xmas

Everyday

(informal) Xmas is a short way to write Christmas, the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, when many families give presents. tree →

In the lessons

Seen on cards, signs, shop windows and in text messages: «Happy Xmas», «Xmas sale». The X comes from the Greek letter chi, the first letter of Christ in Greek; it is not a modern trick. In formal writing use «Christmas».

Examples

• Merry Xmas to all our customers! tree →
• The Xmas tree has coloured lights. tree →
• We wrote «Happy Xmas» on our cards. tree →
• The shop has an Xmas sale. tree →
• What do you want for Xmas? tree →
• Xmas holidays are the best part of winter. tree →

Note

Usually written with a capital X: Xmas. It is said «Christmas» (or sometimes «EX-mas»). Informal; in school writing use «Christmas». Myth: Xmas does not cross Christ out; the X is the Greek letter chi.