Word: Christmastide
Definition:
Christmastide is a noun that refers to the period of time that starts on December 24th (Christmas Eve) and ends on January 6th (Epiphany). This time is celebrated in many cultures as a season of joy and festivities, marking the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the Wise Men.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "Christmastide" when discussing the holiday season, particularly in religious or cultural contexts. It is often used in more formal or traditional writing and speech.
Example Sentence:
"Families come together during Christmastide to celebrate the joy of the season and share special meals."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, you might encounter "Christmastide" in literature, music, or religious ceremonies. It might be discussed in relation to themes of goodwill and community spirit during the holiday season.
Word Variants:
- Christmas (the holiday itself) - Tide (an old word for time or season, used in other phrases like "Yuletide")
Different Meanings:
While "Christmastide" specifically refers to the holiday season, the root words "Christmas" and "tide" can be used separately. "Christmas" refers to the holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, and "tide" can mean a period or season (like in "spring tide").
Synonyms:
- Christmas season - Holiday season - Yuletide (another term for the Christmas season)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly incorporate "Christmastide," but you might hear phrases like "get into the holiday spirit" or "celebrate the season," which convey similar meanings related to the festive period.