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List of Christmas Words

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Whether you’re integrating festive themes into lessons, creating holiday-themed activities, or simply spreading some classroom cheer, words can be a powerful tool to engage young learners. The vocabulary of Christmas offers an opportunity to explore new language, share traditions, and add a festive touch to classroom learning.

In this post, you’ll find an organized list of Christmas words, perfect for incorporating into literacy activities, word walls, creative writing exercises, or holiday-themed discussions. With categories ranging from short and simple words for early learners to unique and beautiful Christmas terms that spark imagination, this list is a resource designed to help you bring the magic of the season into your teaching.

Christmas ABC Word Wall Cards from Preschool Activities Nook

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Table of Contents

Christmas Nouns

  • Angel – A spiritual being often depicted as a messenger of God.
  • Bell – A hollow instrument that rings when struck, often used in Christmas songs.
  • Candle – A stick of wax with a wick, used for lighting.
  • Elf – A small, magical creature who helps Santa Claus.
  • Gift – Something given to someone else as a present.
  • Mistletoe – A plant with white berries, traditionally hung as a decoration during Christmas.
  • Reindeer – A type of deer known for pulling Santa’s sleigh.
  • Snowflake – A single piece of snow that forms a unique shape as it falls.
  • Stocking – A large sock traditionally hung for Santa to fill with gifts.
  • Tree – A decorated evergreen, central to Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Adjectives

  • Cheerful – Full of joy and happiness.
  • Frosty – Cold and covered with frost.
  • Jolly – Happy and full of good cheer.
  • Magical – Having a special or mysterious quality, often linked to fantasy.
  • Merry – Lighthearted and joyful.
  • Peaceful – Calm and without conflict.
  • Sparkling – Shining with flashes of light.
  • Warm – Full of friendliness and affection.
  • White – Pure in color, often associated with snow.
  • Wonderful – Inspiring delight or admiration.

Christmas Verbs

  • Celebrate – To mark a special occasion with activities.
  • Cheer – To shout for joy or encouragement.
  • Decorate – To add adornments or ornaments.
  • Give – To present something to someone.
  • Light – To make something bright or visible, often with candles or lights.
  • Rejoice – To feel or express great joy.
  • Sing – To use one’s voice to make musical sounds.
  • Sparkle – To shine with bright flashes of light.
  • Wrap – To cover a gift in paper.
  • Wish – To express a desire for something to happen.

Short Christmas Words

  • Elf – A magical helper of Santa Claus.
  • Joy – A feeling of great happiness.
  • Noel – Another word for Christmas, originating from French.
  • Red – A color often associated with Christmas decorations.
  • Snow – Frozen water vapor that falls in flakes.
  • Star – A celestial body often used as a Christmas symbol.
  • Toy – An object for children to play with, often given as a gift.
  • Yule – An old word for Christmas.
  • Tree – A decorated evergreen central to Christmas celebrations.
  • Wish – A hope or desire for something to happen.

CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) Christmas Words

  • Bag – Something used to carry presents or gifts.
  • Hat – A head covering, often worn by Santa.
  • Lap – Where Santa might have children sit for photos.
  • Log – A large piece of wood, often used in a Yule log tradition.
  • Pet – A beloved animal that may be included in holiday stories or gifts.
  • Red – A color often associated with Christmas.
  • Run – To move swiftly, as reindeer pulling a sleigh.
  • Tin – A metal container often used for holding Christmas cookies or candies.
  • Toy – A plaything, often given as a Christmas gift.
  • Van – A vehicle, often used to transport goods or gifts.

Christmas Rhyming Words

  • Bells / Smells – “I hear the bells; it’s Christmas time, I smell the pine and yummy smells.”
  • Bright / Light – “The tree is shining, oh so bright, with stars and strings of twinkling light.”
  • Cheer / Dear – “We share our joy and Christmas cheer, with all our friends, both far and dear.”
  • Cold / Bold – “The winter air is crisp and cold, the snow outside looks bright and bold.”
  • Fun / Run – “Christmas time is filled with fun, as children play and reindeer run.”
  • Glee / Tree – “The children’s laughter filled with glee, as they dance around the Christmas tree.”
  • Joy / Toy – “Christmas brings a sense of joy, as children play with every toy.”
  • Night / Sight – “On this peaceful Christmas night, the stars above twinkle with light.”
  • Snow / Glow – “The ground is covered soft with snow, and Christmas lights give off a glow.”
  • Star / Far – “A Christmas star shines from afar, guiding wise men like a northern star.”

Christmas Compound Words

  • Evergreen – A type of tree that stays green all year and is often used as a Christmas tree.
  • Fireplace – A place for an open fire in a room, often a focal point during the holidays.
  • Frostbite – Injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.
  • Gingerbread – A spiced cookie or cake often shaped like people or houses during Christmas.
  • Nutcracker – A tool used to crack nuts, often seen as a decorative item during Christmas.
  • Snowman – A figure made of snow, typically with a carrot for a nose and coal for eyes.
  • Snowflake – A single piece of snow with unique, delicate patterns.
  • Snowball – A ball of snow, often used in a playful fight.
  • Snowstorm – A heavy fall of snow, often accompanied by strong winds

Christmas Onomatopoeia

  • Jingle – The sound of bells, as in “jingle bells.”
  • Crackle – The sound made by a fire or Yule log burning.
  • Clatter – A loud rattling noise, like Santa’s sleigh landing on the roof.
  • Pop – The sound made by something like a Christmas cracker or popcorn garland.
  • Snap – The sharp sound made by breaking a candy cane or Christmas cracker.
  • Tinkling – The soft, high-pitched sound of tiny bells or Christmas ornaments clinking together.
  • Whoosh – The sound of wind or sleighs moving quickly through the snow.
  • Crunch – The sound of stepping on snow, creating a crisp, crushing sound.
  • Rustle – The sound of wrapping paper or leaves moving in the wind.
  • Plop – The sound of snow falling heavily onto the ground.

Unique Christmas Words

  • Bûche de Noël – A French Christmas dessert resembling a log.
  • Crèche – A model or scene depicting the Nativity.
  • Eggnog – A traditional holiday drink made with milk, eggs, and spirits.
  • Feliz Navidad – A Spanish phrase meaning “Merry Christmas.”
  • Krampus – A creature from European folklore who punishes misbehaving children.
  • Lutefisk – A traditional Scandinavian Christmas dish made of dried fish.
  • Pfeffernüsse – A spiced cookie popular in Germany and Scandinavia during Christmas.
  • Poinsettia – A red and green plant associated with Christmas.
  • Tannenbaum – A German word for Christmas tree.
  • Wassail – A hot, spiced drink associated with Christmas.

Beautiful Christmas Words

  • Candles – Small, wax lights used to bring warmth and glow to holiday settings.
  • Cherish – To hold something dear or special, especially during the holiday season.
  • Comfort – A sense of ease or relief, often found in holiday traditions.
  • Glowing – Soft light, often referring to Christmas lights or candles.
  • Grace – A simple, elegant quality, often evoked during Christmas time.
  • Harmony – A sense of peace and unity.
  • Luminous – Giving off light, used to describe Christmas decorations.
  • Radiant – Bright and shining with joy.
  • Serenity – A calm and peaceful state, often linked to the holiday atmosphere.
  • Tranquil – Calm and quiet, often describing a peaceful holiday evening.

Religious Christmas Words

  • Advent – The period leading up to Christmas in Christian tradition.
  • Bethlehem – The town where Jesus was born.
  • Christ – The central figure of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
  • Emmanuel – A name for Jesus meaning “God with us.”
  • Gabriel – The angel who announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
  • Messiah – A title for Jesus, meaning the anointed one.
  • Nativity – The birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Shepherd – A person who tends sheep, often featured in the Nativity story.
  • Savior – A title for Jesus, referring to his role in Christianity.
  • Star – The celestial body that guided the wise men to Jesus.

Christmas Words in Other Languages

  • Feliz Navidad – “Merry Christmas” in Spanish.
  • Joyeux Noël – “Merry Christmas” in French.
  • Buon Natale – “Merry Christmas” in Italian.
  • Frohe Weihnachten – “Merry Christmas” in German.
  • Feliz Natal – “Merry Christmas” in Portuguese.
  • God Jul – “Merry Christmas” in Swedish.
  • Nadolig Llawen – “Merry Christmas” in Welsh.
  • Mele Kalikimaka – “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian.
  • Kala Christougenna – “Merry Christmas” in Greek.
  • Glædelig Jul – “Merry Christmas” in Danish.

Christmas Phrases for Cards

  • “Wishing you a season of joy and love.”
  • “May your days be merry and bright.”
  • “Warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas.”
  • “May peace and happiness fill your home this holiday season.”
  • “Wishing you love, light, and laughter this Christmas.”
  • “May the magic of Christmas fill your heart.”
  • “Sending you love and best wishes for a joyous Christmas.”
  • “Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and happiness.”
  • “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
  • “May the spirit of Christmas bring you joy and love.”

Christmas Idioms

  • “Deck the halls” – To decorate a space for Christmas.
  • “Good things come in small packages” – A reminder that even small gifts or things can be valuable.
  • “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” – Be grateful for the gifts you receive without criticizing them.
  • “The more, the merrier” – The idea that having more people involved or participating brings more joy.
  • “Cold hands, warm heart” – A phrase often said to describe someone who may not show warmth on the outside but is kind and caring inside.
  • “‘Tis the season” – A shortened form of “’Tis the season to be jolly,” used to express the holiday spirit.
  • “Lit up like a Christmas tree” – Someone or something that is very brightly decorated or full of energy.
  • “Christmas comes but once a year” – A phrase to encourage generosity and kindness during the holiday season, as it’s a special, rare time.
  • “All my Christmases have come at once” – Used when something very fortunate happens, like multiple good things happening at the same time.
  • “Christmas came early” – Refers to an unexpected surprise or good fortune occurring before the expected time.
  • “Dressed up like a Christmas turkey” – Refers to someone who is overdressed or excessively dressed up for an occasion.
  • “Bah, humbug” – An expression used by someone who dislikes or disapproves of Christmas, made famous by Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
  • “To be on the naughty list” – A phrase meaning someone has behaved badly, referring to Santa’s list of naughty children who don’t receive gifts.
  • “Like a kid on Christmas morning” – Used to describe someone who is very excited or eagerly anticipating something.
  • “The proof is in the pudding” – Refers to the idea that something can only be judged by its results or outcomes, often heard around Christmas when traditional holiday puddings are served.

Christmas Writing Prompts

  1. “Write about your favorite winter tradition or celebration, and why it’s special to you and your family.”
  2. “If you could create your own winter holiday, what would it be called? What would you celebrate, and how would people participate?”
  3. “Write about the best gift you’ve ever given to someone, and how it made you feel to share it.”
  4. “Imagine Santa’s reindeer are too tired to fly on Christmas Eve. What happens next?”
  5. “Describe a winter day from the perspective of a snowflake as it falls to the ground.”
  6. “If you could give one special gift to anyone in the world, what would it be and why?”
  7. “What would happen if you woke up on Christmas morning and found that your presents were missing?”
  8. “Write a story about a Christmas where everyone can only give homemade gifts.”
  9. “Santa accidentally leaves a magical item at your house. What is it, and what does it do?”
  10. “You find a hidden door in your home that leads to the North Pole. What do you discover?”

Christmas Learning Resources

December Activities for Preschool

Lots of December and Christmas themed printables and activities for preschoolers
Here are a few more December activities to round off the month! Sensorial Smelling and matching Christmas scented candles.  Use a blindfold for a fun challenge! Language We LOVE this “I Have Who Has” vocabulary development game from Kindergarten Squared Matching Christmas erasers with their outlines.  I don’t remember where I got these but they……

Holiday Gifts Your Child Can Sew

Sewing projects for preschool. great for making holiday gifts!
Please welcome Aimee Fagan!  Aimee’s work on the Montessori Works Blog has been an inspiration to me for a long time.  Aimee is a trained Montessori teacher and she has some wonderful resources for the practical life area of the classroom.  She also writes about her experiences raising her children in a Montessori home.  Today she……

Christmas Around the World

A Montessori inspired Christmas Around the World unit
This month in our class we have been celebrating holidays around the world. We began in America with Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, comparing the similarities and differences between the two.   We then departed for a ‘holiday globe trot’, some of which was inspired by A Year of Many Firsts, while also weaving in the heritage of our own……

On the Art Shelves in December

Simple art skills for December with a Christmas theme. great for preschool and kindergarten.
Here are some of the simple activities we have on our art shelves this month. Making little candy canes with left over pipe cleaner bits Lots of pinpunching variations out this month!  Perfect for making Holiday cards.  I love how sweet the santa hat and stocking look with the cotton glued on. This is a……

December Fine Motor Shelf

December and Christmas Fine Motor Activities
Here are some pictures of our fine motor shelves all decked out in red and green to celebrate the season 🙂 December Fine Motor Fun! Pouring from a festive votive candle holder Tonging little ornaments into a candle holder we found at a thrift store. This little peg board is from the dollar store.  I……

December Printables

December and Christmas themed printables for preschool and kindergarten
Here are some of the materials on our shelves in December    Play Dough Mats Add these to your play dough work and see what the children do with them.  I’ve really developed a liking for play dough mats over the last few years!  From the December Preschool Pack Cutting Cutting strips.  Children can practice……

December Phonological Awareness

December Christmas themed Phonological Awareness
I find that most Montessori Language Albums (manuals) don’t provide enough information about the pre-literacy skills children need to develop before being introduced to the Sandpaper Letters.  In my opinion, a lot of time should to be spent on oral language development and ear training before symbols are introduced. Phonological awareness is an umbrella term……
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Seemi holds a Master's degree in education, and an AMS Early Childhood credential. She has twenty years of experience in Montessori as a teacher, school administrator, and school owner. Seemi is the founder of TrilliumMontessori.org.