Definition

Noun: The period of time extending from December 24th (Christmas Eve) to January 6th (Epiphany or Twelfth Night). This festive season encompasses the celebration of Christmas and the days immediately following it, traditionally observed in some Christian traditions.

Usage

The word christmastide is used to refer to the specific, traditional festive period surrounding Christmas Day. It is a formal or traditional term.

Examples: * The church was beautifully decorated throughout christmastide. * Many old carols are meant to be sung during christmastide. * In some cultures, the festivities of christmastide last until Epiphany.

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: The word is often capitalized as Christmastide when referring specifically to the religious season.
  • The liturgy has special readings for Christmastide.

Variants and Related Words

• Christmastime (noun): A more common, general term for the period around Christmas, often focusing on the days leading up to December 25th rather than the specific traditional dates.
• Yuletide (noun): A literary or old-fashioned term for the Christmas season, with historical roots in pre-Christian winter festivals.
• The Twelve Days of Christmas: A phrase specifically denoting the period from December 25th to January 5th, which falls within christmastide.

Synonyms

• The Christmas season
• The festive season (in context)
• The holidays (in context)

Related Idioms

• "The spirit of Christmastide": Refers to the feelings of goodwill, celebration, and generosity associated with the Christmas season.
  • The entire town was filled with the spirit of Christmastide.

Noun

1. period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6