festive

Everyday

1. Festive means happy and cheerful, like a party or celebration. tree →
2. Connected with a holiday or festival, especially Christmas: «the festive season». tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday life and stories about holidays: «festive decorations», «festive mood», «festive food», «festive season» (UK, Ireland, Australia for Christmas time). It tells the reader the feeling is cheerful and celebrating.

Examples

• The hall looked festive with lights and balloons. tree →
• We sang songs in a festive mood. tree →
• The festive season is a busy time for shops. tree →
• Mum made a festive pudding. tree →
• Everyone wore festive jumpers to school. tree →
• The town square was full of festive stalls. tree →
• Many festive evenings were spent on board. tree →

Note

Noun: festival, festivity (festivities = celebrations). «Festive season» usually means Christmas and New Year. «Christmas jumper» (UK) = «ugly Christmas sweater» (US).