n): the day after Christmas (December 26), historically when servants and tradespeople received their Christmas-boxes.
- We celebrate Boxing Day by visiting family and exchanging small gifts. (The holiday associated with giving Christmas-boxes.)
Synonyms
- Christmas gift: a present given at Christmas (broader term).
- Holiday bonus: a financial reward given during the festive season (often used in employment contexts).
Related Idioms
- Christmas comes but once a year: a saying used to justify generosity or indulgence during the holiday season.
- He spent lavishly on gifts, saying, "Christmas comes but once a year." (An excuse for seasonal spending.)
Phrasal Verbs