Christmas Vocabulary with Pictures - Learn 20 Essential Holiday Words

Evergreen tree decorated with lights and ornaments

"We decorated the Christmas tree with lights, ornaments, and a star on top."

🎄 Traditionally, trees are put up in early December and taken down after January 6th (Epiphany).

Something you give to someone special

"I bought a present for my sister and wrapped it in colorful paper."

🎄 Also called "gift" - both words are equally common.

Jolly man in red who delivers presents

"Children believe Santa Claus brings presents on Christmas Eve."

🎄 Called "Father Christmas" in British English. In other countries: "Papa Noel" (Spanish), "Weihnachtsmann" (German).

Large sock hung up for small gifts

"We hung our stocking by the fireplace, hoping to find treats inside in the morning."

🎄 Stockings are traditionally filled with small gifts, candy, and an orange at the bottom.

Figure made from balls of snow

"The children built a snowman in the garden using three big balls of snow."

🎄 Traditional snowmen have a carrot nose, coal eyes, and stick arms.

Animals with antlers that pull the sleigh

"According to the legend, reindeer pull Santa's sleigh through the sky."

🎄 Santa's reindeer are named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph!

Traditional Christmas song

"The choir sang a beautiful Christmas carol at the church service."

🎄 Famous carols include "Silent Night", "Jingle Bells", and "Deck the Halls".

Decorative ball or shape for the tree

"She carefully placed a glass ornament on the Christmas tree branch."

🎄 Called "bauble" in British English. Many families have special ornaments passed down through generations.

Circular decoration for the door

"There was a beautiful green wreath with a red bow hanging on the front door."

🎄 Wreaths symbolize eternity because of their circular shape with no beginning or end.

Hook-shaped striped sweet

"The children loved eating the red and white striped candy cane from their stockings."

🎄 The shape is said to represent a shepherd's staff or the letter "J" for Jesus.

Vehicle that slides over snow

"Santa travels around the world in his sleigh pulled by reindeer."

🎄 Called "sled" or "sledge" in some regions. Santa's sleigh is traditionally red.

Part of the house where smoke goes out

"Santa comes down the chimney to deliver presents on Christmas Eve."

🎄 Children leave milk and cookies near the fireplace for Santa's snack!

Small helper who makes toys

"Santa's little helpers are called elves. They make toys in his workshop."

🎄 Elves traditionally wear green and red outfits with pointy hats and shoes.

Plant with white berries for kissing under

"Tradition says you should kiss someone if you stand under the mistletoe."

🎄 This tradition dates back to ancient times. The plant grows on tree branches.

Spiced cookie used to make houses

"We made a gingerbread house decorated with icing and candies."

🎄 Gingerbread is flavored with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses.

Creamy Christmas drink

"My grandmother makes delicious eggnog - a creamy drink with nutmeg on top."

🎄 Made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Often served with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Shiny metallic strings for decoration

"The Christmas tree sparkled with silver tinsel draped over its branches."

🎄 Originally made from real silver! Now usually made from plastic or metallic paper.

Plant with spiky leaves and red berries

"The holly with its shiny red berries is a traditional Christmas decoration."

🎄 Holly stays green all winter, symbolizing everlasting life.

Where you hang stockings and stay warm

"We gathered around the fireplace to warm up and watch the flames."

🎄 Many families hang stockings on the fireplace mantel and leave cookies for Santa nearby.

Decorative wooden soldier figure

"The wooden nutcracker soldier decoration stood guard next to the Christmas tree."

🎄 Made famous by Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker". Originally used to crack nuts!