The festive season is almost upon us, and these Christmas idioms and phrases are sure to come in handy whether you’re writing Christmas greetings, giving gifts, or talking about your holiday plans.
With each of these idioms about Christmas we have included a definition and example sentence. This should help you with using them correctly and naturally – English idioms can be tricky to master, after all!
You’ll also pick up some other useful Christmas vocabulary and phrases associated with Christmas as you read through this list.
Christmas idioms and sayings
Festive / holiday spirit
Festive spirit or holiday spirit refers to the general excitement and enthusiasm felt by people as they prepare for and celebrate Christmas.
“I spent the weekend decorating our tree and getting in the festive spirit.”
You may also hear people referring to festive cheer.
White Christmas
If it snows on Christmas day, or there is still snow from a recent snowfall, it’s called a white Christmas. In some parts of the world this is a common occurrence, whereas in others it is quite a novelty.
“The children are hoping for a white Christmas, but the weather forecast predicts rain.”
Some winter and snow idioms will help you talk about this type of weather.
You may also recognize this Christmas idiom from a very well-known song, the most famous version of which was sung by Bing Crosby.
Christmas comes but once a year
The expression Christmas comes but once a year is said to justify enthusiasm or indulgence around this period.
“I shouldn’t really have a third helping of cake, but hey, Christmas comes but once a year!”
“I know Christmas comes but once a year, but do you really need to start wearing Christmas jumpers in November?”
A Christmas jumper, by the way, is a sweatshirt or pullover, often knitted, featuring a wintery or festive design. Christmas jumpers are traditionally brightly colored and are worn for fun rather than fashion!
Christmas came early
We might say that Christmas came early if someone experiences good fortune sometime ahead of the festive season.
“Did you hear that Lily won a car in the raffle? Seems like Christmas came early for her!”
All your Christmases have come at once
Similarly, we could say that all someone’s Christmases have come at once or together if they are experiencing good fortune – especially if it comes from multiple sources around the same time.
“So you’re saying you won the lottery and then got a promotion at work? All your Christmases have come at once!”
This suggests that they are experiencing all of the happiness and excitement of dozens of Christmases together.
Like turkeys voting for Christmas
Turkey is the meat traditionally eaten for Christmas dinner in many countries. It’s not a good time to be a turkey, so why would turkeys vote in support of Christmas?
With this logic in mind, the idiom like turkeys voting for Christmas makes more sense. It is said when people make a decision or accept a situation that is likely to harm them, or which is not in their best interests.
“The union will never accept a pay cut. It would be like turkeys voting for Christmas!”
In the US, you may also hear like turkeys voting for Thanksgiving. Check out more idioms involving animals here.
Season’s greetings
This is another way of wishing someone a Happy Christmas. Season’s greetings is a good expression to use when someone doesn’t actually celebrate Christmas, but you want to wish them well during the holidays anyway.
You and yours
You and yours means you and your family or other loved ones. You might receive a Christmas card saying “Merry Christmas to you and yours”.
Find more idioms about family here.
Deck the halls
This Christmas saying comes from a popular carol (a carol is a traditional Christmas song). The first line is “Deck the halls with boughs of holly”, so people may also use this longer expression.
In any case, to deck the halls is to decorate for Christmas, whether at home, work, or somewhere else.
“I can’t wait to deck the halls of the church tomorrow!”
‘Tis the season (to be jolly)
This Christmas idiom comes from the second line of the same carol. The full version is ‘Tis the season to be jolly but we often shorten it to ‘Tis the season.
People say this to encourage festive merriment or to justify their enthusiasm around this time of year.
“Come on Tom, come and help us decorate the tree. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!”
In case you’re wondering, ’tis is an old-fashioned contraction of it is. Learn more about when to use contractions in writing – even the less common ones like this – in our full guide.
Eat, drink, and be merry
These three things typify Christmas celebrations! When someone says eat, drink, and be merry, it’s a call for others to enjoy themselves – usually at a party or festive celebration.
“It’s been a tough year, but we made it. Now, let’s eat, drink, and be merry.”
This phrase is most often used at Christmas gatherings, but it can be used in other situations too. You can find some more idioms about happiness and enjoyment or check out more drinking idioms too.
The more the merrier
Again, this saying is not exclusive to Christmas but you might find it helpful when hosting a party or gathering. The more the merrier means that the more people join, the more enjoyable the occasion will be. It also implies that anyone may be invited.
“Of course you can bring your girlfriend to the party – the more the merrier!”
Idioms about Christmas gift-giving
The following Christmas idioms are all about giving and receiving gifts. This is an integral part of celebrating Christmas with family, friends, or colleagues.
Stocking filler / stuffer
One popular Christmas tradition is for Santa Claus to visit homes the night before Christmas and fill Children’s stockings with gifts. Although each family celebrates in their own way, stockings typically contain a selection of small, inexpensive gifts. This type of gift can be referred to as a stocking filler (UK) or stocking stuffer (US).
“I always end up doing last-minute shopping for stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve.”
Christmas Eve is 24th December, the day before Christmas Day.
Good things come in small parcels / packages
Again not exclusively a Christmas idiom, but the saying good things come in small packages just means that the big presents are not necessarily the best. Jewelry is one example of a present that is small but valuable.
“Don’t worry if you can’t see a large gift for you under the tree – good things come in small parcels!”
Secret Santa
A Secret Santa is a popular way for a group of people to exchange gifts between them. Each member of the group is randomly assigned the name of another member and they buy a gift for that person. The idea is that the identity of each gift-giver remains secret.
“Who is going to organize this year’s office Secret Santa? Should we put a maximum price on the gifts?”
This type of gift exchange is also known as a Kris Kringle, especially in American English.
Dirty Santa
A Dirty Santa gift exchange is similar to a Secret Santa, except that each person brings a gift which is then given to another member of the group at random. Often the aim is to make the gifts funny, impractical, or outrageous, thereby entertaining everyone as the gifts are opened. After all, it’s difficult to purchase a meaningful Christmas present when you don’t know who the recipient will be.
“I have found the best Dirty Santa gift for my reading club. Everyone is going to love it!”
This method of exchanging gifts is also called a White Elephant, especially if it’s organized at a different time of the year.
It’s the thought that counts
Sometimes you may receive a Christmas present that you don’t really like or which isn’t perfect, but you appreciate the fact that the person put a lot of thought into it. In this situation, you might say it’s the thought that counts. But, don’t say this directly to the gift-giver unless you want them to know that you’re disappointed.
“My husband bought me a new dress for Christmas. It’s not really my style, but it’s the thought that counts.”
“My granddaughter made me a Christmas card. She spelled “Christmas” wrong, but it’s the thought that counts.”
And that wraps up (pun intended) our list of Christmas idioms and sayings. Did you find the extra festive vocabulary useful? Perhaps there are some more seasonal phrases associated with Christmas you can think of? If so, leave a comment below to share them!
Next, you can prepare some conversation starters for those Christmas gatherings by checking out these ‘would you rather’ Christmas questions.
