Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated by many people worldwide. It is a time of joy, family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive decorations. English has a lot of expressions and idioms that are derived from Christmas traditions. These phrases are commonly used not just during holiday celebrations but also in everyday conversations. Learning English idioms about Christmas can enhance your ability to comprehend native speakers and make your English sound more natural. Our goal for this blog post is to share some common Christmas idioms, explain their meanings, and demonstrate how they are used in everyday life with examples.
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English Idioms About Christmas
Let’s take a look at some fun and beneficial English idioms that pertain to this festive season.
A Christmas Miracle
Meaning: A rare, unexpected, or extraordinary event that seems almost magical, often happening at Christmas time.
Example: After months of searching, we finally found our missing cat. It really felt like a Christmas miracle!
A gift that keeps on giving
Meaning: Something that continues to provide benefits long after it’s first given or received.
Example: The new book I got for my birthday is a gift that keeps on giving. I’m learning new things every day!
A token of appreciation
Meaning: A small gift or gesture meant to show gratitude.
Example: I brought a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation for all their hard work on the project.
All my Christmases have come together
Meaning: Everything has worked out perfectly, often in a way that exceeds expectations.
Example: With the new job, the house, and the baby on the way, I feel like all my Christmases have come together.
Be there with bells on
Meaning: To show up enthusiastically and ready to participate.
Example: I’ll be at the party with bells on! I can’t wait to see everyone.
Deck the halls
Meaning: To decorate, especially for the Christmas season.
Example: It’s time to deck the halls with garlands and lights!
Don’t be left out in the cold
Meaning: Don’t be excluded or left out of something.
Example: You should come to the party, don’t be left out in the cold!
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning: Don’t criticize or question the value of a gift.
Example: You got a free meal from your friend? Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, just enjoy it!
Eat, drink and be merry
Meaning: To enjoy life and indulge, especially in festive or happy times.
Example: At the family reunion, we ate, drank, and were merry all night long.
Giving someone the cold shoulder
Meaning: To ignore or deliberately show disinterest or unfriendliness.
Example: Ever since the argument, Sarah has been giving me the cold shoulder.
Good things come in small packages
Meaning: Sometimes, the best things are not the largest or most extravagant.
Example: I know it’s a small gift, but remember, good things come in small packages!
Hang the stockings
Meaning: To prepare for Christmas, typically referring to hanging up stockings for Santa.
Example: We’re going to hang the stockings tonight, and I can’t wait to see what’s inside!
Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: To be very excited or overwhelmed by choice.
Example: When I walked into the new bookstore, I was like a kid in a candy store, so many books to choose from!
Like turkeys voting for Christmas
Meaning: A situation where someone is acting against their own best interest or likely to lead to their downfall.
Example: When they proposed cutting healthcare benefits, it was like turkeys voting for Christmas.
Put up the lights
Meaning: To decorate with lights, often for Christmas.
Example: We’re going to put up the lights this weekend, it’s our favorite Christmas tradition.
Santa’s little helper
Meaning: Someone who is assisting in a cheerful or supportive way, often at Christmas.
Example: My nephew has become Santa’s little helper, passing out gifts at the family party.
Snowball effect
Meaning: A situation where something starts small but becomes much bigger or more serious as it progresses.
Example: The small mistake in the report had a snowball effect, and soon we had to fix the entire project.
Snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.
Example: I can’t meet you for lunch today. I’m snowed under with work.
Skating on thin ice
Meaning: Taking a risky or dangerous course of action.
Example: You’re skating on thin ice by ignoring the manager’s instructions; be careful.
The more the merrier
Meaning: The more people there are, the better the situation will be.
Example: We’re already having a huge party, but you’re welcome to come. The more the merrier!
The proof is in the pudding
Meaning: The true value or quality of something can only be judged by experiencing it.
Example: The new software looks good, but the proof is in the pudding. We’ll see how well it works when we use it.
Tis the season to be jolly
Meaning: It’s the time of year to be happy and festive, often referring to the Christmas season.
Example: Let’s play some Christmas music. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!
Trim the tree
Meaning: To decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, etc.
Example: We’ll trim the tree together this evening and hang our favorite ornaments.
Under the Mistletoe
Meaning: A tradition during Christmas where people kiss when they meet under a sprig of mistletoe.
Example: I saw them under the mistletoe, and they shared a sweet kiss.
White Christmas
Meaning: A Christmas where there is snow, often associated with idealized or nostalgic feelings of the holiday.
Example: I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, with snow falling softly outside.
Christmas came early this year
Meaning: A great surprise or gift that happens unexpectedly.
Example: When I got that promotion, it felt like Christmas came early this year!
Christmas comes but once a year
Meaning: Christmas is a special occasion that happens only once a year, often used to excuse indulgence or special behavior.
Example: I know I’ve been eating a lot of sweets, but Christmas comes but once a year!
Cold turkey
Meaning: To quit something suddenly and completely, often referring to stopping an addictive behavior.
Example: He decided to quit smoking cold turkey after years of trying to cut back.
Get into the festive mood
Meaning: To start feeling or acting cheerful and in the spirit of the holiday season.
Example: It’s hard to get into the festive mood when the weather is so warm, but I’ll try.
It’s the thought that count
Meaning: What matters most is the intention behind a gift or gesture, not the material value.
Example: I know the sweater is a bit too big, but it’s the thought that counts.
Lit up like a Christmas tree
Meaning: To become very bright and cheerful.
Example: She was lit up like a Christmas tree after receiving all those gifts!
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Christmas
Are Christmas idioms only used during the holidays?
Not always. While some idioms can be used year-round, they are derived from Christmas imagery. The majority of them are used around December and have a more seasonal nature.
Are these idioms used in formal writing?
In most cases, no. Christmas idioms are more commonly used in informal conversation, holiday-themed content, advertising, and creative writing. It’s recommended not to use them in formal or academic writing unless discussing cultural language or idiomatic usage.
How can I use Christmas idioms naturally in conversation?
Use them in festive situations, such as holiday parties, writing cards, or talking about Christmas plans. Don’t forget to consider your audience’s familiarity with the expressions. It’s common for native speakers to use them in a playful or nostalgic way.
Do other cultures have similar idioms for their holidays?
Yes! Holiday-related idioms, sayings, or proverbs are commonly associated with all cultures. In some languages, the expressions of generosity, celebration, or endings and beginnings can be found in New Year or harvest festivals.
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