Christmas Vocabulary Words

decoration

items used to make a room or object look fancy

eggnog

a milky substance usually drank in the winter

fireplace

an open structure in the home used for heat and decoration via
burning logs

garland

strings of green plants that are strung in the house around

Christmas

mistletoe

a plant with small yellow flowers and white berries used as

Christmas decor

present

An object given voluntarily to show honour and adoration

reindeer

large male and female deer with antlers, found in arctic location

Santa Claus

A legendary holiday figure that is reported to give gifts to good

children

sleigh

An open structure on runners that glides over snow with the help of
horses or other animals

tinsel

strips of copper or bronze that are used to make a glittery or

sparkling effect

wreath

A circular combination of flowers and leafs used for ornamental

purposes

advent

the very start of the Christmas season

chimney

a vertical brick structure with a passage for smoke to escape the

home

Christmas which is celebrated on December 25th is an important Christian holiday. The

origin of the word "Christmas" comes from "Christ" and the "Holy Mass". It is believed that
the day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, although a lot of people doubt that the Day
corresponds to the actual date of his birth. In spite of its Christian origin, Christmas is also
celebrated by a lot of non Christian countries and the celebration includes a lot of non
religious customs. People exchange gifts and greeting cards. Homes are decorated with
Christmas trees, light and garlands. Dinners are planned with special food and all the families
gather to have a lot of fun.

A central imaginary figure in Christmas is Father Christmas, also called Santa Claus. He is
believed to fly on his sleigh bringing gifts for children.
Christmas is also an opportunity for economic growth. It has become an important period for
business activity. Shops make a lot of profit and a lot of countries realized this economic
impact.
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, or simply "Santa", is a figure
which was derived from the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, a historical, legendary and
mythological figure, who in many Western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the
good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, December 24 or
on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day). The legend is based on the tales
concerning the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas.
While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearing bishop's robes, today Santa Claus is
generally depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar
and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots (images of him rarely
have a beard with no moustache). This image became popular in the United States and Canada
in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist
Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television,
and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, he is often depicted in a manner identical to
the American Santa Claus, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.
Exercise 1:
Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the (Christian) English-speaking world. It
(1)____________________ (feasts/celebrates) the birth of Jesus Christ.
Giving presents is a very important Christmas (2)____________________ (landmark/tradition).
Gifts are traditionally exchanged on Christmas Day (December 25th).
The day before Christmas is called Christmas (3)____________________ (Eve/Evening).
The man who brings children (and adults) presents at Christmas is called Santa
(4)____________________ (Claus/Clause).
You can also say "Santa" for short, or refer to him as "(5)____________________ (jolly/jelly)
old St. Nick."
Songs that are sung during the
(6)____________________ (cares/carols).

Christmas

season

are

called

Christmas

The people who sing these songs are called (7)____________________ (carollers/care-givers).
Traditionally, these people went from house to house singing songs about the birth of Jesus, etc.

Many people feel that Christmas has become too (8)____________________

(commercial/comparative). They feel that too much (9)____________________
(emphasis/empathy) is put on buying gifts, causing people to forget what Christmas is all about.
A traditional Christmas drink called
(10)____________________ (with/by) eggs.

"eggnog"

is

sweet

beverage

made

Children are taught that Santa (11)____________________ (Claus/Clause) lives in the North
Pole, and has little helpers called (12)____________________ (elves/gnomes).