Christmas Words That Start With X [LIST]

The Christmas season is filled with joy, celebration, and a rich vocabulary that helps convey the spirit of the holidays. While many Christmas-related words are easy to come by, those beginning with the letter ‘X’ are often harder to find. This unique challenge makes the search for Christmas words starting with ‘X’ a fun and creative endeavor. Whether you are looking for holiday-related terms to spice up your greeting cards, or you simply enjoy exploring the language of the season, discovering words starting with ‘X’ can add a new dimension to your festive vocabulary.

In this article, we will explore a curated list of Christmas words that start with the letter “X”. Though ‘X’ is a rare starting letter for many languages, some intriguing terms, from religious references to holiday-themed words, make their way into Christmas traditions. Whether it’s an abbreviation, a symbol, or a term derived from another language, you’ll find that ‘X’ holds a special place in Christmas lexicon, bringing a touch of mystery and festive charm to your holiday expressions.

Christmas Words That Start With X

1. Xmas

Xmas is a common abbreviation for Christmas. The ‘X’ comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of Χριστός, meaning Christ.

Examples

• Many people abbreviate Christmas as ‘Xmas’ to save time and space.
• We exchanged gifts on Xmas eve.
• Xmas trees are a symbol of holiday cheer in many homes.

2. Xmas tree

An Xmas tree is the decorated tree, typically an evergreen, used as a symbol of Christmas. It is often adorned with lights, ornaments, and a star on top.

Examples

• The Xmas tree in our living room is adorned with bright lights and ornaments.
• We gather around the Xmas tree to sing carols every Christmas Eve.
• Putting up the Xmas tree is a family tradition that brings us together every year.

3. Xmas cards

Xmas cards are greeting cards sent to people during the Christmas season, often featuring festive images and messages of goodwill.

Examples

• We send out Xmas cards to our friends and family with heartfelt messages.
• Xmas cards are a great way to share the holiday spirit with loved ones.
• She received a beautiful Xmas card with a picture of a snowy scene.

4. Xmas wreath

An Xmas wreath is a circular decoration often made from evergreen branches, pinecones, holly, or ribbons, symbolizing the eternal nature of life and the spirit of Christmas.

Examples

• The front door is decorated with a beautiful Xmas wreath.
• An Xmas wreath made of holly and pinecones adds a rustic touch to the holiday decor.
• Our neighbor hangs a handmade Xmas wreath every year.

5. Xylophone

A xylophone is a percussion instrument made of wooden bars that produce different pitches when struck. It is sometimes used in holiday music performances.

Examples

• Children love to play carols on the xylophone during Christmas concerts.
• The sound of a xylophone added a festive touch to our Christmas music.
• The Christmas play featured a xylophone performance by the young musicians.

6. Xmas dinner

Xmas dinner refers to the festive meal enjoyed by many families on Christmas Day, often featuring traditional dishes like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and pies.

Examples

• The family gathers for a big Xmas dinner every year.
• Xmas dinner typically includes turkey, ham, and a variety of side dishes.
• We look forward to the traditional Xmas dinner and all the delicious food that comes with it.

7. Xenial spirit

The xenial spirit refers to the concept of hospitality and kindness to guests, which is a key value during the Christmas season, often demonstrated through acts of generosity.

Examples

• The xenial spirit of Christmas is about hospitality and kindness to strangers.
• She embodied the xenial spirit by inviting neighbors to celebrate Christmas with her family.
• Christmas is a time to foster a xenial spirit, welcoming all with warmth and generosity.

8. Xmas eve

Xmas Eve is the evening before Christmas Day, traditionally a time for family gatherings, meals, and sometimes attending church services.

Examples

• We always open one gift on Xmas Eve to start the celebration.
• The family gathered for a cozy meal on Xmas Eve before heading to church.
• Xmas Eve is a magical time, filled with anticipation for the next day’s celebrations.

9. Xmas stockings

Xmas stockings are large socks or bags hung by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. They are traditionally filled with small gifts, treats, and surprises, often by Santa Claus.

Examples

• The children hung their Xmas stockings by the fireplace in hopes of receiving gifts.
• On Xmas morning, the stockings were filled with small treats and toys.
• We always enjoy filling the Xmas stockings with surprises for our family members.

10. Xmas lights

Xmas lights are decorative lights used to celebrate the Christmas season. They are often strung on trees, houses, and in public displays, creating a festive ambiance.

Examples

• The house was decorated with sparkling Xmas lights that could be seen from the street.
• Xmas lights twinkled on the tree, creating a festive atmosphere.
• We love driving around the neighborhood to admire the elaborate Xmas lights.

11. Xmas spirit

The Xmas spirit refers to the goodwill, kindness, and generosity that characterize the Christmas season, often inspiring people to give to charity and celebrate with loved ones.

Examples

• The Xmas spirit is all about giving, kindness, and spreading joy to others.
• He truly embodies the Xmas spirit by helping those less fortunate every year.
• When people gather to sing carols, you can feel the Xmas spirit in the air.

12. Xmas cheer

Xmas cheer refers to the joyful and festive attitude that people have during the Christmas season. It is often seen in the form of laughter, singing, and acts of kindness.

Examples

• Everyone was in high spirits, sharing Xmas cheer with one another.
• The room was filled with laughter and Xmas cheer as the family played games.
• Xmas cheer is what makes the holiday season feel so special and bright.

13. Xmas carols

Xmas carols are festive songs sung during the Christmas season. They often carry themes of joy, peace, and goodwill, and are performed by choirs or groups of people in communities.

Examples

• We sing Xmas carols as we walk through the neighborhood, spreading holiday cheer.
• The church choir performed a beautiful selection of Xmas carols during the midnight mass.
• Xmas carols are an essential part of Christmas celebrations, bringing people together through song.

14. Xmas gift

Xmas gifts are presents exchanged among friends and family members during Christmas. The tradition of gift-giving is based on the story of the wise men bringing gifts to the newborn Jesus.

Examples

• She received a thoughtful Xmas gift from her friend.
• The joy of giving an Xmas gift is what makes the season so special.
• We exchange Xmas gifts on Christmas morning as part of our family tradition.

15. Xenial relationship

A xenial relationship refers to a friendly or hospitable relationship between a host and their guests. This is often exemplified during the Christmas season through acts of kindness and sharing.

Examples

• During Christmas, people often build a xenial relationship by helping others in need.
• The xenial relationship in our community is strengthened through acts of charity and goodwill.
• We are trying to foster a more xenial relationship by volunteering at the local shelter this Christmas.

16. Xmas party

An Xmas party is a festive gathering held during the Christmas season, often involving food, music, games, and sometimes a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Examples

• We had a wonderful Xmas party with lots of food, music, and dancing.
• Everyone at the office was looking forward to the annual Xmas party.
• The Xmas party was the highlight of the season, filled with laughter and joy.

17. Xmas countdown

The Xmas countdown refers to the days leading up to Christmas Day, marked by various traditions such as advent calendars, countdown apps, or special family activities.

Examples

• The advent calendar marks the beginning of the Xmas countdown.
• The kids are excited for the Xmas countdown to Christmas day.
• We have a special Xmas countdown app that helps us track the days until the holiday.

18. Xmas spirit of giving

The Xmas spirit of giving is a key part of the Christmas season, where people are encouraged to share with others, especially those less fortunate.

Examples

• The Xmas spirit of giving encourages people to donate to charity and help those in need.
• This year, we decided to embrace the Xmas spirit of giving by volunteering at a food bank.
• The Xmas spirit of giving is one of the most cherished aspects of the season.

19. Xmas miracle

The Xmas miracle refers to the belief in miraculous events that can occur during the Christmas season, often tied to personal or family stories of hope, faith, and redemption.

Examples

• Many believe that Christmas is a time for miracles, and the Xmas miracle is about hope and renewal.
• The Xmas miracle brought peace to their family after years of hardship.
• People often tell stories of the Xmas miracle, when things seem impossible but turn out to be blessed.

20. Xmas spirit of joy

The Xmas spirit of joy is the happiness and excitement that fills the air during Christmas, marked by festive activities, family gatherings, and expressions of goodwill.

Examples

• The Xmas spirit of joy fills the streets as people exchange warm wishes.
• You can feel the Xmas spirit of joy in the air, with children laughing and playing.
• The Xmas spirit of joy reminds us to appreciate the simple blessings of life.

21. Xmas tradition

An Xmas tradition is a customary practice or event that takes place during the Christmas season, passed down through generations, often involving family activities like decorating, cooking, and gift exchanges.

Examples

• Every family has their own Xmas tradition, whether it’s baking cookies or decorating the tree.
• We followed the Xmas tradition of having a big breakfast before opening gifts.
• One of my favorite Xmas traditions is watching holiday movies with my family.

22. Xmas nostalgia

Xmas nostalgia refers to the sentimental longing or affection for Christmases past, often evoked by familiar sights, sounds, and smells associated with the holiday.

Examples

• As we decorated the tree, we felt a wave of Xmas nostalgia from past holiday seasons.
• The songs of the season always bring out a sense of Xmas nostalgia.
• Xmas nostalgia often fills us with fond memories of childhood Christmases.

23. Xmas magic

Xmas magic refers to the enchanting and joyful atmosphere that fills the air during the Christmas season, believed to make the holiday extra special and full of wonder.

Examples

• The Xmas magic was in the air, as families came together to celebrate.
• Children eagerly await the Xmas magic that brings them gifts on Christmas morning.
• The Xmas magic lies in the small moments that make the holiday so special.

24. Xmas surprise

An Xmas surprise is an unexpected gift or event that adds excitement and joy to the holiday season, often enhancing the spirit of surprise and delight associated with Christmas.

Examples

• She received a big Xmas surprise when her family showed up to celebrate.
• The best part of Christmas is the Xmas surprise waiting under the tree.
• He gave her a surprise Xmas gift that made her smile.

25. Xmas hospitality

Xmas hospitality refers to the tradition of welcoming and offering food, warmth, and cheer to friends, family, and even strangers during the Christmas season.

Examples

• The Xmas hospitality of the host made everyone feel welcomed and loved.
• They showed great Xmas hospitality by inviting strangers to share in their festive meal.
• Xmas hospitality is all about making others feel at home during the holidays.

Historical Context

The letter "X" has a unique position in the realm of language, especially when it comes to words associated with Christmas. While the majority of Christmas-related words in the English language begin with more common letters, the few that start with "X" have rich and sometimes surprising historical contexts. One of the most prominent is the letter “X” as a shorthand for "Christ"—a symbol that has transcended its purely linguistic use to become intertwined with both religious and secular Christmas traditions.

Historically, "X" has been used as an abbreviation for "Christ" in Christian symbolism, particularly in the word Xmas. This usage dates back to the early days of Christianity. The letter "X" comes from the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of Χριστός (Christos), meaning “the anointed one.” The use of "X" in this context was common in religious writings and iconography as early as the 4th century, particularly in Christian manuscripts, where it was sometimes used as a monogram for Christ. Over time, the abbreviation filtered into broader cultural use, eventually appearing in the form of Xmas as an informal shorthand for Christmas.

The use of "Xmas" was not initially intended to be disrespectful or irreverent. Rather, it was a practical linguistic adaptation, particularly useful in times when space or time was limited. It was also part of a long tradition in Christianity of using symbols and abbreviations for sacred names. The use of "X" in this sense carried a deep religious significance, signifying Christ’s presence and importance in the celebration of Christmas. Despite occasional controversy, Xmas has remained a widely accepted shorthand in English-speaking countries, especially in the context of holiday greetings.

Word Origins And Etymology

The etymology of Christmas-related words that begin with "X" is closely tied to the intersection of language, culture, and religion. As previously mentioned, Xmas has its roots in the Greek alphabet, where the letter "Chi" (Χ) was used to represent Christ. The full term Christmas comes from Old English Cristes Maesse, meaning "Christ’s Mass," a reference to the Christian feast celebrating the birth of Jesus. The abbreviation Xmas emerged in English as early as the 15th century, and its use became more common by the 18th and 19th centuries.

The term Xmas itself is a fascinating example of how the process of linguistic evolution can reshape the way we view religious symbols. What began as a simple abbreviation has, over centuries, become widely accepted, despite occasional pushback from those who prefer to retain the full term "Christmas." The controversy over the term often arises from the mistaken belief that "Xmas" is an attempt to secularize or commercialize the holiday. However, understanding the origins of "X" as a Christian symbol dispels this misconception, reminding us that the abbreviation is as old as the holiday itself.

Aside from Xmas, there are few other Christmas-related words that start with the letter "X." One example is Xylography, a term that refers to the art of woodcut printing. While not directly related to the holiday, the term has historical significance because woodcuts were a popular medium for producing religious and Christmas-themed images in the early days of printmaking. These prints often depicted nativity scenes, Christmas carolers, and other holiday motifs. The link between xylography and Christmas is not direct, but it highlights how artistic and religious traditions have shaped the way we celebrate the season.

Common Misconceptions

Despite its historical and etymological roots, there are several misconceptions surrounding Christmas words that start with "X," most notably Xmas. One of the most pervasive misunderstandings is that Xmas is an abbreviation for "ex-mass" or an attempt to remove Christ from Christmas. This misconception often leads to a backlash against the use of Xmas in modern culture. However, as previously discussed, the "X" in Xmas comes from the Greek letter Chi, which stands for Christ, making the term a legitimate and historically accurate abbreviation for "Christmas."

Another common misconception is that Xmas is a product of modern, secular forces seeking to downplay the religious significance of Christmas. In fact, the use of "X" as a representation of Christ predates many of the commercialized aspects of the holiday by centuries. The evolution of Xmas as a shorthand can be traced back to the early Christian church, when monks and scribes often used abbreviations for sacred names as a way to save time and space. Far from diminishing the holiday’s religious meaning, the "X" was intended to symbolize the presence of Christ in the celebration of His birth.

Moreover, the idea that using Xmas in place of "Christmas" is somehow disrespectful or inappropriate overlooks the long-standing Christian tradition of using symbols and shorthand to represent holy concepts. The "X" in Xmas was never meant to be a secular stand-in for the true meaning of Christmas, but rather a respectful, centuries-old abbreviation for Christ. While modern debates may continue over its usage, understanding the historical context and etymology of the term can help clear up many of these misconceptions.

Conclusion

The letter "X" may seem an unlikely candidate for representing the festive spirit of Christmas, but its historical, linguistic, and cultural significance reveals a deeper layer to this holiday tradition. From its origins as an abbreviation for "Christ" in Greek, to its enduring presence in the word Xmas, the "X" carries a rich history rooted in religious symbolism. The misconceptions surrounding Xmas—particularly the idea that it secularizes the holiday—stem from a lack of understanding of its origins. In truth, Xmas is a respectful and meaningful shorthand for Christmas, born from centuries of Christian tradition.

As we continue to celebrate Christmas in both religious and secular contexts, it is important to recognize the role that language plays in shaping our understanding of the holiday. Words like Xmas are more than just modern conveniences or cultural trends—they are living reminders of the ways in which language evolves to reflect both the sacred and the everyday. Whether we use the full word "Christmas" or the abbreviation Xmas, the spirit of the holiday remains the same, centered around love, generosity, and the celebration of Christ’s birth.