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Christmas Expressions & Idioms | Phrases for the Holidays

If you want to learn some of the most popular Christmas expressions, sayings, idioms, and phrases, you’re in the right place! Keep on reading for all of the famous Christmas sayings that you need to know.

Popular Christmas Expressions

Check out this list of the most common Christmas sayings and phrases.

Deck the Halls

To decorate a place in a festive manner.

Trim the Tree

To decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments and lights.

Skating on Thin Ice

This means placing yourself in a precarious situation that may have bad consequences.

Yuletide Cheer

A feeling of happiness and celebration during the Christmas season.

In the Nick of Time

Just in time or at the last moment.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Don’t judge the value or worth of a present based on the size of it.

christmas expressions and idioms

Christmas expressions and idioms

Merry and Bright

Full of joy and happiness.

Tis the Season

It’s the time of year when something is in abundance or popular, often referring to Christmas.

Jingle All the Way

To move or travel with a cheerful and lively attitude.

Good Tidings We Bring

Part of the lyrics from the Christmas carol, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

A message of happiness and consolation during the holiday season.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

A reminder that the arrival of Santa is near, bringing gifts and joy to children.

You may also want to check this out: New Year’s Eve Expressions.

Sleigh Bells Ringing

A reference to the sound of sleigh bells, symbolizing the arrival of Christmas.

White Christmas

Refers to the wish for snow on Christmas day.

Stocking Stuffers

Small presents that you put into someone’s Christmas stocking.

Sugar and Spice

A phrase that means something is sweet and nice, often used in reference to holiday treats.

Stocking Stuffer

Small gifts or treats placed in Christmas stockings.

Under the Mistletoe

A tradition where people kiss underneath the mistletoe plant during the holiday season.

Christmas Came Early

This means when something good, but unexpected happens.

Bah, Humbug!

An expression of contempt or disapproval for the Christmas spirit, popularized by Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”

Old Saint Nick

A nickname for Santa Claus.

Frosty the Snowman

A reference to a popular Christmas character made of snow.

Sleigh Ride

A fun and festive activity of riding in a horse-drawn sleigh during the winter.

Christmas Only Comes Once a Year

This is used as an excuse to overindulge on eating and drinking during the holiday season.

Silver Bells

Refers to the sound of bells ringing during the holiday season.

Sugar Plum Fairy

A character from “The Nutcracker” ballet, symbolizing the magic and wonder of Christmas.

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

A cozy and nostalgic image of a warm and pleasant holiday scene.

Ho Ho Ho

The signature laughter of Santa Claus, representing joy and merriment.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men

A traditional Christmas message of hope for peace and harmony in the world.

Holiday Spirit

Describes the happy feeling that people feel as Christmas is approaching.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Referring to the joy and excitement of the holiday season.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

A wish for snowfall during Christmas, creating a winter wonderland.

The Magic of Christmas

Signifying the enchanting and special feeling associated with the holiday.

All I Want for Christmas is You

An expression of love and desire during the holiday season.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Hoping for snow to make Christmas more picturesque.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

A wish for a joyful and memorable holiday.

Christmas Expressions and Sayings FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about Christmas sayings and phrases. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What does “Deck the Halls” mean?

It means to decorate a place in a festive manner.

What’s the significance of “Bah, Humbug!”?

It’s an expression of contempt or disapproval for the Christmas spirit, popularized by Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”

What does “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” express?

It’s a wish for snowfall during Christmas, creating a winter wonderland.

What’s the message of “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men”?

It’s a traditional Christmas message, expressing hope for peace and harmony in the world.

What does “All I Want for Christmas is You” convey?

It’s an expression of love and desire during the holiday season.

What is “White Christmas” a wish for?

It’s a wish for snow on Christmas day.

What’s the meaning of “Tidings of Comfort and Joy”?

It’s a message of happiness and consolation during the holiday season.

What character is associated with “Ho Ho Ho”?

Santa Claus, as it’s his signature laughter.

What’s the significance of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”?

It refers to the joy and excitement of the holiday season.

What’s the message of “Dreaming of a White Christmas”?

It’s the hope for snow to make Christmas more picturesque.

More Holiday Fun

  • ESL Christmas activities (for teachers)
  • Christmas riddles for kids
  • Funny Christmas jokes
  • Valentine’s Day Phrases and Idioms
  • Thanksgiving Related Words, Phrases, Idioms & Expressions

Christmas Expressions and Sayings: Join the Conversation

Do you have any Christmas expressions or idioms that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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