Christmas
/ˈkrɪs.məs/noun
A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25.
Did you know?The word 'Christmas' literally means 'Christ's Mass', a reference to the ecclesiastical service held to honor the birth of Jesus, blending pagan winter solstice traditions with Christian beliefs.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
Cristes mæsse
“Mass of Christ, referring to the religious service commemorating the birth of Jesus.”
Late Old English
OE
Cristesmaesse
“The festival of the birth of Christ, celebrated in the midst of winter.”
Middle English
ME
Cristmasse
“A period of feasting and celebration marking the nativity.”
Modern English
English
Christmas
“The established term for the holiday, integrating various cultural traditions surrounding December 25.”